Introduction: Secret Flash Drive Inside an USB Cable
How do you hide something that you use frequently? I mean, if you hide a flash drive by burying it in your backyard, surely none will find it, but it's also difficult for you to use it!
I thing that the best hiding place is where none will find what you hide, but you can access it easily.
So I came up with this idea: let's hide a flash drive inside an USB cabe. I would never find an USB hidden this way! Until now. But it would be difficult anyway.
Let's start!
Step 1: Choosing the Cable and the Drive
You have to find a not-so-used USB cable. This is very important because otherwise your secret flash drive can be found by accident!
For example, I can't even remember what was used for the cable you can see in the pictures. I found it in a forgotten-box and I'm pretty sure none is gonna use it.
The flash drive has to be little enough to fit inside the USB connector. I had this very tiny HP 4GB flash drive that is perfect for this project.
Step 2: Disassembling the Flash Drive
That's easier to do than to say, at least in my case.
Anyway, do it with patience, since if you break it, there's no way back. Try not to scratch the electrical contacts (or at least not too much).
Step 3: Disassembling the Connector
This is a little more tricky. As a method, after a couple of hours of philosophical reflection, I choose the so called "brute force" method.
- Use a flat screw driver to detach the white part (with contacts) from the metal part
- With the same method, detach the metal part from the plastic body of the connector
- With the pliers, remove the metal part
- With the same precision tool (big pliers) remove the white part from inside the connector. This wasn't easy for me and the plastic thing didn't came out as a single piece.
Step 4: Preparing the Connector
Once you removed all the parts, you will notice that the flash drive still doesn't fit inside the connector.
So for making more room, I used a rotary tool whit a drill bit. Be careful not to pass through the plastic!
You can test if you reached the correct depth by simply putting the drive inside the connector.
Step 5: Mounting and Final Touches
Now simply put the metal part back inside the connector and glue it with some superglue. Then, mount the flash drive inside of it and you are done!
Now, if you don't want to take any risks, you can also encrypt the flash drive. So, even if someone accidentally finds it, he wont be able to read it's content.
I think this method is perfect for your office or workplace!
Hope you enjoy

Runner Up in the
Hiding Places Contest
36 Comments
4 years ago
now i will try and tug on the end of ALLLLLL the chargers i see.
6 years ago
Brilliant
6 years ago
nice
6 years ago
nice
6 years ago
Brilliant!
Reply 6 years ago
Thank you very much! It's a little time since I made it, and I often can't recognise the modded cable between the normal ones!
7 years ago on Introduction
https://www.instructables.com/id/Hide-Secret-Files-...
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
posted 13 may 2015
Reply 7 years ago
No it's not a copy. The other one used a pen. I like this one better because I don't have a "spare" pen laying around.
Reply 7 years ago
He also used a "spare" pen... What do you mean?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
yours the day after... come on bro... it's a copy! XD
Reply 7 years ago
I think that this could happen! I don't think that he copied me! We just had the same idea :D
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
I know of that Instructable, but I didn't copy it...
Look at the image below, I uploaded the photos to my computer 3 days before he published his one! I think it's only a coincidence...
7 years ago on Introduction
Nice finishing touches, I did something similar couples of years ago, but finished it as a keyfob
https://www.instructables.com/id/Usb-drive-from-a-usb-cable/
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
I'm sorry, it's only my second instructable... I think I should check if someone made something similar before I publish!
I think I'll put your and the other guy's instructable link at the end of mine, i didn't want to copy anyone!
Reply 7 years ago
No worries. It's not even the same Instructible as the other one. You shouldn't feel compelled to add his link because you used a cord with 2 USB ends, and he used a pen. I'm going with yours because it's what I'd be using for materials. You did a good job!
Reply 7 years ago
See?
Reply 7 years ago
What do you mean? That's my result :)
Reply 7 years ago
Hi MatiasM2! I am the other guy that published almost the same ible the day before you!
First of all great idea!! :P ahahaha and second don't worry! I know that you didn't copy me or the other guy! If you want to add our links I'm personally ok with it! ;) have a good luck with the contest!
7 years ago
cool project good job ......