scissors!

LOL I think I can manage that. I was thinking I'm supposed to preserve it, but I guess not, huh?

cut it! Only way...

Done! Thanks!

For future reference, zip ties have a box that the zip part goes through. There's a tab that locks the zip in place. If you take a small screwdriver (or something similar) and gently lift up the tab, you can pull the zip out and preserve the zip tie.

Don't ask how I know this. I know some strange stuff.

Ohh, I love strange 'stuff' - what else ya got, Dee?!!!

Dees is right--there is a way, but you need something super super tiny (likie a strong pin/needle). At the price of zip ties, though (you get like 100/$1), it's not worth the effort.

If you like the idea of tying up the excess length of the cord, just buy yourself a pack of the ties--they're cheap and you'll find dozens of uses for them around your house.

I've tried twisting and turning, and pulling it back through that slot Dee, to no avail. I'll definitely try your way next time.

Some of the ones on appliances are actually removable They have a tiny little prong like a belt and if you life it up. the tab will slide through. I like to save them so I can redo the cord into a loop rather than have it strecthed out on the counter..

kayjones, it's hard to say. If I see a question here on KT and it's something I know, I try to answer. I'm trying to read the daily trivia question to help get some of this stuff out of my head.

I don't have much to say generally so you won't see too much from me in terms of posting. I'll only post if I have a witty remark (aka "snark") or if there is some strange thing I can pass on to others.

They also come in Velcro which come in so handy at the darndest times. I find more and more uses for them. You can even ladder them if you need extra length, or cut them if you buy them too long :-D You can get them in a roll, or a few in a package. I found them at Lowes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Velcro cable ties

I love to bundle up cords. (Is this where someone will come in and tell me it's not safe? lol)

I buy the Velcro ones- the colored ones are great, and the 2-sided black Velcro is great, as is the stuff that is hook and loop all on the same side, too. And I love the plastic ones that come on appliances, my hand mixer has one that is just perfect for that cord.

Thin kitchen knife will help release the little fastener that holds the tie.

If/when you get frustrated with the plan to reuse it, meritorious though that may be ... if the knife's serrated, it helps to cut the tie more easily.

ole joyful

Have to agree with the velcro ones, they are great!

I agree with Dee,i used a small paring knife.Ya know,where there's a will,there's a way!!
Kathi

Nylon Zip Ties are intended to be a permanent installation and although you can release one by inserting a pointed object, you also run a very high risk of having that pointed object slip off and go through your hand, or damaging the wires or product that is tied with the zip tie.

Zip Ties are simply too cheap to risk personal injury or product damage to reusing them. Cut it off and get a new one.

The proper way to remove a Zip Tie is to use a pair of electricians "Side Cutters" and cut the strap if you can get the point of the side cutter under the strap, but if the tie is installed correctly, you may not be able to get the tool under the strap. In that case, use the side cutters to cut the top off the box part of the tie lock.

If you are just bundling power cords a cheap and easy solution is to use the plastic zip ties for trash bags. (You probably have dozens of them in your junk drawer in the kitchen).

Most cord type power tools have a rubberized plastic tie on the cord that is reusable. If you check in the tool dept of your local hardware or home supply store you can buy those fairly cheap, of you can use the velcro type that are described above.

Now to further the little known trivia about Nylon Zip Ties. Did you know that most police officers carry 5 or 6 of the 10" or 12" ties rolled up in their hats? They keep them handy in the event that they have to arrest more ppl than what they have handcuffs for. They use the Zip Ties as handcuffs.

And did you know that the flexible duct work on your HVAC system is connectet with Nylon Zip Ties? When used in that application they have to be pulled so tight that they make an air tight seal. To acheive that we use a special tool called a "Panduit Gun" to pull the ties tight and cut the excess tab off....

Here is a photo of my panduit gun,,notice that it has withstood some very heavy use...LOL

Flamingo, I can tell ya from experience the problem with cords wrapped up touching. Last August I woke up in our bedroom to it filled with smoke. The extension cord was looped and on the ground and got too hot and started on fire. Thank goodness it was in the morning when we woke up so no injuries.

Stacie

Technicans usually cut the tie with a pair of small diagonal cutters. (AKA slang: Dikes)

You can undo the tie-wrap with a small screw-driver as described above, but its awkard. A small thin blade is inserted in the same direction as the tie warp was inserted. The blade goes under the wrap - this is the awkard part. Tie-warps are relatively cheap. They can be found in automotive parts stores and electronic stores such as Radio Shack and computer shops. These should be inexpensive, but I've encountered sizeable markups in retail stores. The other place to buy is on-line or from an electronic parts catalog.