Cable-ties for securing coils of rope in washing machine

[Danny Jo]

Further to the very useful suggestions in the thread "Washing warps", and fearful of the domestic that would surely follow my use of pillow cases for containing warps and sheets, I tried cable ties.

They work a treat. Use two cable ties for each coil. Two pairs of sheets in one load, beautifully balanced spin so no strain on the washing machine bearing and no holes in the floor. Best of all, the coils came out as they went in, without a hint of a tangle. SWMBO was out giving a talk on basket making. I thought the game was up when she came out to the barn this morning while I was sorting ropes and smelt the fabric conditioner, but she seemed to be under the impression that I had done them by hand.

One snag only - in one place the core of a plait on plait sheet had herniated through the sheath, but the problem was solved by securing one end and milking the sheath towards the hernia.

Incidentally, did you know that you can re-use cable ties. I was shown the trick earlier this year. They work on the ratchet principle, and you can disengage the ratchet by pushing the tip of a small (e.g. electrical) screwdriver in at the point where - oh shucks, a drawing would be so much easier - take a look, you'll see where to push the tip of the screwdriver.

 

[adrianb]

-and velcro ties can be re-used without resorting to a screwdriver ! Not that the standard cable tie cost ooodles of cash anyway............


Adrian

www.cleanandshiny.co.uk

 

[Boathook]

I read/heard some where that fabric conditioner is not suitable for ropes. I use cable ties to hold old socks over the metal thimbles and other un-removeable fittings.

 

[chrisc]

I use cable ties for everything (well almost) tying up the shrouds after taking mast down,tidy mast and ropes before putting it away,holding things down on deck etc. etc. bought a big bag for zilch about five years ago and am half way through it.

 

[Evadne]

If you're really mean you can get releasable (re-useable) cable ties. Not as strong as the regular sort, though. Or you could always use string, I suppose.

 

[Birdseye]

[ QUOTE ]

Incidentally, did you know that you can re-use cable ties. I was shown the trick earlier this year. They work on the ratchet principle, and you can disengage the ratchet by pushing the tip of a small (e.g. electrical) screwdriver in at the point where - oh shucks, a drawing would be so much easier - take a look, you'll see where to push the tip of the screwdriver.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, thats how I get them in the first place. Look at some of your local lamp posts where there have been notices held on by ties and you will find lots of ties left there. Apply sharp prodder and you get your ties for free!

 

[kengill]

Don't beleive them. My Genoa sheets are 20 years old and soft as a baby's bottom.