Recently there has been more and more news reports of home invasions in which the burglars incapacitate their victims then use plastic zip ties to keep them contained. In this guide, I will demonstrate how you can escape these bindings to allow yourself to get away, get help, or to keep yourself or your family safe. I hope that you never need to use this simple technique but it could someday get you or your loved ones to safety.

Step 1: Tighten Ties

The first step for you to escape is to TIGHTEN the bindings. I know this sounds counterproductive, but for this to work we need to remove any chance of the bands moving in the next step. Use your teeth to tighten the band securing your wrists. They should be tight but not so tight that they cut off circulation.

Step 2:

The next step may be something that you want to practice so you are ready if the time ever comes for you to need this skill. Bring your wrists up in front of you until they are at eye level. Then, spreading your elbows torso width apart. Swiftly bring your elbows down and back as if you were going to do the chicken dance or trying to work your shoulder blades back. This motion may need to be done a couple of times but the zip ties should fail quickly allowing you to escape.

Step 3: Escape!

The zip ties should break free with a little practice. Most likely by tightening them they will fail at the weakest point, namely the catch. I hope you never need to use this skill but if you ever do, I truly hope that it gets you and your family out of danger. Thanks for reading!