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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 13, 2023 20:22:29 GMT -5
I have two Owners Lockers, one I have had since I was a Beta tester, some 15+ years ago. I have always had a husband with strong hands that could get the locker closed with the provided zip ties and he was able to twist them off when we arrived to get them open. Well, I don't have that anymore and I also have arthritic hands that make it even more difficult to do the chore. I am wondering how my fellow aging MagicOwners deal with this. I struggled for 30 minutes to get the zip tie off of one of the lockers today. Anyone use something of your own to secure the locker shut? I know the opening to fit something thru is very small, but I was hoping someone had a suggestion. I also plan to write to John to see if he has any other options or suggestions.
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Feb 14, 2023 0:51:33 GMT -5
Full disclosure: I do not have an owners locker, but I use plenty of zip-ties out in the garage. Looking at pictures of the Owner's Locker zip-ties, they look mostly like normal zip ties. That said, my weapon of choice is a pair of wire cutters. Just a little "clip" and you are done. I stole this image from amazon, but any pair from any hardware store will be great, including the floral or jewelry section at a craft store. In fact, I sometimes go look at the tools in the floral and jewelry sections, they have some nice looking stuff. They don't have to be big, just whatever you think will fit your hand. Small ones will be plenty. Nail clippers work okay but usually don't open big enough, but toenail clippers generally work pretty good. Scissors in a pinch but not easy.  |
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Post by noreen99 on Feb 14, 2023 4:56:33 GMT -5
I have two Owners Lockers, one I have had since I was a Beta tester, some 15+ years ago. I have always had a husband with strong hands that could get the locker closed with the provided zip ties and he was able to twist them off when we arrived to get them open. Well, I don't have that anymore and I also have arthritic hands that make it even more difficult to do the chore. I am wondering how my fellow aging MagicOwners deal with this. I struggled for 30 minutes to get the zip tie off of one of the lockers today. Anyone use something of your own to secure the locker shut? I know the opening to fit something thru is very small, but I was hoping someone had a suggestion. I also plan to write to John to see if he has any other options or suggestions. although the suggestion for wire cutters is the better choice I don’t usually have one if I am flying in… that said if I am flying carryon only i use a multi tool ( lol it’s shaped like big foot - it’s allowed on my keychain through TSA…It usually it takes more than one go at it though.. When I drive there is always an emergency kit in the car with a legitimate leather man multi tool. |
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Post by cpnkirk on Feb 14, 2023 6:29:12 GMT -5
I suggest asking Bell Services for help, assuming they are delivering or picking up at the room anyway. It should only take a moment, and I'll bet they would be glad to cut the tie with a kitchen knife or whatever tool is at hand, and also pull one tight for you.
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Post by brp on Feb 14, 2023 9:46:03 GMT -5
A very small screwdriver forced into the teeth side of the zip tie allows them to be slid open and reused. We do this routinely. The key is the the zip tie can't be cinched too tight or it's hard/impossible to get to the teeth side.
Cheers.
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Feb 14, 2023 9:46:21 GMT -5
Right now I am wincing at the thought of someone using one of the top-quality DVC-supplied kitchen knives to cut a tie and it goes sideways and they get it in the hand instead...ooooooooo
I thought also, usually at Target Walmart etc, they have toenail cutters that are basically the above wire cutters. You could get one in a little kit in a case maybe.
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Post by brp on Feb 14, 2023 9:49:55 GMT -5
I thought also, usually at Target Walmart etc, they have toenail cutters that are basically the above wire cutters. You could get one in a little kit in a case maybe. This is also a good idea. I keep a basic nail cutter in my travel toiletry bag and it can definitely cut a zip tie.
Cheers.
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Post by rwethereyet on Feb 14, 2023 11:59:17 GMT -5
I am sure there are wire cutters or something at home in the garage--hubby had at least ten of everything, I can probably find a pair to put in each suitcase so that I have one depending on which one I decide to use.
