Get Your Cord Clutter Under Control With Cable Lacing

@Deprong Mori:
I've used it a couple of times, and it is not a permanent solution. Knots can be undone.

Not a bad permanent solution, but a very bad temporary solution.

And you got it backwards: it's actually a complicated alternative to cable sleeves. Those are simple. So are velcro straps.

Deprong Mori

I'll stick with zip ties.

JuniorAndTorrie

This seems like a good idea, But i find myself messing with my wires to much.

Dilpickle1

agreed. great if you're wiring a network for the office or something, bad for the stuff that sits on my desk and may get moved at any time. if you gotta take one cable out, it seems like you would have to redo the entire tying.

however, it does look pretty slick, i'll give em that.

@JuniorAndTorrie: +2

Dilpickle1

Zip ties are so much easier, and don't require a complete re-work if you want to change something.

@Dragonis:

Yes, I realize that, but you need to relace up the whole thing, which does take more time that a couple of velcro straps.

It should be considered a pretty permanent installation, like cable ties.

Changing cable configurations with cable sleeves is easy.

Deprong Mori

@Deprong Mori:
Couldn't agree more. For me this would have to be for something like network cabling only. It's good to have an alternate way of doing things though.

@Deprong Mori: I think the biggest issue with cable sleeves is they don't always play nice with cables that need to break off mid-way. You either have to cut a hole in the sleeve or pull it out the slit where you typically then need something to pinch the slit closed at that point to keep the cable from coming out of the sleeve too much.

I prefer velcro and twist ties myself.

Finally, a use for all that extra dental floss.

Counterglow

On the periphery of this topic, anybody know of a guide as to what types of cables can be tied together? I.e., can power cables be bundled with network cables, etc.

@JuniorAndTorrie: +1 more. Zip ties have to be destroyed to be removed, but they're so cheap that it doesn't matter.

Tech fetish: shibari cord wraps.

iMike

@Dragonis: As a former fiber optic splicer, I've revisited sites I'd done in the 80's/90's and my lacing is still fine. However, it is a little complicated for the average home user who will move equipment a litte more often.

For home use I'd still vote for zip ties. Thomas and Betts are best if you plan on keeping it that way for a while.

@Deprong Mori: This is what has been used in old cabling system from the early 1900's in the NY transit system before cable ties where invented and its still holding on strong in these pre-existing wiring in the signals relay control system.

dpok69

@dpok69:

Sadly, I have to repeat myself for those who aren't reading very carefully.

This is a good permanent (or near permanent, for those obsessed with semantics) solution. It's not a great temporary solution -- i.e., when you need to change out the cables regularly.

I've used the pre-slitted cable sleeves, velcro straps, cable ties, etc.

Undoing and redoing this cable lacing isn't as quick and easy as ripping off a couple of velcro straps or cutting through cable ties.

Deprong Mori

looks the same as hanging gill nets

Jigzila

@trout: My thoughts exactly. This epitomizes my biggest pet peeve with some of the stuff I see on Lifehacker. I often find myself wondering whether I'm looking at a tip for productivity, or for nurturing obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

This looks great with cables that are custom made or bought to be the same length going from point a to b, but when your audio cable is three times longer than your video cable, or power cable, it makes it all weird in how to take up the slack.

silver-bolt

@White Gryphon: Unless the network cables are STP, shielded Twisted Pair, no. Even then, you shouldn't. Regular Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 are UTP, unshielded twisted pair (With Cat6 only shielding between crosstalk from each individual pair). As it goes, if you must cross AC power and network cables, only at 90 degree angles.

AC power run alongside network cables will induce interference. That is the same reason network cable pairs are twisted, to reduce interference.

silver-bolt

Zip ties, velcro straps, and even twist ties would be "easier" than that obtuse looking cable lacing. Looks hard as shit, at least for someone who's never done that sort of thing before. I would invest time in doing something like that to tidy up my cables, but most of them are being swapped out, moved constantly, so it would do me no good.

Satanicat

@JuniorAndTorrie: I'll third that. I'm cheap enough that I like to use a thumbtack (a readily available office supply) to lift the jaw and reuse them. Kids, don't stab yourself.

pat_hat

I'll stick to cable sleeve tube things because they also protect the cables from rabbits.

misandry

Get some good zip ties (Panduit makes some excellent quality ties) and skip lacing.

