Stainless Steel Ties

[jbrtwork]

The following is proof that I'm no mechanical genius...

I'm wrapping the exhaust on my bike and have these snazzy stainless steel ties. They seem much more sleek than hose clamps for permanently holding the wrap, except that I can't seem to figure out how to get them to tighten down securely enough. What am I missing? They don't seem any more complicated than a nylon zip tie, but I just can't get them to snug down. What's the trick?

 

[crazypj]

I know they make a special pliers for it, used on CV axle boots.
I've never seen one though so don't know whats special about them?

PJ

 

[Big R]

Do they keep sliding back open? Sometimes I've gotten defective ones that did that.

Try getting them as tight as possible with a pair of pliers, then folding the tab over the "buckle" end (whatever it's called)

 

[bobjohnson]

Yep, the trick is (if theyre the kind im thinking of) is to pull them as tight as possible, then fold the strap side back over the buckle to hold it tight. Trim off the excess strap as necessary.

 

[jbrtwork]

Folding the strap over the buckle was kinda what I had in mind, but I could never get them tight enough... even with pliers.

 

[Big R]

If you are painting the wraps, you can get some stainless wire and use it instead. Doesn't look as pretty as the zip ties though.

 

[bobjohnson]

Pull straight down with the pliers, following the same curve the tie originally took. Use your finger to hold tight the buckle and the strap on the far side, and fold the loose side back over. Hit it with the pliers or with a small rubber hammer to make sure its good and folded over. It should work. Its kinda tricky but i think only because they werent really meant to be used to get a really tight hold on stuff. The only time i ever see them used from factory is on stock electrical wiring, and theres always a bit of give in them.