stanmah

In an effort to clean up my builds, I am looking for a way to cut zip ties flush.
I know that this sounds super OCD however the leading reason is that I have a couple of cable mounts where if the cut is not flush, causes cuts and abrasions to my inner leg.

I know that there are zip tie guns that do this task but a little pricey for only few cuts (~$35).
Just wondering what others are using?

markjenn

Unless the location is extremely constrained, I've always been able to get a completely flush cut with a simple pair of wire cutters - a smaller pair is more handy in this application.



- Mark

nfmisso

diagonal cutters, the smaller ones will cut to within 50 microns of flush - and they are not much less expensive than a zip tie ***.

arex

Cutting them off flush isn't OCD, it's simply good craftsmanship. A good sharp pair of dags, as stated above, work perfectly.

Bezalel

That looks like a diagonal cutter. What you want is a flush cutter.

capsicum

yes most diagonal cutters have the edges ground on the outside face, which leaves a small tab. They are that way because it makes the edge angle wide enough to stand up to copper and steel wire and it cuts straighter in thick items being beveled on both sides. Flush cutters are beveled on the inner side only and are generally a lighter duty affair.

For home use(too slow for professional use) try a very sharp knife with a drop point and straight edge,
back it with a small block of hard wood with a good fresh crisp sawn edge.

Jed19

I just use big fingernail-cutters.

Kimmo

A box knife.

Pull the tail to one side and saw at the other.

markjenn

Regardless of what it is called, you can use a common pair of wire cutters to get it VERY flush. A special pair of flush cutters might get it slightly more flush, but I'm not groking why you would ever need to do better. The OP said something about abrading his legs, but I would think one could rotate the zip tie to a different orientation if this was the concern.

- Mark

Kimmo

I wouldn't say a sharp dag the best part of a mm long is 'VERY flush'.

But then, zipties look kludgy to me.

Steve Urquell

I have a small pair of Craftsman spring-opening end cutters like the ones below. Let's me get them pretty flush.

I also route my zip ties to where the locking block is behind a tube or on the back side of the area I'm tying off to keep it out of the way and for looks.

coolblade

You can use a file to smooth out any sharp points after cutting the zip tie.

shelbyfv

You don't even need good quality for this, just a flat side toward the block. I got a cheap set that had cutters of several configurations. Included were types as in posts 5 and 11.

Looigi

Correct. Or a very sharp knife.

rpenmanparker 

Cut as best you can and then file flush with a fingernail file - emery board.

HillRider

+1 I use side cutters to get the stub as short as possible then file off the sharp corners.

markjenn

I would. But rather than debate it, I'll just post a picture of what it looks like after using a small common pair of diagonals. If you need it to be flusher than this, yes, you need a special tool or you need to go to the extra work of filing the nub off. In 48-years of using zip-ties on bicycles, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and boats, I've never felt the need to be any flusher than this.



- Mark

FBinNY 

You don't have to buy another tool, or make this complicated. Borrow/steal one of your SO's emery boards and dress the cut end, cleaning it up until it's dull and won't cut you, or flush to the "box".

If you lack an SO, use a file, wrap sand paper on a flat stick (free paint stirrer) or buy your own emery board for $0.99.

fietsbob

I yank them tight with my Hozan cable 4th hand .. the cutting off has been covered.

Wilfred Laurier

a purpose built zip tie combination tightening cutting tool
is far above all the suggestions here
with the exception of possibly toenail cutters
and maybe flush cutters
although i have no experience with them

reading comments saying that 1mm sticking out
or cutting with diagonal cutters
is as good as a proper flush cut
is like listening to a homeless person explaining
why a cardboard box makes a better house than bricks

markjenn

Give us a break. For 99% of applications, it is "as good as" and your analogy is stupid silly.

- Mark

Wilfred Laurier

analogy is fine

for a large percentage of living conditions
a cardboard box is 'as good as'

as for cutting zip ties with side cutters
yes most of the excess is cut off
but the jagged stub left over
is a safety hazard
where none existed before

FBinNY 

Is this what we've come to?

Debating how close is good enough on cutting a cable tie?

Cut it any way you want, and if the edge bothers you dress it out.

Since they're made of a plastic with a low melting temp, you could always use a hot knife, then use the side of the blade to fuse the stub back to flush. Or you could use 3 strokes of a coping or jeweler's saw.

IMO anybody who can't figure out how to cut these to their own satisfaction probably shouldn't be working on bikes.

GravelMN

Razor knife / box cutter should make a perfectly flush cut.

Wilfred Laurier

yes
but
if you cut too close with a blade
you sharpen the edges of the buckle part
for a net improvement of