Folks here sometimes make things much harder than they need to; it''s amazing what we can end up fretting about.
Wire ties don''t easily break when going thru a
windlass, IME - my chain fits properly in the gypsey with no ''slop'' and I find a wire tie lasts maybe 6-12 months when in constant use (first ones lasting less than ones further up the
rode). But if you wonder about this, try a few - they surely don''t cost much. Left full length they are more easily seen and felt, and they don''t hurt the bare hand.
Jack