Cable Decluttering With a Twist
I hate cable clutter, but what does one do with stray cables that can’t be hidden behind a desk or concealed in wire loom?
Thankfully electricians, climbers, and roadies have been dealing with cable clutter for years, and they’ve utilized a nice technique that we can take advantage of!
The Chain Sinnet Cable Wrapping Method
The chain sinnet (aka chain braid, daisy chain, or monkey braid) is a cable shortening and storing method that can be used to make stray cables a little more pleasing to the eye.
You creating a chain sinnet by making a loop at the base of your cord, then pull the remaining cord into each new loop. Be sure to keep your loops loose to avoid damaging the cord.
Ultimately, you should end up with something that looks like this:
The sinnet process can be confusing, so here’s an uber cheesy video that shows you how to create one; just note that the starting loop is different in the video.
In Conclusion…
I wouldn’t recommended using the chain sinnet technique on all the cords in your home and office, but it’s something to consider when tidying up extension, speaker, power, and headphone cords that lie in plain view.
Anyway, leave a comment if you’re aware of any other methods to deal with cords that can’t be hidden!
Sincerely,
The Closet Entrepreneur
» This entry was filed under Advice and tagged with: Advice, declutter, organizing, tips
15 Comments
Tushar
That is cool. It beats using using the twist ties. Do this with my cell phone cords.
Jan 7th, 2009
TOMAS
@Tushar - It’s funny you say that because that’s what I’ve done with my cellphone’s cord.
It beats having a long cord hanging all over the place, or having to bundle up loose cord if you use twist ties.
Jan 16th, 2009
Riona Torres
It’s handy to keep an unbent paperclip looped around the base of your wires. Then simply loop any extra wire like a coil and drag the paper clip around it. It’s subtle, and not only makes it easier to look at, it also saves surface space. Alternative items could be folder fasteners or any other flexible materials you find lying around.
Jan 21st, 2009
TOMAS
@Riona Torres - Would you happen to have a photo or a link of this in action? I’m a visual learner.
Jan 22nd, 2009
Sandra
My new year’s resolution was to declutter my office. One goal is checked off my list. Another thing that I’m finding are companies that are saving money and energy by using phone conference calling , web and video conferencing services . Check out the blog at: http://www.24conference.com/blog/. Great article.
Feb 4th, 2009
TOMAS
@Sandra - Kudos on knocking out a new year’s resolution! I hope the office is looking great.
Feb 20th, 2009
Rebekah
I’ve always done this with rope, but never with cables for fear that if I leave them like that for too long, they’ll kink up into permanent little loops. I know the little cords (like earphones and some chargers) won’t kink, but the thicker ones (like that Mac charger) do have that tendency. Have you had this problem at all?
Jun 30th, 2009
Todd
Should have added a step 3 there. Took me a little trial an error to figure out how to keep tying it.
If this is any help you take the extra cord (would be the cord bottom right in “2″) move it to upper right and you’ll see a loop form similar to first one. To lock it, take the extra cord and make a similar action to “1″ but pull the cord over the braided loop instead of underneath like you did in “1″. Repeat. At the end pull the bit of cord through the final loop to lock the braid.
To get it to unwrap like in the video. You need to unlock the braid. You undo the last circle and you should then be able to pull it out. Remember to be careful depending on the quality of the cable so you don’t damage it
Jun 30th, 2009
JB
I used to do that about 10 years ago with the extension cord. I haven’t done it in so long that I forgot how to start it. Nice to see a video on it.
Jun 30th, 2009
Andrea
I’m laughing–I use this method all the time. Guys, all you are doing is crocheting your cords
See, you *can* do knit and crochet!
Jul 1st, 2009
yhalmudt
Nice, but please don’t use on speaker cables or interconnects! The result most likely will sound horrible…
Jul 1st, 2009
mike
Can you detail the step 3 for doing this on cell phone cord ?
Jul 1st, 2009
Thom
In effect: crochet!
Jul 1st, 2009
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