Some wire loom (also known as slit corrugated tubing or split loom convoluted tubing) and a few cable ties are two of the things it takes to turn a tangle of cables into a sleek and organized bundle. It also takes a short amount of time, a little elbow grease, and a wire loom tool. If you would like to try this approach with your own cable management project, you will need the following supplies:
If you are new at cable management, see our step-by-step guidance below on how to complete this project with wire loom:
STEP 1
Power down your computer and other electronic devices, then unplug them. It’s a lot easier to organize your cables if you can move them around freely. You will also be able to clearly see which electronic components they belong to. By doing this, you'll also avoid the risk of electric shock or accidental power disconnection.
STEP 2
Take an inventory of all the cables you’ll be working with once everything is unplugged. Then decide on the best way to group them for insertion into the wire loom. Since you may have cables for different systems, be sure you are grouping cables together based on which direction they need to be routed in. This means you will most likely have at least two separate bundles.
STEP 3
For the sake of mobility, consider keeping the cords of devices like computer mice and desktop speakers separate from the cables that are going to be bundled in wire loom. It's usually a better idea to not enclose these types of cables in wire loom, since doing so can severely limit the movement of the items they belong to. If you still want to keep loose wires out of the way, try securing them with cable clips instead, attached to the underside of your desk. This will keep cords out of the way with some slack for movement.
STEP 4
When your cables have been separated into like groups and are ready to be inserted into wire loom, it's time to reach for your wire loom tool. With the tool open, gather the cables to be wrapped into its channel, and then fold it closed. Make sure every cord is contained in the newly formed tube.
STEP 5
When your wire loom tool is closed, you'll notice the non-hinged side forms a fin-like shape. Insert the pointed end of this fin into the wire loom's split side, then “zip” it up the length of the wire loom, pulling your cables through, to the point where they are adequately covered. Carefully trim the excess wire loom away and repeat with any remaining cable bundles.
STEP 6
This is where the cable ties we suggested come into play. Due to differences in length, once your cables are enclosed in wire loom, you'll probably find (on the power-supply end of the bundles) that some cords have excess length which extends beyond the wire loom. This extra cable can be coiled and secured with cable ties, to keep it from piling up or getting tangled.
STEP 7
If your workstation has legs or supports that can be utilized, wire loom-enclosed bundles can be attached to them with cable ties, lifting the cords off the floor and keeping the run of the cables in harmony with the lines of your desk.
Shop for wire loom, cable ties, cable clips, a wire loom tool, scissors, and other cable management items you may need for this project from CableOrganizer®.
