Cable Tie Escape Tricks

The chances are, that you will never in your life need to know how to release yourself from a cable tie restraint, however if like any good boy scout you like to be prepared for every eventuality, there is no harm in arming yourself with this useful bit of know how!

If nothing else, you could always use the info to impress your family and friends with your Houdini style skills, who knows, this may prove to be your new favourite party trick!

The Use Of Quick Cuffs

A specially designed type of cable tie, known as quick cuffs is used in law enforcement occasionally to detain prisoners as it is a cost effective and lightweight alternative to regular handcuffs. Quick cuffs are used in situations like large-scale demonstrations or any other large event where there is a possibility that a large number of people will need to be detained.

Cable Ties Are Stronger Than they look!

Cable ties are sometimes used in a similar way to bind a person’s wrists and restrain them either unlawfully or in jest, although it is worth pointing out that this can be incredibly dangerous.  Over tightening the plastic can lead to injuries to the surface of the skin and there is the potential to do serious damage if the blood supply is restricted. Using cable ties for this purpose is certainly not advisable.

If you have ever tried to pull a cable tie apart with your hands, you will know that even the small ones are a great deal stronger than they look! They are, of course usually cut with a sharp implement once they have been secured and are no longer required. However, for the purpose of this blog, there is no knife and no scissors and we are going to explain how to remove this annoying item from your wrists, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to.

Here are two options:

1.   Slipping Out Of A Cable Tie

With a little bit of wriggle space and a great deal of patience, you may find that you are able to slip out of the closed cable tie and free yourself. The trick is to work on getting one of your thumbs out as if you manage to do this, you will have created the space to slip your hands out.

If possible, place your hands side by side when the cable tie is being attached and tightened, as this will give you more space to play with. To free your hands, you will need to turn your wrists so that they are facing inwards, (your palms facing together), then patiently work on getting one of your thumbs out so that you can escape the restraint.

2.   Breaking Out With A Sharp Whack

If the cable ties are too tight for you to consider option one, with sufficient strength, it is also possible to break out of the tie by giving it a sharp whack. The way you approach this method will depend on whether your hands are tied in front of you, or at the rear.

•        Front - First, you will need to turn the tie until the locking mechanism, (which is the weakest point), is positioned between your palms. If your hands have been tied in front of you, you must raise them above your head and then bring your hands down forcefully with a sharp blow towards your stomach, forcing your elbows out away from your body at the same time.

You may not get it first time, but with the correct level of force and the right position, the cable tie will break.

•        Rear - This method follows the same logic when your hands are tied at the rear, although it is admittedly a little harder to pull off. You will need to stand with your body bent slightly forward and raise your arms as high as you can behind you. Bring your arms down as hard as possible and as your wrists connect with your body you need to be simultaneously pulling them apart to put as much pressure as possible on the locking mechanism and break it open.