I_have_something_to_say

this looks pretty cool... good post. I'll probably tell my little brother do this to all his cables he has... I bought a roll of velcro from monoprice.com and it worked quite well....

here's a photo of my cables: [www.flickr.com]

but this one looks interesting. I'll try it out soon.

scoobyonline2000

@pat_hat: thats how i do it LOL

Dilpickle1

When you have to re-wire many cables and bundles of different sizes, I love riprap.

I purchase my stuff at a local network supply but this is stuff I use -> [cableorganizer.com]

It is like velcro.. but much easier to work with.

Just wired a rack with 200+ cat6 cables with it and it looks great.

When you have to re-wire many cables and bundles of different sizes, I love riprap.

I purchase my stuff at a local network supply but this is stuff I use -> [cableorganizer.com]

It is like velcro.. but much easier to work with.

Just wired a rack with 200+ cat6 cables with it and it looks great.

@Counterglow: thats so gross...

antoniomax

@JuniorAndTorrie: Agreed - this method looks beautiful when it's done up right, but I don't see a compelling reason to stop using the "so cheap as to almost be free" zip ties.

Zip ties are also nice if you need to zip some cables TO something, to hold up or route the bundle the way you want it to go.

@silver-bolt: Of course, unless you're in an ultra-high-performance situation (or ultra-high-voltage cable), would it actually provide a noticeable level of interference?

I've got some network and power cables running together from my NAS to the rest of my network, and throughput has never been a serious issue.

I mean, sure, best practices are best practices for a reason; but for the home user?

Though, I guess if I was getting my house wired for ethernet or something I'd want it done perfectly...

There's a lot of talk about zip ties, but I will express a word of caution. I have been in the Telecom/IT field for 12 years now, and I have seen cable failures due to zip ties more than a few times. The issue is that zip ties can constrict the cable so tight that the sheathing causes a short in the cable. As long as you are not to tight, they are OK. Zip ties on fiber optic is a big no no. Professionals use velcro(aka hook & loop) or waxed linen.

JakeRobinson

+1 for velcro. Although the lacing looks really slick. I'll keep this in mind my next networking job.

tok3ninja

@antoniomax: Unused Dental Floss, mind you.

silver-bolt

On the subject of cable organization... Can someone give me some links to computer case cable management articles? I've had my custom-built PC for 4 months now and I have yet to actually arrange the cables neatly.

Pho3nix1991

On the subject of cable organization... Can someone give me some links to computer case cable management articles? I've had my custom-built PC for 4 months now and I have yet to actually arrange the cables neatly.

Pho3nix1991

I actually used to do that daily - about 35-40 years ago! For Western Electric in Bell Telephone buildings. I've never considered it today because it is so much simpler to use the various products designed for it. And taking it apart to move a cable would be maddening each time!

Jim

J-Mac

Anal much? - also, what happens when a cable goes faulty or a problem solving?

Anal much? - also, what happens when a cable goes faulty or a problem solving?

Hm--complicated but effective...

Although---every time you buy new electronics....

www.careerbags.com

@Deprong Mori: I second that. I work as a wireman on flight simulators where the majority of the wiring is tied this way.

Why? Because it lasts forever and flexes with the movement of the cables. Cables ties have the tendency to dry out and become sharp after about 5 years. With the motion of the flight simulator and a little leaked hydraulic fluid, they can sometimes cut into cables. I have worked on 25+ year old simulators where the wiring is still pristine where it was tied, and is strained or pinched where tie wraps were added on later from updates.

For a permanent solution this is the best way to go. The aviation industry has been doing it for many decades for a reason.

The only thing I would add is. Learn how to tie a clove hitch knot to tie off the ends, and use wax string.

For temporary wiring or cable management, nothing beats velcro straps.

Evan Plaice

@Binks: For in-wall wiring I've been told from a pro electrician that a foot of space between data and power should suffice.