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Post by Wiltony on Feb 14, 2023 12:34:27 GMT -5
Are you using zip ties other than what are provided by OL? The ones OL provides are designed to be twisted off fairly easily. Even with the arthritis, you should be able to take a fork, put that large tab from the zip tie between the tines, and then should have plenty of leverage to twist it off. Good luck!
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Post by krisephillips on Feb 14, 2023 14:16:10 GMT -5
I have two Owners Lockers, one I have had since I was a Beta tester, some 15+ years ago. I have always had a husband with strong hands that could get the locker closed with the provided zip ties and he was able to twist them off when we arrived to get them open. Well, I don't have that anymore and I also have arthritic hands that make it even more difficult to do the chore. I am wondering how my fellow aging MagicOwners deal with this. I struggled for 30 minutes to get the zip tie off of one of the lockers today. Anyone use something of your own to secure the locker shut? I know the opening to fit something thru is very small, but I was hoping someone had a suggestion. I also plan to write to John to see if he has any other options or suggestions. although the suggestion for wire cutters is the better choice I don’t usually have one if I am flying in… that said if I am flying carryon only i use a multi tool ( lol it’s shaped like big foot - it’s allowed on my keychain through TSA…It usually it takes more than one go at it though.. When I drive there is always an emergency kit in the car with a legitimate leather man multi tool. I have started to pack a small pair of wire cutters in our checked luggage for this very purpose. |
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Post by tomandrobin on Feb 16, 2023 21:27:35 GMT -5
The ties come off easily by just twisting the tab at the top. A fall back option would be to ask bell services if they would open for you when the drop off the OL.
Off topic......But its nice to see that you are still going to WDW. It makes me happy!
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 21, 2023 18:18:34 GMT -5
The ties come off easily by just twisting the tab at the top. A fall back option would be to ask bell services if they would open for you when the drop off the OL. Off topic......But its nice to see that you are still going to WDW. It makes me happy! Thanks, Tom.
I am putting in a pair of needle nose pliers in my checked back. They will help me twist off the zip ties when I get there and also should help to pull them thru when I get ready to close it up.
Yes, I am actually going as often as I can. I am learning to travel solo, and am finding that I often prefer being solo--can do exactly what I want, when I want, or sleep in if I decide to. I have also had a friend or two join me on different trips and that is nice too. I have 4 trips planned over the next 10 month period and I am particularly excited about having two Riviera Tower studio trips coming up. I learned from my cancer scare that I need to get on with things and not put them off for any reason any longer.
One of these days, our trip dates will cross again--would love to have a short visit with you and Robin. I hope you both are doing well and still enjoying Disney as well.
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 21, 2023 18:20:44 GMT -5
Are you using zip ties other than what are provided by OL? The ones OL provides are designed to be twisted off fairly easily. Even with the arthritis, you should be able to take a fork, put that large tab from the zip tie between the tines, and then should have plenty of leverage to twist it off. Good luck! Nope, I have only used the ones that are provided with the locker. However, some of the fat tab at the top and some don't. The fat tabs are easier to get off but harder to pull thru. The ones without the fat tab are harder to get off but easier to pull thru. That is my experience anyway.
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Post by dvcforless on Mar 21, 2023 18:32:39 GMT -5
Perhaps the folks at Owners Lockers could cut the zip tie when dropping it off at bell services? I've had a few conversations with the the owner of Owners Lockers and he seems like a genuinely nice person. Maybe they could add a note on your account or something so that you don't have to ask each time in the future. Best of luck!
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Post by rwethereyet on Mar 22, 2023 10:18:45 GMT -5
Perhaps the folks at Owners Lockers could cut the zip tie when dropping it off at bell services? I've had a few conversations with the the owner of Owners Lockers and he seems like a genuinely nice person. Maybe they could add a note on your account or something so that you don't have to ask each time in the future. Best of luck! LOL, my lockers are so full that if they removed the zip ties when they delivered, stuff would probably come flying out everywhere.
Yes, John, the owner, is a really, really nice person and a pleasure to work with.
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