This instructable introduces an alternative design for a cable clip, based on a previous openproducts design: instead of screwing the clip to a wall or a closet, it features a sucker cup, which allows to stick the clip on a window, a tile or other smooth surfaces. This makes it easier and quicker to hang up the clip, but at the same time it is (slightly) less robust. These sucker-version cable clips are available in the openproducts webstore.

The design of the 'cable clip from tubing' (published on 13 September 2012 under CC by openproducts, https://www.instructables.com/id/Cable-clip-from-tubing) is simple but functional: it is a user-friendly clip from which cables can be hung vertically as a way to store them and thus to prevent the cable from raveling. In addition, the cable is exposed less to wear and tear.

According to user feedback on this 'cable clip from tubing' a barrier for installing the cable clip was the fact that it needed to be screwed: it appears that people sometimes are reluctant towards affecting walls and skins of closets and jambs inside their homes.

By using a suction cup for making this alternative easy cable clip this barrier is being removed.

Based on an existing suction cup the easy cable clip is very easy to make, without any special skills or tools: two cuts with a simple knife is all it takes to upgrade a suction cup into an 'easy cable clip sucker version'.

Alternatively, cut-and-dried cable clips are available from the openproducts webstore in two variants: 1.) a sucker version and 2.) a screw version.

In step 7 some words are being spent on explaining why this clip is innovative.

Step 1: Find a Suitable Suction Cup

This instructable is based on a suction cup with a 4 mm (0.16 in) crosswise hole. Variants may also be applied, but the advantage of this one is that the intended cable-lead is already present.

Step 2: Slicing the Clasps

Two cuts need to be made in an X-shaped fashion with a sharp knife. Using a pair of (small) scissors is also an option. After removing the material at the exterior sides, the two remaining triangular clasps constitute the fastening clip.

Step 3: Stick the Sucker-clip to a Smooth Surface

Find a window, a tile or another suitable smooth surface and clean it with soap in order to degrease it. Moisten the suction cup and stick it onto the surface. Make sure that enough space is reserved to let the cable hang out freely. Alternatively, stick a series of sucker-clips in a row.

Step 4: Learn How to Use the Clip

Like for the 'cable clip from tubing' it is important to get familiar with your new sucker-clip. You need to pull the cable skillfully in order not to ruin your expensive headset (see step 6 for all detail: https://www.instructables.com/id/Cable-clip-from-tubing/step6/Learn-how-to-use-the-clip).

To hang the cable: position the cable in the upper triangular opening while leaving a few centimeters of space towards the connector. Push the cable gently with a finger of one hand towards the clip while pulling the cable down softly with the other hand. Then let the connector be supported by the upside of the cable clip.

To remove the cable from the clip: gently pull the cable from underneath towards the triangular opening at the bottom until the two triangular clasps release the cable. The other way round is possible as well: then first pull the cable a little upward to free the connector from the clip, then pull down towards the upper triangular opening.

Step 5: Testing the Cable Clip

The sucker-version of the easy cable clip has been put through the same tests as its tubed cousin, the 'cable clip from tubing'. For an overview of the variety of cables tested see https://www.instructables.com/id/Cable-clip-from-tubing/step7/Testing-the-cable-clip.

The case of a mobile phone charger with a mass of 180 g (0.40 lb) is delicate: firstly because the continuous force on the suction cup might loosen it over time, and secondly because the transformer easily bumps against the glass (when stuck to a window) which involves a risk. Therefore, preferably use the sucker version clip with light material, such as connector cables. An overview of alternative objects for using the sucker clip with is provided in the next step.

Step 6: Alternative Objects for Using the Sucker Clip With

As mentioned in the previous step, the sucker version of the cable clip is best suited for light objects. Avoid hitching sharp objects such as knifes and scissors: this may result in injuries in case the suction cup loosens.

As indicated in the pictures suitable objects other than cables are for example toothbrushes and kitchen utensils.

Step 7: Innovative Aspects

The concept described in this instructable has innovative aspects. These are:

- The clip is made from a standard suction cup, which is thus easily upgraded to have additional functionality;
- The sucker version cable clip can and may easily be reproduced;
- The design and making of the clip is easy and doesn't require complex manufacturing;
- The clip encloses the cable or other object completely and in such a way that it cannot easily slide out. There is no free space so thin cables (or other objects) will not fall out;
- The flexible nature of the suction clip makes that it automatically adjusts to thicker cables or other objects;
- The form of the triangular clasps is multifunctional: it guides sliding the cable in and out and encloses the cable or other object;
- The solitary design (one clip for one cable or other object) allows to pin up the cables where you need them: one clip to every window, tile or other smooth surface;
- The cable clip can quickly be stuck to smooth surfaces without screwing and without adhesive tape.

Step 8: License and Webshop

The concept described in this instructable is made available through a Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), and the innovative part has been described in Step 7.

This instructable is a next step in the development of easy cable clips. The first variant (a screwed version) has been published on 13 September 2013 by openproducts, see https://www.instructables.com/id/Cable-clip-from-tubing for the documentation.

The reader who doesn't want to bother self-assembling the sucker version cable clips can proceeds directly to the author's webshop for purchasing cut-and-dried clips. The webshop is accessible through https://www.instructables.com/member/openproducts.

Commercial use of the concept described here is possible at no costs provided that the name of the author of this instructable, ‘openproducts’ is mentioned, preferably including a reference to this instructable. For other arrangements send a Private Message through the instructables member page (https://www.instructables.com/member/openproducts).

If this design infringes any rights then refer to Article 28 in the Terms of Service (https://www.instructables.com/tos.html).