Make Your Own Flexi-Ties (Soft Twist Ties)

Make your own soft twist ties quick and easy. 

I have called industrial distributors trying to find this type of item in bulk.
After many calls, I could not locate it, so I thought I could just make my own!

This is my first instructable.

Step 1: You only need a few items.

MATERIALS

You'll need some solid core single-strand wire.  I recommend 8 gauge copper.
STRANDED WIRE WILL NOT WORK.
Single strand is best because it is stiff, pliable and can hold a shape.
You can probably use coated or uncoated wire.
I just happened to have uncoated left over in the garage.

You will also need some soft rubber hose. 
Notice that you want a hose that is somewhat soft and flexible.
I found some while cleaning the garage today. 
The hose I have appears to have an outside diameter of about 3/8 inch.
Looks like the hose wall is about 1/8 inch thick. 
And finally the hole in the hose appears to have an interior diameter about 1/8 inch.
These are approximate measurements.
I believe this hose is a lawn mower fuel line hose that I got from Home Depot.

TOOLS

You will need some needle-nose pliers.
Also you will need some wire cutters.

Comments

[ASCAS]

NIce! Great Idea!

[ilpug]

I like it.

[Raitis]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't copper eventually harden when being worked on (bent, hammered, etc.)?

[nailbreak]

Of course it can harden, but... if you need something you are going to open all the time, then a slip-clasp would be better. This idea is great for a quick cure, or for seldom used.

Plus, I can see other uses: Plants, quick Hangers in the garage, my Computer cables and even a fancy Cup holder.

[bobzjr]

nailbreak, Thanks for the note. Also, what is a "slip-clasp"?

[nailbreak]

Thanks for making me clarify - The "slip-clasp" is not the proper name, I should have used the words "carabiner hook"; and... thanks again, as I realize now how important it is to use proper words that can then be searched for clarification. This is good to learn now, being so new.

[bobzjr]

nailbreak - thanks for clarification - I really like your suggestions of the carabiner. If I give that try - I'll post something on it...(and credit you with the idea)

[bobzjr]

Raitis, I believe you are correct. I think any non-ferrous metal will harden by working it. So, I guess that could present a problem. Would the possible issue then be:

1. Hardening of metal which makes it more difficult to bend?
2. Breakage of the metal when trying to bend?

I suppose they would be issues that would come into play if the tie is used frequently.  Historically, I have not been a high-frequency "tie-untie" person... 

I may give it a test drive and report later.  Thanks for the reminder...

[rimar2000]

Good idea.

I think that iron wire (galvanized or not) can work too, although it endures less plastic flections before breaking. The advantage is its price, far cheaper than copper wire.

[MaryT8M]

WOW good idea......I too needed something like this the other day, and couldn't make a trip to the store.....I ended up using a bungie cord, and it really didn't work too well.

Thanks for the instructable