Twist off your zip ties, don't cut them
by Mark Frauenfelder from on (#2TZW4)
If you cut a zip-tie tail with scissors, it leaves a sharp-edged stub. In this video, you'll learn how to use pliers to twist of the tail, which creates a stub without a sharp tail.
I just tried it (above photo) and it works. On the left is twist method. On the right is the scissors method (cutting as flush to the catch as possible). The tail on the twisted zip tie feels like a smooth, melted lump of plastic. Very cool!