Tail Swapping-- Making it Clean

[Heelys]

Since I collect for the purpose of customizing, all G1 ponies who enter my home get their internal metal parts removed so that they can be sufficiently cleaned. This means that the tail washer comes out, and the metal clamp gets pried off and replaced with a zip-tie.
However, I can never get the zip-tie as tight as the clamp, and as a result the tail is always a little loosely held together and prone to falling apart. Am I not using small enough ties? Or is there something I'm missing? I'd like to hear what you have to say on the matter, and if you think it's worth the effort.

[tailrustedtealeaf]

I use two ties. One in the place of the clamp and another where the washer would be. It seems to work well enough.

[Heelys]

I use two ties. One in the place of the clamp and another where the washer would be. It seems to work well enough.

:0 You are brilliant, I can't believe I never thought of that! merci beaucoup

[SunPony]

I use two ties. One in the place of the clamp and another where the washer would be. It seems to work well enough.

I use this method for customs as well!

Also, just an fyi, the clamp doesn't seem to rust nearly as easily as the washer.  Even with ponies I cleaned that had really bad tail rust and even internal mold, the clamp would be cleanable and still nice and shiny and smooth.   Once I even had a washer that was almost totally rusted through, and the clamp was still totally fine.  Someone with more experience with tail rust could maybe comment better on this, though...

[LadyMoondancer]

Yeah, it's really rare for the clasp to rust.  I think they're made of a different type of metal.  I leave the clasp and replace the metal washer with a rubber washer.

[tailrustedtealeaf]

I wish I had what you guys are having! Every pony I've had has a completely rusted clasp that's still a pain to remove.

[SunPony]

I wish I had what you guys are having! Every pony I've had has a completely rusted clasp that's still a pain to remove.

Wow, I wonder if it relates to climate at all, or year of production or something!

Also...is that related to your username at all?