C.K Tools, a manufacturer of professional hand tools, has announced the release of its Snip ‘n’ Grip Cable Tie Cutter and Captivator, a new tool developed to support foreign object debris (FOD) prevention in sectors such as aviation, aerospace, military maintenance, and other safety-critical environments.
The tool has been designed to address the issue of loose cable tie waste, which has been identified as a contributing factor in several major incidents, including the fatal crash of Air Midwest Flight 5481.
Conventional removal methods often leave behind fragments that pose risks to operational integrity and safety, particularly in complex or sensitive installations.
The company says the Snip ‘n’ Grip combines cutting and retention in a single action, ensuring the cable tie is both severed and captured, allowing for controlled disposal.
The design aims to reduce the likelihood of debris remaining in areas where it could interfere with components, wiring, or systems.
Mathew Jones, Product Design Executive at C.K Tools, says, “At C.K Tools we are always looking for new ways to solve industry safety challenges, and FOD is, and always will be, a critical issue.
“It’s well documented that cable ties have been involved in numerous incidents that have put lives in danger. In fact, the catastrophic Air Midwest Flight 5481 crash involved cable ties as a contributing FOD factor.
“The design of the Snip ‘n’ Grip tool means the cable tie is cut and captured in one movement, retaining the cut tie which can then be safely disposed of.
“A small innovation with big safety assurances, significantly reducing the chance of cut ties becoming loose in critical areas.”
The tool is manufactured with precision-machined cutting heads and features bright handles to improve visibility in low-light or confined spaces.
Flush-cutting jaws allow for the removal of cable ties without damaging nearby components such as hoses or wires.
The spring-loaded, ergonomically designed handles automatically return the tool to its open position after each cut to reduce strain and increase efficiency during repeated use.
The Snip ‘n’ Grip is intended for use in a range of settings, including MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) workshops, aerospace assembly lines, military maintenance, and industrial electrical installations.
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