I’ve used wire twist pliers for similar jobs, too. But if I sell one of my motorcycles this fall, as I am planning to do (anyone want a BMW K1600gtl ? All services done up to the 30,000 mile one, even though the bike only has about 25,000 miles on it), I will definitely have a spare pair of tie-downs to sacrifice to the woodworking gods.

May you have the day you deserve!