On Sat, 10 Apr 2021 14:14:03 +0100, Chris Green wrote:

snip

I have a job comong up which will involve threading lots of cable ties
through wire netting and round and back, then poking the end of the
tie through the hole and then (the easy bit that the gun does) pulling
tight and (probably not) cutting the end off.

snip

I can imagine some sort of tool that you could insert a tie into which
would have a curved channel that you put round whatever it is you want
the tie round. Push a lever (or something) and the tie is fed round
the track and back to you. For the tool to do part 2 as well is more
difficult but even doing part 1 would make using cable ties a whole
lot easier.


My brother who uses them for netting on his large allotment commends a
grandchild with nimble hands and good eyesight (but I think the family
relationship is optional).

:-)

It does show there's a need for such a thing though doesn't it!

I often put a shape in the cable tie first (just bending it in my
fingers or dragging it over a screwdriver shaft like you would to put
a curl in some ribbon) and then it's already pointing back as you poke
it though far enough.

If you gave me the diameter / radius you were looking to cover I might
be able to design and print your hooked (open?) channel idea?

If it was more of a U section but with the section facing up or down,
you could pre fit the tie in the tool, thread it in place and then
could lift it off the tie once the end is though and before you pull
it tight?

Cheers, T i m