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Comment by rascul | Hacker News Reader

I've laced cables in the past. It takes a little longer but can look nicer if the cables are exposed. Also there's the advantage that it's easier to cut the lacing without damaging the cable insulation than it is a zip tie.

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My life has changed since I learned that reusable zip ties are a thing. They have a little lever you can press to release the cam.

They cost more of course, but I’m never going back.

It's not worth the effort but you can reuse regular zip ties if you have a small flat-end screwdriver. :)

I much prefer velcro. If you do use zip ties don't cut the ends. If you do, make sure it's flush, had many many scratches over the years from non-flush cuts on plastic zipties.

Or melt the sharp ends with a lighter to dull them.

Or buy the right tool for the job.

Panduit zip tie guns are expensive, but once you experience the joy of having zip ties correctly tensioned and trimmed flush with no effort you'll never look back.

zip ties have often a sharp finish over the length of the zip tie and can cut trough insulation if there are vibrations

Setting off the halon

With a zip tie, use a pair of pliers. (I use a multitool.) Place them right behind the head, then pinch it on the sides and twist. It's important to grab the sides of the tie, not the top and bottom. The plastic will rip easily if you do it right. (This is also the recommended way to remove the tail end, it doesn't leave a razor sharp edge like scissors do.)

Zip tie guns are amazing. They pull to an adjustable tension and then cut off the tail. I ended up with a Panduit model that retails for $300, but harbor freight's $20 unit works very well.

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