Check out the latest issue of EC&M, page 84.

The 2005 NEC contains a slight change to permit "identified" handle ties,
rather than "approved" handle ties.

Art. 100 defines "identified" as "recognizable as suitable for the specific
purpose ...".

Art. 100 defines "approved" as "acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction".

A nail as a handle tie had been "approved" in the described and illustrated
case.

So, if your authority approves a nail as a handle tie, then you're OK.

However, after the 2005 NEC becomes effective, only a manufacturer's handle
ties will be permitted.