Did you know there is more than one way to free yourself from a zip tie? I was surprised to discover this myself. These tricks can be nice entertainment. This information can also save your life if you are ever held by bad guys. 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.
Because zip ties are nearly impossible to break and cost little, they are commonly used to restrain humans. You can use these tips in order to break free of your bonds if your hands are bound in front of your body.
LEAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO WIGGLE
Place your hands next to each other, palms down, thumbs together, hands balled into fists, when someone places a zip tie on your wrists. Increase the span of your shoulders by tightening your chest muscles. When the bad guys come by to tighten your restraints, they will see that they are snug. Later, when you relax, you should have enough room to release your bindings with a small shim.
FLAWED DESIGN
The teeth on the plastic strip of a zip tie are wedged against a small bit of plastic that acts as a latch in the lock. This latch is engaged by fitting between the teeth when the stip is tugged backwards, locking it in place. A small nail file, eyeglass screwdriver, razor blade, pin or other small object can be used to insert between the teeth and the latch to allow the plastic strip to be pulled out of the lock. Taking advantage of the extra room in your bindings, you should be able to reach and place the shim into the lock and release your bonds.
REMOVAL OF TIE WITHOUT RELEASING THE LOCK
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. Move your elbows wide so that when the zip tie is tightened, you will gain even more room. 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 may go against your instincts. The zip tie should be placed tightly on the wrists rather than creating wiggle room. Curl your hands into fists and present them for binding with the palms facing each other. The lock should be positioned on top of your wrists. Raise your hands to the face or chest level with elbows bent. Next, force your arms quickly downward and backwards, running your elbows past your sides, attempting to touch your shoulder blades together. This motion should exert enough force to break the lock.
Of course, this article is only for information. When attempting these skills, the reader assumes all liability and must exercise sound judgment.