I doubt that the 60hz noise from power would do much to cat5 or better in short runs because the twisting helps to minimize interference (even though they aren't shielded), and they send digital signals (Pulse Width Modulated) which are very resistant to interference (compared to analog).

In the case of analog audio (1/4 or 3.5mm jack) always shield and be absolutely sure to ground only one end of the shield (or you could create a ground loop ie. very bad). The reason why sound quality sucks on most laptops is because the internal components (especially the processor) create a lot of noise that adds to the outgoing audio signal.

It would be really nice if laptop manufacturers would do a better job of shielding the audio card from the rest of the chassis /rant.

Evan Plaice

@JuniorAndTorrie: +2 or more like +200.
1 minute of effort and your cables are under control.

A pak of 100 is like $0.50, so zips are cheap too.

TheFu

Why is this better then using the spare twist ties you get from things like cables and new pc's and stuff?

majortom1029

I think I'm going to stick with zip ties, velcro, and peg board.

idogis1

I cable professionally, too in a datacenter and I have a few simple rules that seem to save my cables.

Zip Ties - Only for big, bulky power cables and then only when you are tying them down to something metal, like a handle or rail.

Velcro - You can never have enough velcro. I use it in both a roll form for smaller bundles and in pre-cut ties like the ripwrap for larger bundles. Works great and is easy to undo or add to.

I would use this method if I were running cables somewhere and knew it was permanent and I wouldn't be adding to them. Otherwise, I might just use a cable sleeve or conduit.

Just 2 cents. I'd never, ever use zip ties on data cable...they either cause headaches when you need to add/move a wire, or when they eventually become brittle and sharp and cut into the cables.

redwarrior

@silver-bolt: Yes, that IS what I meant. Otherwise...EEEEEWWWWW!!!!!

Counterglow

@JuniorAndTorrie: Agreed. I've tried many methods, and zip ties are still my favorite.

JustMeJosh

@Satanicat: "Easier" yes, but who doesn't have string laying around? It's cheaper than any of the purpose-built solutions, and once you get the hang of it, it's not any more complicated. String can also be reused, unlike zipties, twist ties, and some of those stupid sleeve things. I agree with you on one thing, though, it's definitely not for temporary rigs.

protospork

@silver-bolt: Break the long cable out near the end of the shorter ones, roll the extra up (and tie the roll up securely), and then put the rest back into the lacing in time for that extra-strong end knot. Make sure your roll was far enough from the end that it doesn't put any unnecessary weight on the connections you're plugging it into.
Or you could just cut the extra out of the cable >_>

protospork

I would say that I already know how to do this, but in doing so I would inadvertently reveal my age. :)

It is an awesome and easy-to-learn technique, but I agree with those who point out that it's a much better solutions for more "permanent" wiring harnesses.

Considering the paper on how to do this is from 1962, I think the other suggestions are right on.

mados123

@Deprong Mori: I read and understood you perfectly. I was making a supporting statement about your claim on a permanent solution.

Geez, you should find a different place to put that plunger.

dpok69

@vaporub: +1. I found this stuff (or at least something very similar) at Fry's Electronics and love it. It's cheaper than velcro, and more adjustable than zip-ties.

wunch

I personally find that plain ole garbage plastic ties work quite well.

rkinne01

That looks like waay too much work for my taste.

That looks like waay too much work for my taste.

I used plastic cable sleeves which are similar to Cable Zipper. They were $1 a box, at Dollarama in Canada. They're quick and easy as long as you don't try to stuff too much into them.

I used plastic cable sleeves which are similar to Cable Zipper. They were $1 a box, at Dollarama in Canada. They're quick and easy as long as you don't try to stuff too much into them.

I hate to say this, because it will show my age, but that was the way we use to tie wires together in the Vacum Tube Days..
There were no tie wraps or velcro back then.
My son has a saying, "what is old will be new again"..
Just my two cents worth.

Joseph F Murphy

I hate to say this, because it will show my age, but that was the way we use to tie wires together in the Vacum Tube Days..
There were no tie wraps or velcro back then.
My son has a saying, "what is old will be new again"..
Just my two cents worth.

Joseph F Murphy

@JakeRobinson: +1 JakeRobinson There are several different types of cables... Cat5 or Cat5e is your generic network cable and is most likely what you have at the house. Zip ties (because of the flexibility of Cat5 cable) can easily break the internal wires.

