How To Coil A Cable

You may think you know how, but if you're still winding "dog bones", you're doing it wrong. Improper coiling can shorten the functional life of any cable. Here's the over-under method for properly coiling any type of AV cable.

This article from Internet Sound Institute should help set you (and your cables) straight.

Cables: Tangle Free
Are you tired of untangling cables every time you need one? If your answer is yes, then try the over-under method. This method is useful for any cable wrapping (including your garden hose).

First, some decisions need to be made about how everyone will start. Then, make sure everybody does the wrap the same way. For instance, decide which end of a cable to start with. You may decide to always start at the male connector end.

This method is written for right-handers. But once understood, it is easily adaptable.
How to wrap AV cables
Wrap - Figure 1
Over Loop: Take the male connector in your left hand (shown in Figure 1 as a ribbon). Make a one-foot diameter loop in the clockwise direction. The connector end will face you.
How to wrap AV cables
Figure 2
Under Loop: With your right hand, grab the cable about two feet from your left hand. Your right hand fingers should be over the top of the cable with the thumb underneath (see Figure 2). Now move your right hand toward the left hand, rotating your right hand clockwise (see Figure 3). Grab the top of this new loop with your left hand fingers. Your right hand fingers should point toward your left hand. Now adjust the loop size so it is the same size as the first loop.
How to wrap AV cables
Figure 3

Over Loop: The next loop is done the same way as the first over loop.

Continue: Each loop then alternates over and under until you reach the other end. The cable should be neatly coiled in your left hand.

When you are done, use a cable tie wrap, string or something to keep the coils together. Be sure to store the cables neatly and carefully in a box or on a hook. This method helps you easily separate the cables for a fast set-up the next time you use them.

Caution: This method will force you to untangle the cable before you wrap it, or your coils will not be nice and even. Cables that are already in poor shape may not be retainable because of permanent twists and kinks.

Unwrap

Hold the coil in your left hand the same way it was wrapped. Take the connectors in each hand and throw out the cable. It should lay out ready to use. Be sure that one end has not passed through the loops. If it has, you will have a tangle at every loop!


Wrapping cables with this method will ensure nice-looking, twist-free cables that provide fast set up.

by Ron Huisinga © 1996 Internet Sound Institute (www.soundinstitute.com).