Secrets of the Playful Inventor: What looks like a simple piece of plastic, can attach things securely.

Cable Ties


	The first time I saw a cable tie, it was keeping cords coming out of a computer neatly in place. I hadn't realized how many other ways a cable tie can be used... -Natalie

	cable ties stuff you need to attach

	Cable ties are strong and easy to attach: slip the end through, shiny side out, and pull to secure.

	A cable tie is for one time use only. If you want to remove it, you have to cut it off.

	How playful inventors have been using cable ties: Here, a girl attaches a music maker to a sound tree installation.

	Here's a cable tie holding up the head of a marionette-style dragon.

	They come in lots of colors and lengths. You can get them at Radio Shack or a hardware store.

	Substitution: If you don't have cable ties, pipe cleaners are similar, though they don't hold quite as firmly. (A good thing about pipe cleaners is they are reusable - so if you need to move something, you can just untwist and re-attach.)

	You can also try twist-ties or bag fasteners that you get on packages from the grocery story.