How to make cheap DIY cable ties

I had seen some Think Tank Red Whips online earlier this year, and even though they weren’t very expensive to begin with, like most DIYers I thought “I could make those myself….for cheaper.” So I did.

Materials you’re going to need for this are elastic band or cord (plan on using about a foot per tie but you can make them any length), a pack of spring loaded cable locks, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and a lighter.

The first thing you want to do is measure and cut your cord into 12in segments – you can also do shorter or longer based on what you need.

Once your pieces are cut, take one of them, double it in half, tie a small knot at the end, and tighten it. Then use the pliers to help really tighten the knot.

Then insert the non-knot end through the cable-lock.

Cut off any excess cord and singe with your lighter to keep it from fraying. Repeat with each of your pieces, and you’re done.

These cable ties are a GREAT, and inexpensive tool to have in your kit, and can be used for SO many things. And you can make them as big or as small as you want. At the time of the video the originals were around $15 for a 10 pack (currently they’re closer to $10), but for under $15 you can make 50 of your own.

DIY (50 ties for $12):

• Spring stop cord locks
• Elastic cord

Original (10 ties for $10ish):

• ThinkTank Red Whips

About the Author

Adam Rahn is an award-winning producer, director, editor, and videographer with over 10 years of professional video production experience. He’s a part of the duo behind Droi Media. If you want to check out more of his work, sign up for Droi Media newsletter, subscribe to their YouTube channel, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. This article was also published here and shared with permission.

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