Stainless steel zip ties - how do you cut them?
 

I recently bought some stainless steel zip ties. Anyone know how to cut them? I've tried wire cutters and bending with needle nose pliers, but I can't seem to cut through them. I'm hoping I don't need to use a hack saw or bolt cutters lol. Thanks.

Got some metal-cut off wheels for a dremel?

Dremal tool ?

Bolt cutters?

I don't own a dremal tool. For some applications I can simply wrap the excess portion of the zip tie around adjacent fixtures. Stainless steel zip ties are quite a lot more flexible than standard plastic zip ties. The stainless steel ones also hold their shape when bent.

For now I'll just be wrapping the excess. Eventually, though, I'll have cases where I need to cut through the zip ties, whether to remove them or because the excess is functionally in the way.

On a side note, stainless steel zip ties make for great theft deterrents if you want to affix certain accessories to a bicycle.

What's the cheapest tool I can buy to cut through them? Thanks.

You could use a band cutter. These use a flat, flat tapered anvil, and a shear blade, and can cut the excess strap without lifting or bending outward for clearance.

a hacksaw blade ..

Tin snips, aviation shears.

They're sheet metal.

Ease the sharp cut end with a sharpening stone, if necessary.

To remove an installed tie, use a tiny screwdriver to pry the retaining tab on the clamp, then force the screwdriver tip into the clamp until the ball falls out.

flex back and forth
until the excess breaks off at the buckle

total cost = free

This.

I have some too. I'm not worried about how to trim them: I have plenty of ways to do that. I can't get them to tighten and grip. What is the getting them to hold when pulled tight.

The key to getting them super tight is to use needle nose pliers and wrap the end of the ties like so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf8oIF_3s4E

Thanks everyone. I'm assuming that diagonal cutting pliers should work. Can anyone confirm? Thanks.

Crescent 9 in. Pro-Series Diagonal Cutting Pliers-PS5429C at The Home Depot

That needs to change. A dremel is so versatile, I'd have a tough time duplicating all of its uses with specific or general purpose hand tools. Grinding, buffing, cutting, drilling, grout removal, sanding, wire brushing...the list is a long one.

For bicycling: wire wheel for rust removal, cutting wheel for trimming cable housing ends (or spokes, or stainless zip tie ends, for that matter - a 2 second job), buffing pad for aluminum parts, grinding tools for removing excess metal, enlarging holes, deburring, drill bits for lacing saddle skirts... These are just a few.

Anyway, don't wait too long to get one. You'll find more uses than you can imagine.

I do have a cordless electric drill. Do they sell cutting wheels for electric drills? If so, what exactly should I get for a cutting wheel? I'm thinking I'll use it to cut the stainless steel zip ties as well as brake cable housing, etc. Thx.

Check the rpms on the drill versus a dedicated rotary tool. Likely not high enough.