Got called out for my cable bundling method on a Phoenix apartment job

I was running a bundle of six RG6 drops down an exterior wall, using the same zip ties every 18 inches like I always have. The lead tech, a guy named Mark, pulled me aside and said, 'You're creating stress points that will fail in the heat.' He showed me how the plastic gets brittle here after a couple summers, and a tight bundle traps heat against the jacket. I switched to using Velcro wraps every 24 inches instead, leaving a little slack in the bundle. It felt wrong at first, like the lines were too loose. But after seeing a few of my old jobs come back with cracked zip ties and moisture damage, I get it now. The extra minute per run is worth it. Anyone else make a change after getting specific criticism on their technique?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.ben1mo ago

Mark's not wrong about the heat, but a loose bundle with Velcro can snag and pull loose in high winds. I've seen it happen. A zip tie every 18 inches with a proper UV-rated outdoor grade is the standard for a reason. You just have to leave them a little loose, not cranked down tight.

nora101mo ago

Been there. Sometimes the way you've always done it just needs a fresh look, right? Good on you for listening and changing it up.

hugo5020h ago

My old man used to say you can't teach a dog new tricks, but he switched from a flip phone to a smartphone at 70. It's funny how we get stuck in routines even with small stuff, like always taking the same route to work. What's something you changed your mind about recently?