zip-ties

Plastic ratcheting straps

Zip-ties are thin plastic strips with a ratcheting mechanism that locks when the pointed end is threaded through a small housing at the other end.

They're used to bundle cables, secure objects, or fasten things together.

Once tightened, they can only be removed by cutting.

Also called cable ties.

Police sometimes use heavy-duty versions as temporary restraints: The protesters were zip-tied and loaded into vans.

fastening

securing

Making firmly fixed

bundlingGrouping items as one
cinchingPulling tight to secure
strappingMuscular and hale

lashing · clamping · anchoring · tying · trussing · binding · affixing · connecting · joining · linking

organizing

bundling

Grouping items as one

sortingArranging into sequence
groupingArrangement by shared traits
labelingAssigning identifying markers

routing · tidying · decluttering · electronics

temporary

improvised

Created without prior planning

makeshiftTemporary, improvised substitute
stopgapTemporary substitute measure
disposableMade for one use

single-use · replaceable · expedient · jury-rigged · hack · workaround · non-permanent

material

nylon

Synthetic textile polymer

polyamidePolymer linked by amide bonds
plasticCapable of being molded
polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule

synthetic · durable · flexible · UV-resistant · weather-resistant · heat-resistant · non-conductive · recyclable · single-use · disposable

restraint

handcuffs

Locking wrist restraints

detainHold in custody
arrestSeize by law
policeCivil law enforcement

prisoner · immobilize · subduing · protest · tactical · security · law-enforcement

Opposites

reusability

zip-tiesvelcro straps

Fabric fasteners using microhooks

rope · bungee cords · twist ties · carabiners · twine

reversibility

zip-tiessnap fasteners

Interlocking disc closures

Family

zip, tie, zips, ties, zipped, zipping, zipper, zippers, zippy

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G