Rather than get off topic in the dynabolt/needle bearing thread I'll start another - I'm sure there will be a use in a Mini somewhere.

Last weekend working on my lawnmower I had to get the valve spring out then in - getting it out was easy with a screwdriver and pointy nose pliers - putting it back was a challenge until I got this bright idea.

I compressed the valve spring in the vice -slipped a couple of cable ties in and did them up to hold the spring compressed - put the spring in position -place the retainer on the shaft of the valve stem after inserting the valve then snipped the cable ties - bobs your aunty all in place without a struggle

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Good one! I've done it a similar way but with iron tie wire....

The world would stop if it were not for cable ties, PVC Tape and Milk Crates......

Iam constantly amazed at the supply of milk crates - they are freely available any night of the week at the locking dock area after closing time.

Doogie once told me a milk crate will support a nissan pulsar (without wheels) for a week without sagging in the hottest of the summer period.

Mike

Wombat - you obviously bought good quality cable ties at a reputable outlet. I remember using some a few years ago that came from a cheap shop ($5 shop) and they pulled apart with little pressure. Luckily it didn't result in an injury. No different to other inferior copies of products you get as these shops.

Its actually rather cheap to get good ties. You can pick up a known good brand like Weller brand ties from Bunnings for maybe 5 bucks. Many dozens in a bag as well.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

They also work as spring compressors, takes a hell of a lot them to work though.

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Simplify and add lightness

There is a sparky's trick to cranking cable ties down.

Once the cable tie is tightened down as best you can, get a pair of side cutters and grasp the cable tie's tail lightly near where it comes out from the lock. Then while still grasping the tail firmly with the sidecutters roll the head of the sidecutter to drag the tie through the ratchet. Repeat until the job is done. You will see it works better if you roll the pliers one way than the other.
You will be able to get every last bit of strength out of your tie, you can get them to stretch to a thin strip of plastic as they are so tight.
Its a good trick for all kinds of reasons when you're running large cables and control circuits, as well as in the garage.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

We use a special cable tie gun at work for tightening and snipping them. Works a treat.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I don't know if anyone has ever done this before but another use for cable ties is to tie wires together.

OMG what a concept, you should copy right that

They also make good makeshift handcuffs ( keeps your apprentice just where you want him )

That's cheating

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Not when you are building a hi tech infrared heater bank and snipping bloody hundreds of em to make it neat.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thats a just a little bit creepy

I love my wire ties and have just ran out of my stash but I did notice last weekend the a company is selling 1000 ties for $38 and they are a 3 letter acronym. while also looking around I also found the best way to hold wire for many wire. Its a double sided bracket with entry for wire ties horizontal as well as vertical. I haven't seen them before and perfect for what I need

hehe I also have two ties holding my connection into my modem as they want stay in by them selves

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

Yep, when cutting cable ties in places where people frequent (circuit boards, or near walkways etc) the good sparky will cut the tail off with a knife. Makes it silky smooth. Cutting them with pliers will makes them into skin shredders.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Until the worker gains man hands and just accepts the many many cuts as a fact of life.

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Simplify and add lightness