Recommend me a Cable Tie Gun

[Ross365]

For years, I've got by with a "hobbyist" tie gun made of plastic, but entering my dotage, getting a quality gun has reached the top of my wish list. I only want to use nylon ties, but would like a gun made of metal. This Molex item from RS https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-tie-guns/2134381 seems to fit the bill.

Any thoughts please?

 

[Erie Fred]

That looks like the cheap ones sold at HF, they don't cut good.
The first one, the swinging jaw broke in half (powdered metal part),
The second one lasted, but won't cut.

 

[sparkysy]

These are really good

C.K Cable Tie Gun 495003 | C.K Tools Superstore

cktools-superstore.co.uk

Or these.

Cable Tie Fastening Tool | AK3254 | Sealey

Used for tightening cable ties up to 2.5mm thick and up to 9.5mm wide. Spring loaded handle and spring loaded cutter.

www.sealey.co.uk

Sy

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

This was passed down to me by my father and I’ve been using it for the past 3 years most days. Real good bit of kit, and looks at a good price compared to the newer model.

Nylon C/Tie Tension Tool (2.5 - 4.8mm)

Automatic Nylon Cable Tie Cutting & Tensioning Tool | FREE UK Delivery on Orders Over £50 | Worldwide Shipping

www.expresselectrical.co.uk

 

[Ross365]

Thanks guys; I should have said that the price limit is ~£40.

I think that Molex have had a good reputation in the past, but we've seen lots of tool makers go bad. That Molex was supplied in the Uk by RS components and they do sell quality. Perhaps there are clones?

That CK looks to be the one that Screwfix have but I cannot see 495003 number https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-cable-tie-gun/6498x#product_additional_details_container. I expect to be dropping in at the local branch one day this week (always easy to return stuff).
In the Screwfix reviews it scores 4.3, but only 6 people reviewed and one slagged it off cos it won't do stainless ties, though they tell it will not!

 

[Erie Fred]

This was passed down to me by my father and I’ve been using it for the past 3 years most days. Real good bit of kit, and looks at a good price compared to the newer model.

Nylon C/Tie Tension Tool (2.5 - 4.8mm)

Automatic Nylon Cable Tie Cutting & Tensioning Tool | FREE UK Delivery on Orders Over £50 | Worldwide Shipping

www.expresselectrical.co.uk

This is the one used at work.
I have one and it works well.
will tension and cut the biggest thickest ones (5/16" wide must be .080 thick)

 

[Ross365]

This is the one used at work.
I have one and it works well.
will tension and cut the biggest thickest ones (5/16" wide must be .080 thick)

That totally busts the budget. Bearing in mind that I really trust RS, I'm drawn to the Molex, but the CK is a good contender.
Metric units only please, we don't want anyone to lose any more spacecraft .

 

[GRW]

That totally busts the budget. Bearing in mind that I really trust RS, I'm drawn to the Molex, but the CK is a good contender.
Metric units only please, we don't want anyone to lose any more spacecraft .

Only issue with RS I found (& I used to buy a reasonable amount of electrical kit for the firm where I worked) - is that they can be rather pricey.
RS badge-engineer & resell a lot of stuff - stuff you can often find elsewhere & significantly cheaper.
RS service is good generally, & I would use them (esp. If needing stuff fast, & OK price) - just saying some kit gets priced with "a blunt pencil".

 

[GRW]

https://cpc.farnell.com/search?gs=true&st=Cable%20tie%20gun

Any of these any good?
CPC Farnell can be a good place to get stuff at reasonable prices.

 

[Bobupndown]

Thanks guys, another tool I didn't know existed but now obviously want.

 

[drjim]

Do these things still leave the lethally sharp sticky out bit that you get if you use side cutters?

 

[Erie Fred]

That totally busts the budget. Bearing in mind that I really trust RS, I'm drawn to the Molex, but the CK is a good contender.
Metric units only please, we don't want anyone to lose any more spacecraft .

However money spent on a tool that will not work is not very good eh ?
As far as metric, I have to deal with it on a weekly basis, usually rough convert in my head,
but figured not needed this time.....

 

[dieselsamurai]

Do these things still leave the lethally sharp sticky out bit that you get if you use side cutters?

not normally no , they are a godsend if you have a lot to do

 

[pawsnizzy]

Do these things still leave the lethally sharp sticky out bit that you get if you use side cutters?

No

 

[drjim]

Sounds like a reason to get one. That's me and Bobupndown so far!

 

[Ross365]

https://cpc.farnell.com/search?gs=true&st=Cable%20tie%20gun

CPC Farnell can be a good place to get stuff at reasonable prices.

The CPC site does give a PDF for the CK gun discussed above, and turns out it's made in Taiwan and I will never buy any Taiwan tools ever again.

However money spent on a tool that will not work is not very good eh ?

I don't think that because you've seen a gun of unknow brand in HF which "looks a bit the same", extrapolates to not buying a Molex from RS Components, where both the maker and supplier are respected names. If I don't like it, I'll send it back. I've had an account with RS for about 25 years and don't recall ever having one issue with them, though yes, they are never the cheapest, but I want some other quality stuff (RF connectors) from them too . The slight extra price you pay with RS is more that compensated by having a trouble-free supplier on your side.

 

[Erie Fred]

The CPC site does give a PDF for the CK gun discussed above, and turns out it's made in Taiwan and I will never buy any Taiwan tools ever again.

I don't think that because you've seen a gun of unknow brand in HF which "looks a bit the same", extrapolates to not buying a Molex from RS Components, where both the maker and supplier are respected names. If I don't like it, I'll send it back. I've had an account with RS for about 25 years and don't recall ever having one issue with them, though yes, they are never the cheapest, but I want some other quality stuff (RF connectors) from them too . The slight extra price you pay with RS is more that compensated by having a trouble-free supplier on your side.

Good For You !

 

[Maker]

Thanks guys; I should have said that the price limit is ~£40.

I won't bother recommending my excellent Thomas & Betts one then.

 

[smashweld]

+1 for 'didn't know it existed', maybe obvious but I had to watch a Youtube vid to see what it actually does, I was imagining a magazine of cable ties

 

[MetalMonkey]

The CPC site does give a PDF for the CK gun discussed above, and turns out it's made in Taiwan and I will never buy any Taiwan tools ever again.

The Molex gun is also made in Taiwan.
Neither CK or Molex make tools, they will source them from somebody else. Both are known brands, so they both should be better than an unbranded generic, although that is less of a guarantee thesedays than it used to be.

Taiwanese tools are usually a step up in quality than Chinese, and a long long way from where they were thirty years ago, if that's what is worrying you. Almost every quality ratcheting wrench in the world irrespective of brand (with a couple of exceptions) has the mechanism made in Taiwan, for example.