organizing spare cables

[Vitalij]

Hello guys, i just wanted to know how you organize cables that are not used on daily bases? For example i have cables like power cords, vga/dvi/hdmi cables and LOTS of USB cables of different types. All my drawers are already full with other stuff so i am thinking of buying some kind of box storage to put all those cables in. Do you have any recommendation to what kind of storage to buy?

I am ideally looking for some kind of box like storage which is separated in sections so i can seperate different types of cables.

 

[glennd]

I usually end up up-ending a drawer on to the floor so i can see what's in it. instead i've been using simple white plastic baskets, each with a category of stuff in it, like power cords, usb, video, audio, network etc. this makes it easy to store, easy to see where things are and easy to get it off the shelf and rummage through it.

 

[Mainstay]

little plastic totes for in the office. very stack-able and keeps things tidy.

for the car, we use large flat totes that help to keep us organized.

Plus, we use empty plastic totes for removing customers equipment...

NB: this is only for spare parts or loose parts or testing parts. We keep our stock of un-opened boxes in a large bench / enclosure.

 

[Paul Rodgers]

Freezer bags

 

[Mainstay]

Freezer bags

we use large zip-locks for customer parts (if they are going to be with us for a while... ie., waiting on parts)...

for in-progress client parts (screws, covers, etc.) we use little magnetic trays.

 

[glennd]

for in-progress client parts (screws, covers, etc.)

i prefer the floor for screws, I know where they are that way.

Not really but, man, how many times have i accidentally knocked something and sent stuff flying...

Hands up those that have sent a laptop back minus the odd screw?

 

[Markverhyden]

No shop here. I've moved them from 3 large cardboard boxes to a bunch of dedicated small cardboard boxes that close up. Then in my van I have one of those plastic bin like used by many retailers when they replenish stock at the stores.

But the ones I got are from Home Depot, not the ones above, and turned out to be very flimsy. When I get new ones I'll look for the ones the retailers use. Won't be cheap but will be much sturdier. Use another one to store various power and large tools like hammer, wrenches, corded drill, corded hammer drill, corded angle grinder, and a battery sawz all. Bits and blades in there as well. For cables and networking I have a couple of those under the bed hinged storage containers from a big box. Low quality so I'll probably use one of the larger ones like above for that use as well when they get replaced.

 

[PCX]

Thus is what we do


https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/plastic-laptop-bins.59733/#post-460985

 

[Moltuae]

I have about 20-30 of these plastic drawer units (below) in my workshop for cables and smaller stock (organised on plastic racks like these):

I transfer the stock I need, to and from the car, in clear, lidded plastic tubs.

 

[cypress]

Plastic storage bins. I will either wrap up the wires with velcro, use a rubber band or if I am not gonna use it for awhile I may opt for a zip tie. But that is usually a one and done thing. lol.