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
- Hozan 4th Hand Cable Puller
- Park Tool WTK-2 Essential Tool Kit
- Park Tool SK-3 Starter Mechanic Tool Kit
- Park Tool PK-3 Professional Tool Kit
- Park Tool PCS-9 Repair Stand
- Park Tool PCS-4 Repair Stand
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum
Removing and refitting rear wheel on belt drive bike?
Latest post 1 day agoI have a Gazelle Esprit belt drive bike with hub gears which has a rear puncture. Can someone advise me on how to remove and refit the wheel? I'm aware that it can be quite complicated, but I have no option other than tackling it myself. The photos were taken with the bike upside down. IMG_20250122_105320.jpg (Size: 77.51 KB / Downloads: 35) IMG_20250122_105428.jpg (...
Read moreBest way to thoroughly clean a chain?
Latest post 2 weeks agoHi everyone! I hope you're enjoying a great start to 2023. I'm curious to hear your go-to method for getting a chain truly clean. I don't mean, just looks shiny or is good enough for a quick clean after a ride. I want to know what you do when you want to get every last morsel of ground-up, link-destroying, roller-eating, tooth-gnashing crud out of your chain. The Best Chain-Cleaning Recipe Ever?...
Read moreWhat jockey wheel Red 10 Speed
Latest post 1 month agoCan anyone advise what type of replacement jockey wheel I need for a 10 speed Red rear mech (it's got 11 teeth)? Bonus points if it's a link to a cheap (ish) one! Thanks...
Read moreOperation of Santa Monica Ebike
Latest post 1 month agoHello - new owner with an How to Operate the bike question. Hopefully, this is easily answered I Bought this bike a few weeks ago - Tested many bikes and finally landed on this particular Santa Monica. However, got busy with Christmas shopping, Life, and not so great weather days distracted me from riding. I also test drove so many that I forgot how to operate it.... I "thought" I remembered, ...
Read moreGrip Shifters
Latest post 1 month agoCurrently 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 more9 speed chain on 8 speed bike
Latest post 1 month agoAll 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 moreGears and derailleur misalignment
Latest post 2 months agoMy Trike.jpg (Size: 57.65 KB / Downloads: 37) Wife Trike.jpg (Size: 60.74 KB / Downloads: 37) Although I have ridden bikes on and off since a kid (75 years old now), I have very little experience with anything other than a single speed bike. I recently purchased a new 7-speed Gospel adult tike, which needed assembly. My wife has the same model trike but older and p...
Read moreHow often check or change mechanical disc brakes
Latest post 2 months agoI'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 moreShifting is almost impossible
Latest post 3 months agoMy wife's road bike has Shimano Sora shifters with a triple front derailleur (stock). The thumb switch on the front shifter is VERY hard to use and she can't do it when she's riding. I did a full adjustment of the front derailleur but it didn't change anything. One thing that I noticed is that the shifter works smoothly when the shifter cable is unattached from the derailleur, suggesting that the ...
Read more7-speed bicycle with bent rim
Latest post 4 months agoI recently bought a 7-speed bicycle practically brand new it still has a little rubber nipples on the tires apparently it got backed into in the garage and it bent the rear rim sideways my question is can I go out and buy another just like single speed 20 inch bicycle and put the 7-speed cassette onto that rim?...
Read moreTrek domane tyre
Latest post 4 months agoHi I have a trek domane 2.3, and I have changed the rear tyre to 28 (it was 25 originally) The tyre rubs with the brake arm (v brake), I fear it doesn’t seem to be compatible Is there any way to adjust the position of the brake arm? I just need it to ne around 2mm higher Thanks...
Read moreSchwinn meridian rear drive axle
Latest post 4 months agoRecently bought a slightly used 26" meridian trike. While replacing wider tires on the rear, I noticed an issue with the rear drive side wheel hub. The wheel is held on with a nut and single washer. The hub is not held firmly in a location on the axle and is able to slide back and forth on the axle a good half inch even though the nut is tightened all the way down to its bottom threads on the axle...
Read moreBianchi Oltre Pro Garmin Mount
Latest post 4 months agoI am wondering if anyone can help me with the garmin mount that came with my recently purchased Bianchi Oltre Pro. I was on a ride descending and the mount flew off, landing in the middle of the road with my garmin head unit. Luckily the head unit still works with a few minor scratches and cracks. From the picture you can see that it was not that the screws came loose, it was in fact the part of ...
Read moreShimano Deore cassette with SRAM Apex mech
Latest post 5 months agoHello, I'm running an Apex setup on my gravel bike, 40T front to 11-42T back. Could I swap in an 11-46T Shimano cassette (11-speed all round)? Just considering options, as my Apex 11 speed cranks don't go lower than 40T...
Read moreBearing grease
Latest post 5 months agofound. please del! sorry...
Read more