You all know about the pain of tangled earplugs... well this instructable may just help you forget those problems!

So read on.............

Step 1: Keep Them Safe...

Ever had your favourite earphones break and you have to trudge out and get a new pair, and spend a whole lot more money? Yes, obviously we all have. Well, here's a few quick tips that will hopefully help keep those treasured earphones safe for longer...

-Unplug the jack from your device when not in use.

-Don't just cram them into your pockets when you're not using them-use one of the methods demonstrated in the next few steps.

-Try an avoid long flapping cord lengths- put it through your shirt or under your jacket or scarf, otherwise it will get caught on things and be annoying, embarrassing and eventually cost you.

-Don't yank on the cord to unplug it, pull it out holding the jack.

-Mostly, they break at the connection with the earpiece or the jack end.So protect these parts from strain and tugs, and you're protecting your earphones, and probably mid-cord breaks as well, if it's weak...

Step 2: Tie It to Itself...

Put your pinkie and fore fingers out as shown, hold the buds between thumb and forefinger and start wrapping, going around in a figure eight. Stop wrapping when there is about 20cm hanging (approx. 8 inch), and then wrap that around the centre or the figure eight. Once most of it is tightly wrapped around, gently remove your fingers and push the plug through the bottom hole. Pull tightly. If that doesn't make much sense to you (don't blame you:), go on this link, the author of which i thank for this particular idea.

Pros: With practise, can be done very quickly and it doesn't use any other materials.

Cons: You have to do it a few times to become efficient at it.

Step 3: Just Some Cardboard...

Get some cardboard, and cut it to about a 5x3cm (approx. 2x1 inch) square. Cut five grooves in it - two in each of the shorter side, lengthwise, and one into the longer side. The grooves in the short sides may need to be a little fatter than a single scissor slit. Then, wrap the cord around the cardboard lengthwise, crossing from side to side as shown in the picture. With the plug, cross it over and slip it into the side groove.

Pros: Once the cardboard contraption is made, it can be used efficiently for ages, until it breaks whereupon you make another.

Cons: You have to actually make the cardboard holder.

Step 4: A Rubber Band...

Fold the cord in half until it is very short, then carefully wrap a rubber band through the centre.

Pros: very easy, and works.

Cons: You have to get a rubber band.

Step 5: Around a Popsicle Stick...

Get a popsicle stick, and wind the cord around it, so there is none hanging down. Then, use a rubber band to secure the buds around the stick, as shown in the picture.

Pros: Quick and easy.

Cons: you have to get a rubber band and a popsicle stick.

Step 6: With Blu-tack...

Get about a 2x2 square/circle of blu-tack (don't know what that is? this link should help.), push the plug into the centre and then wind the rest of the cord around the blu-tack, over the plug. Then, turn the buds and push them into the side of the blu-tack. (as shown)

Pros: Very effective and incredibly easy.

Cons: You have to get enough blu-tack.

Step 7: A Bulldog Clip...

Similar to the rubber band one, fold the cord in half until it is very short, then get a bulldog clip and clip over the centre.

Pros: Fast and easy-plus you can hang them on a hook or similar if necessary!

Cons: As usual, you have to get something:) - the bulldog clip in this case.

Step 8: Give a Pen a 2nd Use...

Get a pen with a pocket clip. Slip the buds under it, and then proceed to wind the cord around underneath, and past if necessary, the clip. When you reach the plug, just slip it under the clip, in a tight position.

Pros: Gives a pen a 2nd use, and doesn't take too long. (like most of them:)

Cons: May prevent you from using the pen clip as it was intended.