29 Survival Uses for Zip Ties

A few weeks ago I noticed an interesting post on uses for zip ties but quite a few of them weren’t actually related to survival and preparedness and so I thought I would put together a list of ways you might be able to use heavy duty zip ties for survival tasks. Here’s what I came up with–from my own thoughts and assorted sources (such as Sensible Prepper)–feel free to add your own in the comments:

1. Mend gear if there are holes, zippers broke off, buttons missing, etc.
2. Handcuff bad guys.
3. Attach gear (such as a portable solar panel) to a backpack.
4. Cinch down gear and clothing to save space.
5. Emergency shoe laces.
6. Secure the bottoms of pants leg to keep “creepy crawlies” out.
7. Secure zippers (such as on a duffel bag) to provide evidence of tampering.
8. Create a grab handle for things that are difficult to grab otherwise (or for one-handed options).
9. Secure a split or bandages.
10. If you had no other choice as a tourniquet.
11. Repair holes in chainlink fences or other fencing material.
12. Make it easy for a knife to open when removed from pants pocket.
13. Quickly erect a survival shelter using a tarp with grommet holes.
14. Makeshift snare.
15. Organizing gear and supplies and to keep them together (such as cables and cords).
16. Makeshift hanger for nearly anything.
17. Makeshift belt (enough put together would hold up your pants).
18. Snowtire mod (such as a few around your shoes or a dozen on a bicycle tire).
19. Use in place of cordage to tie poles together, for example.
20. For use in the garden to hold up tomato vines or whatever.
21. Use in place of a hair bandana.
22. An assortment of home and car repairs (e.g., various car parts that may be hanging down).
23. Make a net to catch expended brass at the shooting range. 🙂
24. Secure the materials to setup an expedient water catchment system.
25. Attach various supplies to your keychain quickly (e.g., a mini bic lighter).
26. Seal the end of a bag or tote that otherwise won’t seal (to keep the contents from falling out or possibly even to make it water-tight).
27. Quickly attach your knife to a long pole as a hunting spear, though, paracord would be much more reliable.
28. Makeshift fishing pole when tired around a sturdy branch.
29. Trail markers (the colored ones).

What survival uses would you add?