Introduction: Computer Cable Management on the Cheap
This will show you how to clean up that cable mess below your desk . I have read multiple articles on this site about great ways to manage your cables. I believe this method is extremely flexible for various cable paths and extremely cheap!
Materials:
1) Large (2 inch) Binder Clips - under $4 for a box of 12
2) 3/4" Wood Screws - under $1 for a box
3) Washers - under $1 for a box
(Optional)
Velcro Straps
Tools:
Screw Driver or Power Screw Driver
Materials:
1) Large (2 inch) Binder Clips - under $4 for a box of 12
2) 3/4" Wood Screws - under $1 for a box
3) Washers - under $1 for a box
(Optional)
Velcro Straps
Tools:
Screw Driver or Power Screw Driver
Step 1: Unplug, Untangle, & Gather the Supplies
Unplug all the devices and separate the cables from each other.
Gather your supplies. I am using 3/4 inch length screws because my desk is 1 inch thick. It is important that you take the time to measure your desktop. Pick a screw length that is at least 1/4 inch shorter than the thickness of your desktop. A sure fire way to ruin your day is to finish the project and find that you now have 8 screws sticking up through your desktop.
Gather your supplies. I am using 3/4 inch length screws because my desk is 1 inch thick. It is important that you take the time to measure your desktop. Pick a screw length that is at least 1/4 inch shorter than the thickness of your desktop. A sure fire way to ruin your day is to finish the project and find that you now have 8 screws sticking up through your desktop.
Step 2: Mount the Hardware
Power Strip:
I would recommend mounting your power strip first. Mount the power strip in a centralized location. I typically place it closer to the wall in the middle of the desk.
**Tip - Use a pencil and scrap paper to make a map (rubbing) of the mounting holes on your power strip. Then when placing the screws, screw them right through the paper into the desk. When you are finished placing the screws then rip the paper away.
Clips:
I like to place multiple clips around the power strip because this is going to be an area with lots of cables. Then place other clips where you need them.
I would recommend mounting your power strip first. Mount the power strip in a centralized location. I typically place it closer to the wall in the middle of the desk.
**Tip - Use a pencil and scrap paper to make a map (rubbing) of the mounting holes on your power strip. Then when placing the screws, screw them right through the paper into the desk. When you are finished placing the screws then rip the paper away.
Clips:
I like to place multiple clips around the power strip because this is going to be an area with lots of cables. Then place other clips where you need them.
Step 3: Routing the Cables
Now you can route the cables through the mounted clips. If you are a purist, you can take the time to mount enough clips to separate out your power cables. This might keep your power cables from causing distortion in your other cables. I didn't do this because I have never found it to be an issue.
Step 4: Route Cables to Dedicated Areas
I routed my cables to designated areas. In this case, I am routing cables for my PC and an Xbox 360. I have mounted a clip in the back above these areas. This allows for a cleaner look by grouping the cables.
Step 5: Finished Product (Comparison)
After I plugged everything back in, I added some velcro straps to keep the bundles tight.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for reading.