Are you seeking a versatile solution for your DIY wire and cable management projects? Then you might like to consider using braided cable sleeving.
The first question you might be asking yourself is, “What is cable sleeving used for?”
Good question, but an even better question is what it is NOT used for?
You can find cable sleeving in nearly everything, from small electronics to rocket ships. Whether you’re using sleeving within a specific industry or are a home user embarking on a do-it-yourself project, braided sleeving could be exactly what you’re looking for.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CABLE SLEEVING?
Now let’s talk about what cable sleeving is, how it works and how it can be used as a cable management solution.
Starting with the basics, cable sleeves typically come in two forms: tubular braided sleeving and wraps.
Tubular flexible sleeves can be fit to expand over cables, wires and the connectors that go with them.
Next there are wrap sleeves. Wires placed within them can be taken out if needed, with the sleeve then closed back up again.
Among its purposes, braided sleeving is used for: wire and cable bundling for longer lengths of wires; protection of wires, cables and hoses from chemicals, heat, environmental elements and other factors; electrical shielding; wire harnessing to organize wires and assemblies; abrasion resistance; and color coding to differentiate and label wires.
Expandable sleeving can be used to cover computer, TV, home theater, electronics, A/V, automotive, industrial and other types of cables and wires.
HOW TO CHOOSE BRAIDED SLEEVING FOR ALL YOUR DIY CABLE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
Braided sleeving is made from a variety of materials that all have very specific functions.
One of the most common materials used is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Sleeving of this material is practical for your home, office and in many other applications, because it has high tensile strength, cut resistance and moisture repelling properties. It also comes in many widths and colors.
Some PET sleeves are designed to expand up to four times the sleeve's original size making it useful in automotive and marine cable management projects. If your project calls for abrasion resistance, you might like to opt for a PET sleeve with a tighter braid. Some types of braided PET sleeving have a retro look and can be used in projects, such as restoring audio cables on vintage electronics. Its noise-reducing properties also make it appropriate for use inside the door panels and dashboards of your classic car.
Polyester filament is another material that is braided into split design wrap sleeves to help navigate wires around turns and bends. Nylon filament is ideal for heavy duty projects; and though it is virtually weightless and flexible, it maintains strength under tension. Metal and shielding sleeves guard against EMI, RFI and ESD; and may be used for grounding. When made of brass, this sleeving type beautifies motorcycle wire harnesses perfectly, plus is naturally equipped with antimicrobial and germicidal properties.
Kevlar® sleeving is useful for fiber optic and electromechanical cabling projects because it doesn’t melt, is resilient to temperature fluctuations and is 20 times more durable than steel. Resin-coated, braided fiberglass is resistant to engine chemicals and temperatures up to 1,200° F, making it ideal for covering your spark plug wires. Basalt fiber is another material that is excellent for thermal insulation projects, because it defies scorching heat. Silica yarns are fitting for high temperature exhaust and pipes, resisting temperatures up to 1,800° F. When braided with clear PET, Mylar can be used for shielding and aesthetics, such as on your car’s engine compartment. Anglers also count on Mylar sleeving to make their fly fishing flies and lures more noticeable to fish. Braided fiberglass sleeving coated with acrylic, vinyl and silicone provide electrical insulation in low and high voltage electrical wires.
PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES ON YOUR BRAIDED SLEEVING DIY PROJECT
After you’ve chosen your braided sleeving, you can further protect, organize and give your sleeves a finished appearance with heatshrink tubing. CableOrganizer® lastly has a selection of heat guns and other tools to help complete your heatshrink application.
HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT BRAIDED SLEEVING?
Do you need recommendations on what braided sleeving to select for your project? CableOrganizer® representatives can
answer your questions by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at 1-888-3CABLEORG or by email at sales@cableorganizer.com
