Quick, Easy and Cheap Fix for Fraying Damaged Cables
Intro: Quick, Easy and Cheap Fix for Fraying Damaged Cables
As we continue to utilize the mystical power of electrons to conform to our will, there will be a need for a path on which they can travel. This comes in the form of a cable. Unfortunately as these electrons zip about, their conduit may become frayed, especially the outer sheathing revelealing the guts beneath.
Yet, fear not, for a cheap and easy solution has presented itself! This has come in the form of hot glue. Follow these simple instructions and behold the magnificence!
A quick side note: Among hot glue, there exists other fixes for this frustrating problem. I often hear the benefits of Sugru (which are many) and the most common response for what to use sugru for is...frayed cables. Yet sugru is expensive, must set for many hours, and once the package is opened, all of it must be used immediately. For these reasons I see hot glue as a better solution. Electrical tape is another common fix, but it doesn't seem to stand up as well or create such a rigid fix as hot glue. Anyways, onwards...
STEP 1: Gather Materials
For this fix you will need:
1. Hot Glue Sticks, in cooled state.
2. Hot Glue Gun
3. Paper Plate or something to work on.
4. A cleaning wipe
5. Scissors or knife
STEP 2: Access the Damage and Clean the Area
Depending on whether your cable is badly damaged or only slightly will determine how you should go about fixing it.
I recommend pulling off any loose pieces of sheathing. Then clean the cable with some alcohol, just to remove any gunk that may have built up.
STEP 3: Glue It
Heat up your glue gun and put the cable on a clean workspace (you don't want debris getting stuck in the glue). I used the back of a paper plate.
Generously glue over any areas that are fraying. Be sure to apply glue well above and below the area to be repaired. This creates a strong and rigid fix so that the cable will not continue to fray. Make certain that all sides of the cable are covered evenly. It is easiest to apply the glue directly from the gun to the cable, but even coverage may also be achieved by rolling the cable on the plate after glue has been applied.
If any areas are lacking in glue, be sure to apply more. For the brave and heat resistant among you: I have tried to mold the glue using my fingers after it had cooled slightly, but I mostly found that it just stuck to my fingers instead of really helping. Experiment at your own risk.
STEP 4: Trim Any Excess and Be Happy
There may be some extra glue that needs to be trimmed down for a clean look. Use your scissors or knife to do so, but don't trim too much. I didn't end up trimming any.
Congratulations, you've finished!
If at any time, you are unhappy with the results or if additional repairs are needed, just glue again!
2 Comments
Swansong 7 years ago
Good temporary fix for when you're in a pinch :)
vscything 7 years ago