straightening cables

[VomitHatSteve]

So I just picked up a whole pile of cheap cables from e-bay. I know how to wrap them so that they'll last longer. Unfortunately, they were shipped to me folded back and forth, and now they want to stay that way. Is there a way to straighten out cables like that so that they will be easier to wrap properly in the future?

 

[SonicAlbert]

If you can hang them full length from one end, that would probably be the best way.

The way to properly wrap cables is with the over-under technique. If you do all over or all under you are still twisting the shield, even if you give it that little finger twist every other wrap.

 

[RezN8]

The best way I know to straighten a cable out is to leave it laying stretched out in the sun for an hour or so (depending on how hot it is that day).

 

[boingoman]

I hate it when cables are wrapped like that. Sometimes the jackets relax after some time and repeated wrapping and unwrapping the right way. Hanging them helps sometimes, as does laying them out on a nice hot driveway and wrapping them when they are warm and flexible. Ans sometimes they stay like that forever.

 

[VomitHatSteve]

All right! Looks like I picked a good time to pick up cheap cables then: just before it gets warm enough to do that.

Thanks, guys.

 

[stetto]

The best way I know to straighten a cable out is to leave it laying stretched out in the sun for an hour or so (depending on how hot it is that day).

Actually, the sun will help to deteriorate the rubber coating...But you have the right idea--Hanging them over a heat register for a bit will release some of the memory so you can straighten them and retrain them to your bidding...

Eric

 

[boingoman]

Actually, the sun will help to deteriorate the rubber coating...
Eric

Yeah, I guess, but if a cable falls apart after an hour outside, get your money back.

 

[up-fiddler]

Who sneaks into my suitcases and tangles them up at night?