When securing a CV boot I usually just put a long cable tie on it, as I'm sure a lot of DIY mechanics do, but that's obviously not a very professional way of doing things.

So, what's the proper way?

Looking at eBay, there seems to be two types of tools. A 'windy' one and another type that looks like a pair of long pliers. Is one better than the other or are both needed?

Note that my normal use will be reassembling using an old CV boot (eg if I've taken it apart for a fix) so I need stock of the bands too.

So, over to you lot... What's the best way to do a professional looking job?

Cheers, Chris

Ive tried using the 'boot supplied' metal ties before, and never got them to seal firmly. (like these)Steel Band Tie For CV Boot 2pc 3174 | eBay
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All the factory ones ive removed recently have been this type and always seem to alot firmer than any others.
Metal CV / Driveshaft Boot Ties Qty 4 Approx 20' Long | eBay

Personally Im happy to use plastic cable ties!

been doing the cv boots with zip ties for over 15 years.
None !! have failed as result of the zip ties. DO use 2 zips at 180 degrees though (for their bulky ends) cheap insurance :-)
Metal fasteners are simply a pita.

[Edited on 6/3/12 by Bare]

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Originally posted by Bare
been doing the cv boots with zip ties for over 15 years.
None !! have failed as result of the zip ties. DO use 2 zips at 180 degrees though (for their bulky ends) cheap insurance :-)
Metal fasteners are simply a pita.

[Edited on 6/3/12 by Bare]

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I've used the metal clips crimping them with carpentry pincers, works fine.

The metal clips that simply fold over have always worked perfectly for me, and can be tensioned and fastened using pliers though a special tool might make it a little easier.

Standard cable ties are crap; they don't seal properly at the head (unless you have special cable ties that fasten flush) and the heads are so big they can catch on the upright and get pulled off on some cars (e.g. mini). If they were a good choice they would be used by car manufacturers.

Cable ties work fine provided they are not too wide.

Garden tying wire also works well,

Get a wind up one. It is MUCH better than using cable ties and cost bugger all so why not do it properly?!!

[Edited on 6/3/12 by Strontium Dog]

Believe it or not ive seen jubilee clips used, for a stuburn boot that kept popping off on full lock!

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Originally posted by loggyboy
Believe it or not ive seen jubilee clips used, for a stuburn boot that kept popping off on full lock!

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Originally posted by Strontium Dog
Get a wind up one. It is MUCH better than using cable ties and cost bugger all so why not do it properly?!!

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Originally posted by ChrisW

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Originally posted by Strontium Dog
Get a wind up one. It is MUCH better than using cable ties and cost bugger all so why not do it properly?!!

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Do you mean one like this: eBay Item

Chris

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Originally posted by BobM
I've used the metal clips crimping them with carpentry pincers, works fine.

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Originally posted by Strontium Dog

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Originally posted by loggyboy
Believe it or not ive seen jubilee clips used, for a stuburn boot that kept popping off on full lock!

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Better than using cable ties!

The tool I use cuts the steel band neatly and allows you to tensions the band perfectly. You just need to tap the tags down to secure the end. Simple and completely effective/reliable. I must have done hundreds over the years and never had a failure!..........Yet!

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Stainless mig wire also works well,but think that strappy machine in the link will look for factory which was your original question.

Cheers

Rich

My MOT man whines at cable ties claiming they're not very good and should be replaced. I must admit they leak a little even with careful application and tight pulling but I suspect that's due to boot wear when the the first fell off.

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Originally posted by NigeEss

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Originally posted by BobM
I've used the metal clips crimping them with carpentry pincers, works fine.

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Likewise.

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I've used cable-ties as a quick bodge when I havn't had the proper steel bands available but its very hard to get a cable-tie tight enough without it snapping or it slipping off. Even using a cable-tie tool doesn't ensure the boot seals properly.
I got a big bag of powder-coated stainless-steel cable-ties off some industrial electricians that were istalling cable tray where I work. They thread through a loop a bit like a belt buckle arrangement and you can click them up tighter with pincers before bending the tail back over the buckle and squishing the tabs down. Proper job.

We use one similar to the one in the link but with stainless zip ties rather than the loose roll shown. They're great but watch the ends as they are sharp; You won't even know you're cut and be wondering where all the red stuff is coming from.

Nail pincers work well (in place of the correct but expensive pliers) with the standard steel clips if the ones that come with a replacment boot are any good (lots of crap ones about).

Nylon zip ties work fine in a lot of cases but tend to stretch and leak or come loose over time.

We also use Jubilee clips, but only on the "plastic" CV boots like used by Renault, where the original welded (how do they do that) clips have failed (common) and the boot doesn't need replacing. Nothing else will compress the plastic enough to be secure. Balance was a concern but has never turned out to be a problem... and can't ever remember a FWD shaft that had been balanced.