The best zip tie cutter is a zip tie gun, which tensions the tie and cuts it flush with the head in one squeeze. For the odd tie, sharp flush cutters held flat against the head do the job. Avoid scissors and angled side cutters: they leave a pointed stub that is sharper than the uncut tail.
Here is how to get a clean cut every time.
Which zip tie cutter to use
| Tool | Cut | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Zip tie gun | Flush, square, tensioned | Any job with more than a handful of ties |
| Flush cutters | Flush if held flat | Odd ties and tight spots |
| Side cutters | Angled, leaves a point | Removing ties, not finishing them |
| Scissors or a knife | Ragged or pointed | Avoid: risk of slipping into the cable |
| Tin snips or bolt cutters | Rough | Removing stainless ties |
Our guns: the blue nylon 66 gun suits nylon ties from 2.2mm to 4.8mm, the red fastening gun handles 2.2mm to 12mm nylon with adjustable tension, and the stainless steel gun suits metal ties from 3mm to 7.9mm.
How to cut a zip tie flush with cutters
- Tighten first. Pull the tie to its final tension before you cut. A loose tie cannot be tightened once the tail is gone.
- Turn the head. Rotate the tie so the head sits where you can reach it and away from hands.
- Lay the cutters flat. Rest the flat side of the jaws against the face of the head, not at an angle.
- Cut square. Close the cutters in one firm squeeze, straight across the tail.
- Feel the edge. Run a finger over the cut. If it catches, trim again flat to the head.
How to cut zip ties flush with a gun
Thread the tie, slide the tail into the gun's nose with the nose against the head, and squeeze. The gun pulls the tie to the set tension, then cuts the tail flush. Every tie ends up the same tension with the same clean finish. See how to use a zip tie gun for setup.
How to cut thick zip ties
- 7.6mm to 12.7mm nylon: use heavy flush cutters or the red fastening gun, which handles nylon up to 12mm. Light cutters can crush rather than cut a wide strap.
- Cut in one go: nibbling at a wide tie leaves a jagged edge.
- Removing a heavy tie: slip the cutter blade between the strap and the bundle at the head, blade facing out, and cut away from the hose or cable.
How to cut stainless steel zip ties
- Finishing a new tie: the stainless steel zip tie gun cuts flush in the same squeeze that tensions it. A hand-cut stainless end is sharp, so fold it back or file it.
- Removing an old tie: side cutters on 4.6mm ties; tin snips or bolt cutters on 7.8mm. Wear gloves and eye protection, because the strap can spring.
More on fitting them in how to fit and remove stainless steel zip ties.
Why a flush cut matters
- Hands: an angled stub cuts fingers and catches gloves.
- Cables and hoses: a sharp tail rubbing under vibration can wear through insulation.
- A tidy finish: flush-cut ties look professional in a switchboard, rack or vehicle loom.
Common questions
What is the best tool to cut zip ties?
A zip tie gun for a flush, tensioned cut on every tie; flush cutters for the occasional tie.
How do you cut a zip tie without leaving a sharp edge?
Hold flush cutters flat against the head and cut straight across in one squeeze, or let a zip tie gun cut it for you.
What do you use to cut stainless steel zip ties?
A stainless steel zip tie gun when fitting them; side cutters, tin snips or bolt cutters when removing them.
Written by the team at Zip Tie Man, an Australian zip tie supplier since 2016.
See our zip tie guns, or read how to use a zip tie.
Featured image (cutters): 4300streetcar, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
