5 ways to fix a frayed cable

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The chargers and earbuds that we carry with us all the time wear out quickly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent further damage to the wire and increase its lifespan.

If the cable, which is frequently bent, tangled, and twisted, begins to fray, you can neutralize the damage.

1. Insulating tape

The cheapest method is to wrap the break with electrical tape. It will not look very solid and will hardly save the cable for a long time, however, in terms of price-quality ratio, this method is quite good. It is better to wrap the frayed area or gap several times, and then walk the tape along the entire wire to strengthen it. But still, don't expect it to last you forever.

2. Heat shrink

It is a more durable wire repair tool. True, it is more expensive and will not work if both ends of the cable are much larger than its main part. Heat shrink tubing comes in a variety of diameters, lengths and colors. One piece will cost from one hundred to several thousand rubles. Having found the right size, you just have to put the tube on the cable at the break and activate it with a high temperature, such as a hairdryer. The tube will shrink and wrap around the wire, keeping the frayed area still and preventing damage from spreading.

3. Sugru

Sugru is a multifunctional self-hardening rubber. It can be used to repair almost anything, including cables. In its original form, Sugru resembles plasticine, which takes any shape. And after a day, it hardens, turning into a very durable rubber. By filling in the Sugru's rupture or rupture, you stop further damage to the cable. This tool can be found on AliExpress for 373 rubles for 6 packs.

4. Spring

A temporary solution to the problem can be a spring from a fountain pen. By stretching it and putting it on the cable, you will strengthen it in a certain place and protect it from bending and further tearing. But this will not save you from damaging the wire in other places. You can also put on a spring and then use heat shrink tubing in the break zone. This combination will provide additional hardening.

5. Protector

Since cable damage is a very common problem, special devices have been invented to protect the wires. In fact, they are needed to prevent ruptures, but they are also suitable in case of wiping that has already begun. On the same AliExpress, for the request "cable protector" or "cable protector", you can find many options for such devices: both for chargers and for headphones. Basically, they are designed to protect the most fragile part of the wire - one of its ends, but there are options for strengthening the entire cable.

Damaged chargers and earbuds can last for some more time if you use any of these methods. This is especially true if buying a new cable is expensive enough: for example, a charger for a MacBook.