How To Release A Zip Tie

Would you believe there are at least three ways to escape a zip tie binding? Until I started looking, I didn’t realize this. You can amuse your friends demonstrating these skills . In the event you find yourself in the company of bad guys, this information can save your life. Information like this can help you remain calm, resisting the tendency to panic, when in danger. And THIS can be just what you need to take advantage of an opportunity to escape.

Zip ties are cheap and nearly impossible to break, making them a favorite for human restraints. When your hands are bound in front, you here is what you will need to do to break free.

CREATE SOME SLACK

Place your hands next to each other, palms down, thumbs together, hands balled into fists, when someone places a zip tie on your wrists. Flex your chest to enlarge the span of your shoulders. Your bonds will be tight when they are checked by your captors. This will give you enough room when you relax so that you can use a small shim to open the lock and release your binding.

A FLAW IN THE DESIGN

There is a small plastic latch that presses against the teeth of the plastic strip when it is pulled through the lock of a zip tie. When the strip is pulled backwards, the latch falls against the teeth and prevents it’s release. A small screwdriver, nail file, straight pin, or another small tool can be inserted in the lock to lift the latch away from the teeth and allow the strip of plastic to slide free. The slack you have in your bindings should allow you enough room to be able to reach, insert your shim and release the lock.

REMOVE THE TIE WHILE STILL LOCKED

The first step of this method is to create wiggle room. Cross your wrists with the thumbs of your hands pointing upwards. This enlarges the circumference that will be needed to secure your hands. When the zip tie is tightened, move it up your arm by spreading your elbows wide. Rotate your arms so that your hands are facing each other (like a child praying) when you are no longer watched. Your goal now is to get one thumb free by working the zip tie towards the fingers. Once you have one hand free, the other will easily slip out of the plastic loop.

BREAKING THE LOCK

This method does NOT require extra slack in the loop. Rather than creating a slack binding, the zip tie should be tight. Place your hands together with palms facing and the fingers curled into a fist. The lock should be positioned on top of your wrists. Lift your wrists to eye level while keeping your elbows bent. Force your arms downward in a hammer-like motion sending your elbows past your sides while you attempt to make your shoulder blades touch. This motion should exert enough force to break the lock.

These methods are presented for information only. The reader should exercise good judgment and assumes all liability when attempting to utilize these methods.