I am using a fairly large ethernet cable when I want a Ethernet connection from my router to my laptop. I have a 3 story house so a permanent in-wall connection is not possible (my room is on the top floor). I can’t have it laying around always constantly so I use it when I need it (for playing games & such) then I put it in my cupboard

The thing is it gets tangled up. It takes me about 5 minutes to untangle it everytime. Is there a good way of storing it? Like those circular cable winder extension boards where you can roll the wire up when you’re done with it and taking it out is also simple?

  • lagunajim1@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    The trick with cable (I used to be a sound engineer) is that they have a natural turn to them.

    So you want to coil it up, but for every loop you turn the cable slightly in the direction it wants to turn itself.

    This way you end up with a neat, flat, coil that is not fighting against itself.

    Practice a couple of times and you’ll have it down. Applies to all types of cable.

    • averyminya@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Good old over under technique! Works with everything, done right you can literally throw a cable across the room and it will unwind itself perfectly. Highly recommended for headphones as well.

      Another tip on top of this stellar one! If the cable is giving you problems, i.e. it’s “natural” shape is all kinked, you can leave it out in the sun for a little while. Straighten it out from there and then you can coil it freely. The heat helps you reset that natural shape.

    • brianatlarge@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I used to do live events and I’m so happy to see this answer. It kills me when I see someone coiling up cable around their forearm.