I have personally seen this happen several times.

Cat6 cable has a hard plastic spine down the middle that provides a little more protection to the wires, but I have seen zip ties actually cut those as well.

The cable lacing system mentioned looks neat, and I might consider it in a pinch, it would suck to have to redo that every time you wanted to rearrange your office.

@JakeRobinson: +1 JakeRobinson There are several different types of cables... Cat5 or Cat5e is your generic network cable and is most likely what you have at the house. Zip ties (because of the flexibility of Cat5 cable) can easily break the internal wires.

I have personally seen this happen several times.

Cat6 cable has a hard plastic spine down the middle that provides a little more protection to the wires, but I have seen zip ties actually cut those as well.

The cable lacing system mentioned looks neat, and I might consider it in a pinch, it would suck to have to redo that every time you wanted to rearrange your office.

@Deprong Mori: completely agree - looks classy but way too permanent for almost every situation that I can imagine.

zip ties are excellent, cheap, and effective - plus who wants to buy yards of waxed linen or twine - what a mess...

Xibalba

@Pho3nix1991: not sure what an article is gonna do for you unless you are looking for photo examples of different organization methods. using zip ties and patience will create a beautiful and more thermally acceptable pc case.

google provided me with tons of useful links and videos with a simple search for "pc cable management"

one link is below:
[hardware.gotfrag.com]

good luck...

Xibalba

I really like this idea in theory, but I can't totally support an organizational cable management method that doesn't give me easy access to swap out cables or pull them out of the run when necessary. This is totally why I prefer cable twist-ties or sleeves; I can always pull the cable out of one side.

@dpok69: Don't worry about it, he's always like that.

My dad did this sort of stuff back in the '70's, except he was lacing wires for pipe organs. A curved needle was helpful. He did some fine work. Thanks for the memories.

SethJocasta

Very elegant, cable shibari.

@Binks: Yes, power cables will induce interference in data cables.

When in college, while working a summer job, one of my coworkers kept having trouble with her terminal. (yes, it was that long ago.) After having the IBM CE come out several times to fix the issue to no avail, I disconnected the coax & power cables from the back of the terminal, untwisted them from each other and plugged them back in. Problem solved.

Granted, TWISTING the cables together is somewhat of an extreme example, and most of us probably DON'T do that, the IBM CE (who should have known better) did.

Two words, "Scotch Tape"

Adam Hummel

Zip ties and velco seem a lot easier.

salllygator

I just saw a documentary on the mars rover and that's what is still used today. In my industry, however, we use zip ties and it's important to note that as video hits 3gig you are not supposed to space your tie points evenly. This will create pressure points in coax cable and cause frequency nodes in the signal that's traveling across the cable.

These are some pictures of the work our guys do. They're really good.
www.paulrea.net/Gallery/public/Work/WGBH/images/img_0261.jpg
[www.lisacontrol.com]
[paulrea.net]

guitarman181

@Xibalba: my first thought was dental floss

I have my cords and power strip encased in a metal box sort of a junction box I made. This product is made of high quality aluminum and is powder coated in a textured black finish inside and out. It has six large holes on each side of the box and two holes on the top, to conveniently run your cables and wires through. With the power strip (not supplied) located inside the box all of the mess can be closed up to conceal all but a small section of the wires that are run from your components to the box holes. It is easy to install because you only need to remove one end of the cable at at time and feed it through the holes in the box then coil them and tie with wire tie. When you are finished you have the box sort of weaved to the desk so you can move it out to clean and only one cord to plug into the wall and all other cables are inside the box.

Dimensions are 19"H x 12"W x 3¼"D

hidethewires

I've been lacing cables since the 1950's, mainly for pipe organ installations. It is a good way for permanent installations. One point, however, the knot for each loop is incorrectly tied in the pictures and illustration. Done in the manner shown, if the lacing is ever cut or broken the whole thing will loosen and become a mess.

DeniseEscared

meh, its a good PERMANENT sleek solution, but anything elce, then i agree with JuniorAndTorrie zip ties are good.

sniper001