Abstract: A handheld tool for installing flexible metal ties includes a gun-shaped housing having a grip and a barrel portion. When a trigger adjacent the grip is squeezed, a tensioning and cutoff mechanism in the barrel tensions the tie and cuts it off after a predetermined tension is achieved. In order to achieve the substantially higher tensions that are desirable in metal, rather than plastic, ties, the barrel portion of the housing is reinforced with a member that surrounds the forward portion of the barrel portion. The reinforcing member is preferably formed of a rigid member and stiffens the barrel portion of the housing to enable it to resist the tensioning forces applied to the metal tie by the tensioning and cutoff mechanism.

Abstract: A power assisted system for tensioning and cutting off flexible cable ties includes a handheld unit coupled to a remote power unit by a flexible pull-cable. A trigger on the handheld unit signals the remote power unit to pull the pull-cable and thereby actuate the tool. A tie gripping and tensioning mechanism is provided in the handheld unit as is a cutoff mechanism that automatically cuts off the cable tie tail when the desired tension is achieved. Because operating power is provided by the remote unit, the handheld unit can be made small and lightweight without sacrificing power. Control signals are communicated from the handheld unit to the remote unit through wires carried alongside the pull-cable within a common sheath. Alternatively, the control signals can be communicated through the pull-cable itself.