Wrapping Cables

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Yes, there is a best way to wrap cables, and people like to talk or be snobby about it. It’s true that when you take proper care of your cables, it almost seems like they uncoil and re-wrap themselves on command—it’s hard to find such easy and effective ways to make your life happier. Here is one of many videos to demonstrate the over-under technique. Search for more if you want to find a different angle on the subject or if you want to be amazed at how long some people can take to explain this.

Notes

For cables 25ft and longer, the coils should be about forearm length. Shorter cables should have a smaller coil, but it should never feel tight. Very, very long and thick cables may feel more comfortable with a larger coil, but those should be exceptional cases. In your own studio, you may want to settle on one smaller size coil to use, so all your cables use one size or the other.

If you have a poorly-treated cable, some “cable therapy” may be in order. Here’s what I prefer to do:

  1. In a large space, throw out the cable to uncoil it in a straight line as much as possible.
  2. Run the cable tightly through your hands from one end to the other, twisting and massaging lumpy areas (with badly twisted wires inside) and keeping any naturally-forming coils ahead of you. Keep pushing them ahead, and they’ll work their way out the far end. Two points of caution:
    1. Don’t be too rough on your cable. You may need to let a couple rough spots pass and repeat this step before your cable behaves. Despite the wording used in one video above, truly forcing your cable into shape can do as much damage as mistreating it did.
    2. Avoid burning your hand by holding the cable too tightly and running the cable through it too fast.
  3. Wrap your cable using the over-under method. Roll the cable in your fingers to guide its natural twist to sit comfortably in wrapped coils. If a coil twists after you’ve wrapped it, back up and redo it. Fasten with velcro when you’re done.
  4. If your cable is still a little warped, massage the whole cable by grabbing it firmly like a steering wheel and twisting slightly to help all coils sit in their new form more comfortably. Inch your hands all the way around the coil bit by bit, massaging as you go.