22
votes
Prevent cables of kitchen appliances from breaking when you coil them
You're rolling them too tightly. Cables have a minimum bending radius: get below this radius and you damage the cable.
Make loops that are at least 10 cm in diameter. This also applies to the bend ...
- 6,344
8
votes
How to prevent cables getting intertwined
Firstly, yes there is a cosmic law that covers cable entanglement... or at least there are papers that propose one. Such papers do concentrate on cables under a desk becoming spontaneously entangled....
- 1,865
7
votes
How to reinforce or protect USB-C cable from connector damage
Hang the phone up so it can't be knocked down.
Here's a short YouTube video with very simple instructions.
You cut the top of an empty plastic bottle (from lotion, shampoo, household cleaners or ...
- 3,045
6
votes
How to prevent plugged-in vacuum cleaner cord from getting tangled?
If a non-accessible power outlet is the only option you have, I recommend you invest in a short extension cord, just long enough to reach from the original outlet to the floor (to allow the plugged ...
- 3,377
5
votes
Accepted
How to prevent cables getting intertwined
A) yes. When you roll up a cable, there is only one state where it unrolls perfectly versus lots of states where it is tangled, and a loose cable easily moves between states.
This also means you can'...
- 6,344
5
votes
Prevent cables of kitchen appliances from breaking when you coil them
Coil the cable separately (not around the appliance). You might try using a Velcro-like "hook and loop" tie on the cable to keep it wound. Use Over/Under Coiling so that it unwinds without any twists.
...
- 151
4
votes
How to reattach headphone cables that have separated
If the connector is not too large, you can use heatshrink sleeve. You need a sleeve with a diameter large enough that you can slide it over the connector, and small enough that it will be a tight fit ...
- 6,344
4
votes
Accepted
Organising chargers for cordless devices
Buy inexpensive zipper-type gallon storage bags. Put one cord in each bag. On the outside of each bag, slap a piece of duct tape, and write the name of the cord on the duct tape ("hair clippers" or "...
- 11.6k
3
votes
How to reinforce or protect USB-C cable from connector damage
Use a magnetic USB-C connector, like the one in the image. However, the phone itself may still crack if it is repeatedly knocked off. Perhaps the cable / connector was what kept your phone safe until ...
- 2,850
3
votes
How to reinforce or protect USB-C cable from connector damage
Get a wireless charging case that fits the phone (similar to the one pictured below). This will allow you to protect the phone while also charging it wirelessly so that if it gets knocked, the ...
- 1,112
3
votes
How to prevent cables getting intertwined
ZIP lock bag
Put the mouse in a different compartment, or get a (zip lock (or any other)) bag and put the mouse in it. This is how I organize various chargers and stuff in drawers.
- 349
3
votes
How to turn a rotated cable back to the right orientation?
Computer cable preparation and maintenance
When the cables are new, use a permanent felt-tip marker to mark the connector, cable relief, and a bit of the cable with a narrow continuous stripe. Mark ...
- 14.2k
3
votes
How to turn a rotated cable back to the right orientation?
Move everything to its new position. Unplug one end of one USB cable. Gently pinch the other end of the flat cable between two of your fingers. Slide your fingers to the far end of the cable to keep ...
- 11.6k
2
votes
How to reattach headphone cables that have separated
I use tape. It works fine, just not very attractive. A little stiffening of the wire is not a problem and the tape reinforces connection between the broken parts.
- 21
2
votes
Hacky way to keep micro USB firmly in place?
I've solved a similar issue using Sugru and lego men :) they had a nice guide here
https://sugru.com/tech-gadget/how-to-organise-your-cables-with-lego-minifigures
You could also just use the glue to ...
2
votes
removing corrosion on the contacts of an Apple USB-to-Lightning cable
So I had the same problem but didn't realize it
I took a closer look at the usb cord I have - it looked very much like the photos above but a little scummier. So I took an ordinary staple, out of my ...
2
votes
Identify which USB device corresponds to which USB plug
Maybe color coded tapes would help? I mean that you could put a small red tape on one end of the cable, and the same color on the other end. I'm not sure which kind of devices you have attached to ...
- 1,040
2
votes
Accepted
How do I know if my phone's jack slot is broken and not my headphones?
So you have established that both the headset and the phones are working as expected when connected to other devices.
I suspect the fault to be a kind of wear-in effect between socket and plug. The ...
- 489
2
votes
Organising chargers for cordless devices
Consolidate as many as possible of the USB-compatible chargers into one.
Items that are chargeable off a USB port negotiate the required amperage with the charger. As such, there are many chargers ...
- 121
1
vote
Accepted
How to clean fabric-covered light cord
The "Love it and leave it… aka single-guy" Lifehack:
It's difficult since this issue is now 'top-of-mind' after you've noticed it.
Ignore it. In a short time (YMMV) you'll forget about it ...
- 14.2k
1
vote
How to clean fabric-covered light cord
It's only a flesh wound Lifehack:
If everything has been dry, there's a better than average chance that the dirt on the cord cover is superficial from the hands of a careless handyman/electrician.
...
- 14.2k
1
vote
How to prevent cables getting intertwined
then the mouse (with a cable)
Simple and effective fix: get a wireless mouse. Then you have only one cable, much less likely to tangle.
Bluetooth model or one with a small USB receiver avoid the ...
- 153
1
vote
How to prevent plugged-in vacuum cleaner cord from getting tangled?
Use a heatgun (on its lowest setting) or hairdryer to heat the wire’s rubber insulation, then tug it to straighten it before it cools down.
Rubber has some shape retention; this happens in part ...
- 220
1
vote
How to reinforce or protect USB-C cable from connector damage
I had a similar problem except it was me knocking it off.. once upon a time I had tied a loop in the charger lead near to the USB c end, and would hang the loop onto the wall charger itself, the phone ...
- 2,794
1
vote
Prevent cables of kitchen appliances from breaking when you coil them
Reinforce the cable when it is new using a substance that is pliable when it sets (e.g. Sugru). Here's a demonstration on the Sugru page, they are repairing a cable but it's even better if you apply ...
- 111
1
vote
Identify which USB device corresponds to which USB plug
Techniques for identifying cables:
Obtain a continuous-tape style label printer and print the name of the device served, plus an equal number of spaces, on a label. Peel the label, stick it on the ...
- 2,794
1
vote
How to reattach headphone cables that have separated
A friend braided a leather covering for his sons earphones, (while the earphones were new) and the earphones lasted much longer than any before or since, and the wire was as flexible as was needed for ...
- 2,434
1
vote
How to reattach headphone cables that have separated
You can try to tape the wires for every 10 centimeters or so.
This also solves the problem of stiffening of wire, to some extent. But, be sure to choose tape with very low width.
- 244
1
vote
Is it possible to make stiff cables and wires flexible again?
Two cents worth on softening dried or stiff wire/cable insulation:
First of all, a "one size fits all" approach will not work because different cables use different materials for insulation. Having ...
- 11
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