what can I get to organize cords????

[perplexed]

I am trying to get all my computer and printer cords organized. I have them pretty well under control but I was wondering if theres something to hang on the wall that would really help keep them under control.Where and what to buy would really help me out.
Thanks so much! ;)

[maxximilian]

Hi perplexed,

This question is probably better suited for the hardware forum, but here goes....

I have found that much of what I want to accomplish with cables can be done with stuff around the house. I use "twist-ties" to bind cables toegether. Yes, those very same gizmos that come when you buy a box of garbage bags. I will wrap them around cables to keep them organized with each other. If you are using a surge supressor, and I sure hope you are, most of them have mounting slots on the back or have screw slots on the edges. You can mount these on the wall or even the desk.

Some of the better Radio shacks and office supply stores sell something called a "Slotted Raceway". This is a device, usually plastic, that has a series of slots that allow your cords to be secured and kept organized. I think this raceway can also be mounted.

Try and get creative with stuff around the house. It's a great feeling to not only solve a minor, but nagging problem, yourself, but do it without spending money is always nice too. :)

BTW, those twist-ties I mentioned...they do sell little velcro items that do the same thing, but aren't free. :D

[smurfy]

I am not a big fan of cable management at the best of times (and my cat has only unplugged my PC by mucking around behind my desk once!)
but I agree with max here. Most of the devices you can buy for this purpose can be easily (read: cheaply) made yourself.
Velro straps, twist ties, a plastic or even cardboard tube can all be put to use.
One thing to try to avoid when going for cable management is twisting your VGA cable or audio cable with power leads, try to keep some degree of separation.
It may not always be noticable but twisting them can cause EMF interference problems on your display and line noise on your speakers.

[maxximilian]

Smurfy just reminded me of something. The magnetic field created by the power cord can also cause line noise on the telephone line if you are using a dial-up. Sometimes this can reduce your connection speed. Keep this in mind when bundling the cables. Thanks smurfy. :)

[perplexed]

Thanks for all the good ideas, I will put them to good use. I have been working on this most of morning, including some major desk cleanup ;) ( much needed) Ya'll are the best.
;)

[rustygates]

The following link might give you some ideas, as to the various options.

www.standsunique.com/accessories.html (http://www.standsunique.com/accessories.html)

You can probably get something similar at the Tandy Store. ;)

Yeah, I know it's corny, but I couldn't resist the opening.

:p :eek:

[perplexed]

Thanks so much!!! ;)