Zip tie gun recommendations?

[JimS]

Looking at getting a gun for zip ties similar to this:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Panduit-GS2B-Controlled-Tension-Cut-Off/dp/B001EU2558
 
Have used that model before - it is very good but wondering if there isn't something almost as good for a bit cheaper.
 
I tried the HF one (the better one).  It is only about $6 and, not surprizingly, it is junk.  Had to try 3 before I found one that worked at all and it was still awful.

 

[Del91574]

I own a cheapie by Eclipse. For how often I use it ,it does the job. If I was doing production work, I'd buy either a panduit or Amp unit. Ebay used to be a good source of some of the units, used but still servicable.

 

[jpmargis]

I am very happy with my Eclipse 900-005 for about $25.

 

[Neurorad]

Personally, I've kind of moved away from zip ties, as many of my cable runs are category cable, or include a cat cable in the bundle.
 
In my rack, I've switched to mostly Velcro, for new cables, and for re-doing old bundles.
 
I'll still use zip ties in the rack for speaker cables, though.  Can't get that clean, sharp look with Velcro, in a tight space especially.
 
Zip ties still have their place, but not for cat cable, IMO, for Ethernet especially.

 

[FaderJockey]

This one has worked well for me for many years.  Can be had for ~$40.
 

 
http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=79178

 

[tmbrown97]

I agree with neurorad - I can't think of a reason I'd want anything tighter than I could easily do by hand; and for cables, I've gotten in the habit of either using velcro or cable lacing with waxed string.  Many places I enter don't allow zip-ties at all and prefer the cable lacing.  Now, if I'm using zip-ties to attach something, then I actually will move to metal pipe clamps or similar.

 

[Del91574]

I'm a lacing guy myself, downside is finding the supplies to do it, it's getting harder and harder to get waxed twine. Nomex and similar, no problems.
 
We have many sites where ty-raps are banned. Also many new build out specs ban them too, they're specifying lacing to help keep out the inexperienced bunch.
 
Velcro in a rack where wiring is subject to change, certified category cable or fiber, sure, but for "permanent wiring" I've got mixed feelings.
 
Downside is the ty-raps are abused by some trades and used as a mounting method for hardware or to secure the wiring to a building...ick.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Yea, tie wraps are the anti-Christ, especially over time they dry out (and don't even think about exposing them to the sun).   Here is a source for (black) waxed lacing string DELInstallations.
 
They also have it in white.

 

[Neurorad]

Why aren't zip ties allowed for category cables?

The same reason why waxed string is a poor solution, for Ethernet. For dressing cables, great solution, but not to support cables. Just to be clear.

 

[tmbrown97]

BSR - you have to be careful with that stuff on Amazon - depends on the type of lacing you're doing.  If you're doing this kind:
Cable-lacing-lockstitch-marline-hitching-ABOK-3115.jpg
it works great - it's thin and lays down well...
 
but what I see most in the wild is something kinda like this:
images
 
I don't know the name of the knot so I know I'm gonna sound like an idiot - but basically you take a string, fold it in half, then run it around the wires - through the loop of the other end - then you tie a knot.  With the larger round twine, the size of the knot keeps it from slipping through.  They're essentially a direct replacement for a zip-tie and not laced all the way down the wire - and it's what I see in cell towers and similar applications. Unfortunately that Amazon twine doesn't make a good enough knot and it'll fall right off.

 

[Del91574]

Lacing isn't used for supporting cabling, just dressing,same as what Ty-raps are supposed to be used for.
 
We're typically doing lockstitching, I can't remember the old-timey style names, like Chicago or what have you.
 
Cable lacing is the prefered method with a lot of vendors and sites we deal with over ty-raps, if you reverse the lockstitch you can effectively prevent overtightening, it's hard to explain, but once you see it you'd understand. There's no foul on a properly installed lace compared to other methods, as the other methods (less velcro) can cause the same cable damage as lacing. The difficult aspect is it's not easily undone, compared to velcro. As I said, lacing as part of the spec helps weed out a bunch of vendors and provides a more clear cut expectation of the work that is being specified...it weeds out a lot of contractors because of the time and labor, not to mention the skillset involved.
 
People moved from lacing simply because of labor costs and time involved, no other reasons. NASA, the military and many telecoms and cellular providers specify lacing quite commonly, both in harness work and field wiring.