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How to Undo Zip Ties Without Breaking Them Download Article Plus, how to free yourself from zip tie restraints in emergencies Co-authored by Aimee Payne, MFA Reviewed by Barry Zakar
Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked
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Undoing a Zip Tie
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Reusing Zip Ties
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Ways to Break Zip Tie Restraints
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This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 523,708 times.
Cable ties typically come in two types: single-use and reusable. However, you can easily undo a single-use tie – without having to cut it open – so you can use it again. But since it’s only meant for a one-time use, there are a couple of pointers to remember when reusing them. On a scarier note, cable ties are also often used as restraints during home invasions, but thankfully, it’s possible to escape them even with your hands tied.
How to Open a Zip Tie
Locate the zip tie’s box-shaped lock, then bend the zip tie’s tail to expose the locking mechanism inside of it. Use a small screwdriver, a safety pin, or your fingernail to push down the locking bar inside the box so it doesn’t catch on the zip tie’s teeth. Pull the tail end free of the lock with your other hand.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Undoing a Zip Tie Without Cutting
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1 Find the box-shaped locking mechanism at one end of the zip tie. A ready-to-use zip tie has one end that tapers to a point while the other is capped with a tiny cube. When used, the pointy end is fed through a slot in the cube to form a loop and then pulled tight. The cube is the locking mechanism that catches on teeth along the tie and keeps it from worming back out through the slot.[1]XResearch source
Zip ties (also called cable ties) can be put to a wide variety of practical uses, including organizing cords, creating a quick key ring, or locking your backpack.
2 Bend the zip tie’s loose end back to expose the locking mechanism. The zip tie’s loose end tends to curve over the locking mechanism once it’s fed through it. Bending the zip tie away from that side of the cube exposes the locking mechanism, so you’re able to “unlock” the tie.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Depress the locking bar with your fingernail or a screwdriver. Look underneath the loose end of the zip tie where it exits the cube. There’s a small bar or tab that catches on the zip tie’s teeth. Use your fingernail or a pocket-size screwdriver to push down on the bar. This releases the locking mechanism.[3]XResearch source
Or, try pushing the sharp end of a safety pin through the lock to hold the bar up. Just be careful not to prick your finger!
Another option is to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently squeeze the box and disengage the locking bar.
4 Pull the loose end back through the lock. Keep pushing down on the bar. As you do, use your other hand to slowly draw the loose end back through the cube. Once it’s out, you’re all done![4]XResearch source Marie Kondo, Cleaning & Organization Expert
When organizing your home, reusable zip ties can be an asset for bundling cables neatly. However, with a bit of finesse, even single-use ties can serve multiple purposes if unlocked properly. Insert a flat tool into the ratchet tab and push gently to loosen the teeth while sliding out the end. Though not as sturdy for repeated use, these repurposed ties reduce waste when taming cord clutter.
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Reusing Zip Ties
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1 Refrain from trimming zip ties to reuse them. Many people like to trim the tail of a zip tie for a neater look. To use the same tie over and over again for different things, leave the loose end long after locking the tie. All that excess may be unsightly but remember: once you snip it off, you’ll only be able to use that tie for bundles of the same size or smaller.
Instead of cutting off the end, tuck it into the loop of the zip tie for a neater look.
2 Anticipate wear and tear when reusing a zip tie. Keep in mind that single-use zip-ties are designed to be used one time. Even though you can technically undo and use them again, expect the plastic teeth to wear down the more you undo and retie them. Also, keep in mind that manipulating the locking mechanism damages it a little each time.
The tie may develop a looser grip over time, so avoid using old ones to tie anything that really, really needs to be secured.
If the zip tie gets easier and easier to undo every time you use it, the teeth may be wearing down. Toss it and use a new one.
3 Use reusable cable ties for jobs that require unlocking the tie regularly. If you’re constantly using and reusing single-use ties for short-term projects, consider another option. Invest in some cable ties that are specifically designed for reuse. They work the same way as a standard zip tie, except they have a small button or trigger on the clocking mechanism, so they’re easier to unlock.[5]XResearch source
Reusable zip ties cost a little more than standard zip ties, but the money may be worth it if it saves you time.
Reusable zip ties are much easier to open, so they may not be ideal to use for something that needs to stay secure for an extended time.
