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https://hackaday.com/2023/01/05/excuse-me-your-tie-is-unzipped/
If you ask your typical handyperson what's the one thing you need to fix most things, the answer might very well be duct tape. But second place — and first place in some circles — would have to be zip ties. These little wonders are everywhere if you look for them. But they are a relatively recent invention and haven't always had the form they have today.
The original zip tie wasn't called a zip tie or even a cable tie. In 1958 they were called Ty-Raps and produced by a company called Thomas and Betts. Originally meant to improve aircraft wiring harnesses, they found their way into various electronic equipment and packaging uses. But they've also become helpful in very unusual places too. A policeman trying to round up rioters would have problems carrying more than a few conventional handcuffs. But flexible cuffs based on zip ties are lightweight and easy to carry. Colon surgeons sometimes use a modified form of zip tie during procedures.
(Score: 1) by nostyle on Sunday January 08, @08:14PM
Several people have cautioned/complained about sharp edges on trimmed zip ties.
The easy fix for this for the nylon ties is to use a flame to melt the edges to be a bit more rounded - being careful not to start a big fire. This might make them less re-usable, tho.
It is troubling that the nylon will likely wind up as microplastic in turtles in the ocean eventually, but presently there is often nothing cheaper or more handy when the need arises.
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-Sting, Track 10 on The Dream of the Blue Turtles