Found a Useful Item You May Not Know About

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I bought new strings of lights for my Christmas tree last year and had a devil of a time getting them strung out to put on the tree last December. The manufacturer had packaged them in rather thick, long, narrow boxes with Cellophane “windows” to show them off, curling the wires neatly beneath the inch and a half diameter “Tinsel Globes,” so there was no way to get 'em back in the boxes. I debated methods of coiling them, wrapping around cardboards and putting them in boxes–if I could find boxes.

Then I thought, “How about if I use the sailors’ standby, coiling them, then put zip ties around the wires to keep 'em from tangling and to keep them together?” But then I faintly heard one of my Scottish ancestores rattling his Claymore and muttering, “Oh, yeah, laddie, then ye have te cut 'em off and put new ones on next year?”

So I Googled “reusable zip ties”–and found out there are lots of reusable cable ties, as they’re formally known, available. “Okay, Jamie, ye c’n gae back te sleep neu!” I bought a pack of 25 (about 24 cents apiece, less if you buy in greater bulk) and they work like gangbusters. Zip, they’re on and tightened, push a little molded on lever like a pen clip, and off they come, very handy for adjustments during a job and so, very handy. All my lights and cords are neatly fastened and stashed in plastic grocery bags, ready for next December.

Thought I’d pass this on to one and all. Happy modeling!

Deano

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Thanks, Deano!

Those are neat. I’ve come across them in the past and like the idea.

I also use “Hook & Loop” AKA Velcro, cable wraps of several types. (The ones on this site are pricey, but you can search for better deals elsewhere).

https://www.cableorganizer.com/hook-fastener/

I forget where I got it but I have a pretty big spool of velcro cable wrap and I simply cut off what I need and it helps keep wires tucked out of the way.

https://tinyurl.com/ycwhos6a

Good Stuff!

Regards, Ed

3

Sounds a bit like my wife, who spend her first 40 years just under the boarder of Scottland. Most people mistake her for Scottish.

4

At the craft store Michaels I found a roll of wire similar to “bread ties” that you can cut to length It comes in quite handy for temporary or even permanent wire management.

https://www.michaels.com/floral-wire-with-cutter-by-ashland%2C-55-ft./10315093.html#q=floral+wir&pmpt=qualifying&sz=24&start=28