Cable ties were originally invented by an electrical company in 1958 to harness airplane wires. The first cable tie featured a metal tooth and was constructed as a two-piece design. Later, manufacturers such as Ziptape started adding the popular one-piece plastic design. Since then, zip ties have been revolutionized to include endless uses that weren’t in their original plan. Thanks to many creative minds, zip ties today are used for cable and wire bundling, DIY crafts, everyday life hacks, and much more.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that zip ties are also used for survival purposes in emergency situations. Keeping zip ties in your Bug Out Bag is a habit that could ultimately save your life.
Read below for ten survival uses for zip ties.
1. Attach gear to your Bug Out Bag
If you have gear that won’t fit in your backpack, or that you’ll need quick access to, you can attach it to your bag with zip ties. This way you won’t have to dig through your backpack when you need your gear on short notice.
2. Repair broken gear
In a pinch, you can repair broken backpack straps, buckles, zipper pulls, and more. To repair a strap, thread a zip tie through each broken end and cinch them together.
3. Hold bandages in place
If you get injured and don’t have tape to adhere your bandage, medium-sized zip ties are great for holding a bandage or cloth in place. They will also keep some pressure on the wound to reduce bleeding. Simply wrap them around your arm or injured part, and lightly Be sure not to cinch too tight, as this can cut off circulation.
4. Make a splint
If you break or fracture a body part, you can create a makeshift splint or a brace with zip ties. Find wooden sticks or anything that is long enough. Place a stick or another object on either end of the limb, and secure them with tightly cinched zip ties at the top and bottom.
5. Give your knife a fast draw modification
Watch the video above to learn how to modify your knife with zip ties to create a quick draw pocket knife. This can be a life saver in certain situations. The instructor in the video is using mini 4 inch zip ties. Although, our zip ties do go smaller, down to 2.8 inch micro ties!
6. Use as trail markers
If you use zip ties as trail markers, it is best to use colored ones so that they are easy to spot in the environment you’re in. Hang them on branches or bushes so that you’ll be able to easily find your way back to camp. Trail markers can also help a rescue team find you quicker in an emergency situation.
7. Save space in your Bug Out Bag
When you’re going trekking or camping, saving space is important in order to bring everything you’ll need. To make extra room in your bag, roll your clothes and blankets up as tightly as you can, and secure them with zip ties.
8. Make emergency shoelaces
If you need to use your shoelaces for cordage in an emergency, you can use zip ties to replace them. Thread a zip tie through several of the loopholes to secure your shoes or boots.
9. Give your boots snow traction
If you come across icy or slippery terrain, you can instantly give your boots snow traction with zip ties. Attach two or three zip ties around each of your boots to provide traction and reduce slippage. You can also use this method on a variety of other objects, like bicycle tires.
10. Keep pests away
To keep pesky bugs, critters, and mosquitos from biting your legs, secure a large zip tie over the bottom of each of your pant legs. It is also a good idea to keep a knife or a cable cutter with you so that you’ll be able to easily cut off the zip ties when you need to.
Here at Label ID Systems, we carry high quality, durable zip ties in a variety of sizes and colors. Visit our Label ID Systems store site to view all of the excellent products that we have to offer.
To watch all of these survival tips actually being used, and to get even more ideas, check out the video below: