important: Nuts and bolts on your bike should always be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

How to Securely Fasten Zip Ties

Learn how to use a 4th hand cable puller tool to securely fasten a zip tie.

Video updates

  • 00:42 - A set of 'flush cutters' will get the cut nice and clean.

Today we’ll learn how to tighten zip-ties using a 4th hand cable puller tool. The 4th hand was designed to pull the cable tight when you adjust the cable tension on your brakes and derailleurs. It functions by gripping the cable, and then pulling it. While it works great for that job, did you know that you can also use it to securely fasten zip-ties?

I’ll demonstrate here by attaching a piece of cable housing to the frame. Wrap the zip-tie around the frame and cable and snug it up like you normally would. Then use the 4th hand tool to cinch it up a few more clicks. Be careful not to pull it too tight or the zip-tie will snap.

This gets it nice and tight and it looks a lot cleaner than other methods like electrical tape. Once you’re happy with it, snip the remaining section off.

You can get zip-ties in a variety of colors if you want to match your bike or get creative, and you can use different sizes for other jobs like attaching cycle computers, fender stays and so many other do-it-yourself projects! The 4th hand is hands-down one of my favorite tools. I highly recommend getting one for your own home repair kit!

Related Links

Recommended Tools

Categories

Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum

Cassette shifting Problem

Latest post 1 day ago

I just replace the 10 speed cassette on my Mountain bike. I decided to go for a largest cog with more teeth for an easier ride uphill.. I increased from 38T to 42T. I also replaced the chain and chainrings at the same time. When the bike was on the stand it ran through the gears well. I had the following problem when out riding. I had just ridden up a steep hill on the 22T chain ring and the ...

Read more

I recently upgraded after 20+ years from a 26" to a 29" wheel. Consequently, I have 8 new 26" tubes in my garage. I ride 90% mountain biking. Curious. Have you ever fitted a 26" tube on a 29"? What was the result? And would you recommend it?...

Read more

I must have fitted 3 or 4 pairs of 25mm Continental GP5000 tires without any trouble whatsoever. On different brands of 622x15c rim, they went on without struggle or complaint. Older GP4000 also went on without trouble. However, the most recent set, bought a month ago, are probably the worst I've ever had in terms of the challenge I had to get them fitted. Has anyone else found such a big differ...

Read more

I'm curious—how often or after how many miles do people typically check or change their mechanical disc brake pads? I've been bikepacking for a while but never really followed a maintenance schedule. A few weeks ago, I took my bike to a mechanic because I heard some noise. The mechanic did a quick overhaul, and I was sent on my way. However, a few weeks later, while descending steep hills, I s...

Read more

A question I've wanted to ask for a while now. From a personal point of view, what have you found to be the positives and negatives of these two valves? What would your preference be?...

Read more

Grip Shifters

Latest post 3 weeks ago

Currently renovating a child's bike. It has 24 inch wheels and is a suitable size for a 7-10 year old. Anyway it has grip shifters. it is a six speed with three chain rings on the front derailleur. On the rear derailleur the shifter does not appear to move the gear cable at all when shifting from 6 to 5 and 5 to 4. I am actually holding the cable with my finger and thumb against the cable cas...

Read more

  p6i6rfpm1ip41 (1).jpg (Size: 82.1 KB / Downloads: 540) Is there a way to get rid of that rust or do I need to replace certain components? More pics...

Read more

9 speed chain on 8 speed bike

Latest post 3 weeks ago

All of my bikes are 7 or 8 speed and sometime in the past I bought a 9 speed chain for some unremembered reason. is there any reason not to use it on an 8 speed bike?...

Read more

Hello, I was going to ask this question in @Flowrider’s post, but since this is a slightly different issue, I decided to start a new post. https://forums.bikeride.com/thread-9267.html I’m nowhere near the ocean, so salt-related rusting isn’t a concern. I’m currently in the ninth month of a long bikepacking trip, and sometimes I stay in one place for a week or longer. During this week or ...

Read more

Colnago restoration

Latest post 2 months ago

Hi everyone. A bit repetitive from my intro in GF, but this is the correct section for this post. I’m new to vintage bikes, but I’ve been eyeing a vintage Colnago to restore for a long time. Finally found one and the timing was right to pull the trigger. I’m still trying to identify the exact year, but from my research it’s 1991-1993 Colnago Super PiU. Mostly original, I think, apart from ...

Read more

Columbia 3 wheel differential

Latest post 2 months ago

Hello everyone and thank you so much for having me! I have an older Columbia 3 wheeler adult tricycle and she has a differential, somewhat like a car. I wanted to open up the differential for cleaning and oiling but cannot find any info on her, as to how much oil to add, and where the oil fill point is. Can anyone help me in this endeavor? I'd really love to get her going but don't want to ris...

Read more

Front derailer not moving

Latest post 2 months ago

Hi, I been upgrading my old bike with new brake and shift cables. I got my brakes working and now trying to get my shift cables working. I was able to install new shift cable, I made sure to hold the cable tight and tighten the Bolt to keep in place. But it doesn't move the derailer at all when shifting. I have a feeling it's a simple fix that I'm missing something. I thought it might be the new ...

Read more

I live 5 km from the ocean (not sure if that's relevant), and I pretty much only mountain bike. After every ride, I hose down and clean my bike. I wipe them down with a cloth. After a few days, the ones not ridden have what looks like surface rust appear on the chain. Do you have any cost-effective remedies to solve this issue?...

Read more

How to deal with rusty chain

Latest post 2 months ago

The best thing is not to let your chain get rusty in the first place. Chains for most 6,7,8 speed bikes can be had for $15 to $20 all day long. For me my first choice is to just replace it and the reason is simple. If finished it does not meet the level of 95%+ perfect it will get replaced. If the chain you are trying to save does not have a quik link then that is an extra cost to figure...

Read more

Rear v-brake repair

Latest post 3 months ago

Hi everyone, I'm new here and I've been trying to avoid taking my bike to a mechanic and save some money. I succesfully fixed my front but struggle with the rear, I got new brakes for the rear. I notice i think it might be the housing causing the noodle to be off centered and making the left brake pad to close to the rim. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!! My next project is to attemp...

Read more