What did they use before zipties / tie-wraps?

[MAKO Spearguns]

Perhaps this will be useful. A constrictor knot is almost universally used to hand assemble speargun bands.

This type of knot can generate tremendous tension and constriction and it is not removable, it must be cut off. If you over-tighten the knot, you could actually cut a mouthpiece, so don't go crazy with it, if using the knot in that application.

 

[CG43]

Tackles are very versatile. There are different ways to secure the free end.
Most of the time I use a separate loop to pass through the free end.

For double hoses, I use about 1 mm thick soft nylon thread,
and for mouthpieces, possibly a slightly thinner one to wrap enough turns.

The ends can then be tied and afterwards you can cover the tackling with a rubber made from a bicycle inner tube.

IP hoses can also be tackled instead of bulky clamps.
For this, I use Dynema bowstring thread and, for safety, two layers of it.
The second layer is only meant to protect the first layer from mechanical damage.

A good tackling is vastly superior to any zip tie, however, it requires some skill
and takes significantly more time.