Introduction: How to Create a Universal Cable Grip on Any Surface
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!
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!
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.
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.
27 Comments
8 years ago
Would be great for me lab gear cables. In my 1 Meter electronic Lab. Never have enough space.
9 years ago on Introduction
I made one of these a little over a year ago. Still holding up!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Awesome, can you share a picture?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Sure.
9 years ago on Introduction
I've been at the Sugru checkout screen 3 times now over the last 6 months. EVERY time, I cancel. The price of Sugru is just too damn high!
9 years ago on Introduction
I agree, Sugru is TOO expensive. Now if everyone here would stop buying it the price would go down. Until then I will make my own with the recipe I found here.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Hi can you please share your recipe??? thanks so much.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
https://www.instructables.com
How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/
9 years ago on Introduction
this stuff is very expensive. i'd rather work something out with another product if i needed this done.
need to drop those prices, sugru! 15usd for a little bit is no good!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
8 x 5gms (mini packets) for £11.00 from http://sugru.com/buy :)
Makes a change to have stuff cheaper here in the UK
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
it's around the same price in USD. still a bit pricey for what you are getting.
there's some stuff called instamorph that looks promising, and it's reusable.
http://i.imgur.com/kAJuCTN.png
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Instamorph is very different to Sugru. Sugru is sticky (that's one of its explicit design goals) and sets to a flexible silicone rubber. Instamorph is a hard thermoplastic that sets like nylon and is quite har to glue to anything (it's kindof "waxy"). I do agree that Sugru feels a little pricey but it does fill a niche (I don't know of any other sticky, durable, silicone rubber materials that can be easily shaped).
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
...if only there was a subsitute... You're in luck!
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
What other product would you say is similar?
9 years ago on Introduction
How about the modelling clay products that artists mold into shapes that hardens after a while. I don't think they need any additives to harden.
9 years ago
where can I get sugru
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Hey! you can buy it direct from us at sugru.com/buy or check out sugru.com/stockists page for retail stores :)
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
do you ship to Peru?
9 years ago on Introduction
Neat, though you could alternately wrap a small piece of furry velcro around all your leads and stick a strip of the hook velco to the side of your PC case etc - a lot cheaper
9 years ago on Introduction
Great question. sugru is a one part material that works straight out of the pack so no mixing is required. It's also a slow cure technology which gives you plenty of time to get your project right but a key difference is that sugru is self adhesive and it will bond to most surfaces without damaging them. Other glues etch into the surface causing permanent damage while sugru forms a chemical bond that won't damage or mark most non porous materials. I hope this helps.