Wire loom, cable ties, a little elbow grease and a few minutes are all that it takes to whip a rat's nest of cables into shape! If you find the idea of subduing unruly cables incredibly appealing, you might want to consider undertaking a project like this yourself. Don't worry if you're new at this, just read on: CableOrganizer® has got you covered!
PROJECT CHECKLIST
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| Experience Level: Beginner |
| Time Required: 30 Minutes |
| Steps: 7 Steps |
| Supplies: Wire loom, Nylon Cable Ties, Cable Clips, Wire Loom Tool, Scissors |
| Budget Estimate: $25-$30 (for all supplies listed) |
STEP 1
Power down your computer and other electronic devices and then unplug them … it's a lot easier to organize your cables if you can move them around freely, as well as 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
Once everything is unplugged, take an inventory of all the items you'll be working with, and decide on the best way to group them for insertion into the wire loom. Since there's a good chance that your cables don't all go to the same location, be sure that you are grouping cables together based on which direction they need to be routed in … this means that 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 attached to the underside of your desk … this will keep cords out of the way, while still leaving some slack for movement.
STEP 4
When your cables have been separated into like groups and are ready to be inserted into the wire loom, it's time to reach for the thing that is bound to become your favorite gadget: your wire loom tool. With the appropriately sized wire loom tool open (there are different sizes available that can be used, with the size you need dependent on the width of your cable bundle), gather the cables to be wrapped into the tool's channel, and then rotate the barrel to fold it closed, making sure that every cord is contained in the newly formed tube.
STEP 5
When your wire loom tool is closed, you'll notice there is a bulge on the tool. Place the end of the split tubing over the bulge then slide the tool with the wire bundle inside of it along the tubing’s length. Continue pulling the wire loom tool down and through the split tubing until you reach the end; and your cables are adequately covered. Then rotate the barrel to reopen it and remove it from the wire bundle. Run your hand along the length of the installation to smooth the sleeving into place over the cable bundle. Carefully trim the excess wire loom away and repeat with any remaining cable bundles.
STEP 6
If you're wondering what the cable ties we suggested are for, be puzzled no more … they come into play right now. 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.
