How to Undo a Zip Tie Without Cutting It

Zip ties are the easiest and quickest way to secure a bundle or fasten different items together. They are light, simple to use, and durable. Most people use them to organize cables, hoses, cords, ropes, and wires or attach labels to different items. They have so many uses, which makes them a must-have in every household.

RELATED: 8 Tricks With Cable Ties That You Should Know

Some people may not like using them as they think the only way to undo them is by cutting, which is untrue. If you do that, you’ll be wasting a perfectly good zip tie that you can still use later. Believe it or not, you can actually undo a zip tie with just your fingernail. Everyone I know doesn’t know about this trick, so if you know people who love using zip ties but cut them all the time, share this tutorial by Helpful DIY. I bet they will find this hack useful.

Here’s another trick you might want to try: Make A Drain Cleaning Tool Snake Stick With Zip Tie

How to Undo Zip Ties

Step 1:

Hold the end of the strap with your left hand and push it to the side.

Step 2:

Look at the locking head. You will see a tiny little piece inside that pushes against the ridges on the strap. That piece prevents the zip tie from opening.

Step 3:

Bend the end strap with your left hand. Using your nail on your right index finger, bend the little piece away from the ridges, then slowly pull the strap from the locking head. Repeat until you get the whole strap out. Alternatively, you can use any small piece of metal that is hard and slender enough to fit inside the locking head and move the lock.

How to Undo a Zip Tie Without Cutting It