Stainless Steel zip ties

[Cheese]

I did try to unscrew the handle, but the screw started to strip, and so removing the handle didn't look promising.

That's kind of what I thought but I was just checking in.  [smile]

We seem to have a new outbreak in our neighborhood every 6-7 years of the rug-rats discovering outside faucets. It's been going on for at least 30 years now. Seriously, it's a better alternative than starting dumpster fires.  [eek]

 

[semenza]

This flush cutter series from Knipex are perfect for trimming plastic zip ties. They are true flush cutters. No bevel on one side of the edge. Hence no good for anything hard. I have the pair with a partial angle to the head ( 72 11 160 ). You need to make sure the head is held even and tight to the tie and they will cut and leave no projecting piece.

    Knipex Diagonal Cutter For Plastic

Seth

 

[squall_line]

I split the pack of 100 ties with my neighbor, so we each paid about $7 Cdn for 50. I found an outdoor use of them, as a water tap lock when my family is away from home for a long period of time:

Two ties are needed, one on top, and the other below (as shown in the photo). They won't lock off the tap completely, but will severely restrict the water flow.

I'm fortunate enough that the previous owners installed 1/4-turn shutoffs in the basement for each of the outdoor hose bibs, and since our basement is unfinished and only 8' deep (including the floor joists above), I can reach the handles without any difficulty.

 

[ChuckM]

The water tap in the photo does have two shut-off valves in the basement, and those valves also control the water to the sprinkler system. I shut off the water to both for the winter.

Speaking of valves, the original sprinkler system installer put only one shut-off valve in the basement. Over time, the valve failed and water leaked into the outdoor water tap, causing the pipe to the tap to break (a cause I didn't know). Getting frustrated with repairing the broken copper pipe year after year, I hired a plumber to look into it, and he installed two shut-off valves in the line in the basement. Problem solved permanently.

 

[leakyroof]

I was a late bloomer to the SS zip ties as well... [embarassed] [embarassed]  I use versions from McMaster Carr. Black coated as previously noted, but with the 'tooth' style, so you're tightening up the tie, and it holds much like a common plastic one. I then use Sheet Metal shears to cut the SS tie.  Most common usage is keeping things under a vehicle, in place, where previously used Nylon Zip Ties were failing with time/miles, allowing a part to hang or droop. I haven't had a single SS zip tie break on me yet once installed.
They're known as the Perforated Locking style tie wraps.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/tie-wraps/?s=stainless+steel+tie+wraps

 

[Sparktrician]

I was a late bloomer to the SS zip ties as well... [embarassed] [embarassed]  I use versions from McMaster Carr. Black coated as previously noted, but with the 'tooth' style, so you're tightening up the tie, and it holds much like a common plastic one. I then use Sheet Metal shears to cut the SS tie.  Most common usage is keeping things under a vehicle, in place, where previously used Nylon Zip Ties were failing with time/miles, allowing a part to hang or droop. I haven't had a single SS zip tie break on me yet once installed.
They're known as the Perforated Locking style tie wraps.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/tie-wraps/?s=stainless+steel+tie+wraps

I, too, am a noob regarding the stainless steel ties.  I have always used the Thomas & Betts TY5242MX Ty-Raps (or different sizes) for their weather resistance and strength.  I'm grateful for the new knowledge.  [smile]