Introduction: How to Create a Universal Cable Grip on Any Surface
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About: The team behind Sugru, the mouldable glue that makes fixing and making easy and fun. Do-ers of the world it's time to get excited. http://sugru.com
Here's a way to tackle one of the biggest problems technology has brought us...cables.
Until completely cordless technology comes around, cables will continue to infuriate both at home and in the office. This solution is an easy way to keep them under control, and stop them slipping off your desk. In fact, in any situation where cables need to be gripped, this hack can be used.
For this project you will need:
- 1 minipack of sugru (makes 2 small or 1 large grip)
- something slightly thicker than your cable (e.g. for a power cable, a pencil, or for your headphones, a bamboo skewer)
- a toothpick
- a scalpel
- some soapy water
sugru is perfect for this because:
- It cures to a flexible rubber - cables can be clipped in and out easily
- It's really grippy - cables will stay put when you clip them in
- It will bond to most surfaces
- It's easily removable, if you ever feel the need.
Right let's get started!
Until completely cordless technology comes around, cables will continue to infuriate both at home and in the office. This solution is an easy way to keep them under control, and stop them slipping off your desk. In fact, in any situation where cables need to be gripped, this hack can be used.
For this project you will need:
- 1 minipack of sugru (makes 2 small or 1 large grip)
- something slightly thicker than your cable (e.g. for a power cable, a pencil, or for your headphones, a bamboo skewer)
- a toothpick
- a scalpel
- some soapy water
sugru is perfect for this because:
- It cures to a flexible rubber - cables can be clipped in and out easily
- It's really grippy - cables will stay put when you clip them in
- It will bond to most surfaces
- It's easily removable, if you ever feel the need.
Right let's get started!
Step 1: Shaping the Grip
Start by opening your minipack of sugru. Knead it for about 10 to 15 seconds in your hands.
We're going to make two small grips in this instructable - if you want to make slightly bigger or smaller ones, the process is exactly the same; you just need to use a bigger or smaller object to make the hole.
Once you've got your bits of sugru, roll them each into a pyramid/cone shape.
Now press it down onto the place you want your cable grip, pointy side down. (We use a cone because it allows the sugru to spread evenly across the surface and ensures a good bond.)
Smooth the edges down onto the surface, minimising the gap between the surface and the sugru.
Shape your sugru into a nice smooth ball, and we're ready to create the cable slot!
We're going to make two small grips in this instructable - if you want to make slightly bigger or smaller ones, the process is exactly the same; you just need to use a bigger or smaller object to make the hole.
Once you've got your bits of sugru, roll them each into a pyramid/cone shape.
Now press it down onto the place you want your cable grip, pointy side down. (We use a cone because it allows the sugru to spread evenly across the surface and ensures a good bond.)
Smooth the edges down onto the surface, minimising the gap between the surface and the sugru.
Shape your sugru into a nice smooth ball, and we're ready to create the cable slot!
Step 2: Cutting the Grove
Get your scalpel, and dip it in your soapy water to give it a coating. This'll help it to cut through the sugru without deforming it too much.
TOP TIP: Using tiny back and forth movements with your scalpel, (kind of like slicing a loaf of bread), is a better way to get a clean cut than just pressing down.
Cut down about 3/4 of the way through the sugru.
To create the hole for the cable, we want to work our way up to the correct size with pilot holes to avoid deforming the sugru.
Start by getting a soapy water coated toothpick, and push it through, whilst twisting, at the base of your cut.
Now, work your way up through different sized objects (remembering to coat them in soapy water), until your reach your desired diameter.
TOP TIP 2:
Always make your cable grip oversized rather than undersized, as an oversized one will still successfully grip your cable, whereas an undersized one is much more likely to not fit your cable.
TOP TIP: Using tiny back and forth movements with your scalpel, (kind of like slicing a loaf of bread), is a better way to get a clean cut than just pressing down.
Cut down about 3/4 of the way through the sugru.
To create the hole for the cable, we want to work our way up to the correct size with pilot holes to avoid deforming the sugru.
Start by getting a soapy water coated toothpick, and push it through, whilst twisting, at the base of your cut.
Now, work your way up through different sized objects (remembering to coat them in soapy water), until your reach your desired diameter.
TOP TIP 2:
Always make your cable grip oversized rather than undersized, as an oversized one will still successfully grip your cable, whereas an undersized one is much more likely to not fit your cable.
Step 3: Finishing the Cable Grip
Gently ease the sugru back together where it has widened. Keep in mind your cable width, and whether the sugru will be able to flex open to grip it.
Smooth the sugru one final time, and then leave it for 24 hours to cure before using it.
Begone cluttered cables!
Enjoy.
Smooth the sugru one final time, and then leave it for 24 hours to cure before using it.
Begone cluttered cables!
Enjoy.