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Ways to Free Yourself from Zip Tie Restraints
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1 Try worming your hands out of the zip tie. When a captor binds your hands, be sure to squeeze them into fists with the tops of your hands facing up. This makes your hands and wrists take up more space, causing your restraints to be larger.[6]XResearch source Then, when no one’s looking, relax your hands and turn your palms toward each other. Focus on worming your thumbs out first to make the rest easier.[7]XResearch source
Always try this method to escape being tied up first. Another method requires you to tighten the cable tie (which will make trying to do this afterward much tougher).
2 Or, spring the zip tie’s locking mechanism open with a shim. If you’re being held with other prisoners, coordinate between yourselves. Find a shim of some sort that’s small and firm enough to manipulate the bar inside the locking mechanism. Have one person use the shim to free the other by lifting the bar from the zip tie’s grooved tracks. Once it’s lifted, pull the tie free of the mechanism.[8]XResearch source
Possible shims are a nail, screw, fork, pin, pen, pencil, key, or the corner of a credit card. If nothing’s in reach, try your fingernail.
This is method works best with a partner, but is also possible on your own.
3 Tighten the zip tie and then snap it in two. To snap the zip tie, use your hands or teeth to position the cable tie’s locking mechanism (which is where the tie is weakest) in between your wrists. Pin the locking mechanism between your hands or the balls of your thumbs. Then grip the tie’s loose end between your teeth and pull to tighten it as much as possible. Next:[9]XResearch source
Raise your hands above your head and then swing them down in toward your stomach as fast as you can.
As you swing your arms down, focus on touching your shoulder blades together and sticking your elbows out like wings.
Repeat if needed until the locking mechanism snaps in between your hands.
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Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 523,708 times. 10 votes - 62% Co-authors: 23Updated: November 8, 2024 Views: 523,708 Categories: Featured Articles | Housekeeping Tools | Fastening Tools In other languages Spanish French Hindi German Czech Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Trix Loubser
Oct 12, 2018
"I use cable ties for everything. I also recycle to prevent pollution of my grandchildren's Earth. Now I will be able to reuse cable ties instead and not snip off the excess! I also did not know that cable ties were invented on my birth year!"..." more
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Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman 10 votes - 62% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 23Updated: November 8, 2024 Views: 523,708
Trix Loubser
Oct 12, 2018
"I use cable ties for everything. I also recycle to prevent pollution of my grandchildren's Earth. Now I will be able to reuse cable ties instead and not snip off the excess! I also did not know that cable ties were invented on my birth year!"..." more Share yours!
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Download Article Plus, how to free yourself from zip tie restraints in emergencies Co-authored by Aimee Payne, MFA Reviewed by Barry Zakar 
How toCut Zip Ties Flush 
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Reviewed by: Barry Zakar Handyman This article was reviewed by Barry Zakar and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over ten years of experience, Barry specializes in a variety of carpentry projects. He is skilled at constructing decks, railings, fences, gates, and various pieces of furniture. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. This article has been viewed 523,708 times. 10 votes - 62% Co-authors: 23 Updated: November 8, 2024 Views: 523,708 Categories: Featured Articles | Housekeeping Tools | Fastening Tools In other languages Spanish French Hindi German Czech Japanese 
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1 Find the box-shaped locking mechanism at one end of the zip tie. A ready-to-use zip tie has one end that tapers to a point while the other is capped with a tiny cube. When used, the pointy end is fed through a slot in the cube to form a loop and then pulled tight. The cube is the locking mechanism that catches on teeth along the tie and keeps it from worming back out through the slot.[1] 
2 Bend the zip tie’s loose end back to expose the locking mechanism. The zip tie’s loose end tends to curve over the locking mechanism once it’s fed through it. Bending the zip tie away from that side of the cube exposes the locking mechanism, so you’re able to “unlock” the tie.[2] Advertisement 
Marie Kondo, Cleaning & Organization Expert 
2 Anticipate wear and tear when reusing a zip tie. Keep in mind that single-use zip-ties are designed to be used one time. Even though you can technically undo and use them again, expect the plastic teeth to wear down the more you undo and retie them. Also, keep in mind that manipulating the locking mechanism damages it a little each time. 
2 Or, spring the zip tie’s locking mechanism open with a shim. If you’re being held with other prisoners, coordinate between yourselves. Find a shim of some sort that’s small and firm enough to manipulate the bar inside the locking mechanism. Have one person use the shim to free the other by lifting the bar from the zip tie’s grooved tracks. Once it’s lifted, pull the tie free of the mechanism.[8] 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.