The most common job for one of these ties and from which it takes its name, is holding electrical cables together but its usefulness does not stop there. A cable tie can be used to hold just about anything, from wire to a fence post to people wrists; yes the police will use them when handcuffs are not available. A tie is easy to fit and once on can only be cut off, they are that strong and secure. In normal use the unwanted tongue can be clipped off, tight to the block, to make a neat job. An essential in any workman's tool box.