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I refactor the box every year because there are usually some new cables.
Some simple empirical rules:
- keep the shorter cables
- maximum of 3 cables of the same type: for donating, for lending, for spare
- USB cables that can transfer data > USB cables that don't transfer data
- no damaged cables
- store long cables as coils (tied up tight)
- store short cables in bunches (tied up tight)
- should be sorted and grouped into categories
- box should be sealed, but aired out once in a while (outgassing)
Wait, there are USB cables that don’t transfer data? What do they do then, charge only?
Yup. Notorious with usb c cables. Lots of battery powered tools give you a cable that only works for charging, and looks the exact same. I guess you could test the cable and mark them as charge only, but it's a hassle
I've got a USB-c cable that can charge and transfer data at high speeds... But ask it to transfer display data to a screen and it won't do a thing.
The USB-c standard is a nightmare... While having the same port for everything sounds like a decent idea to reduce waste, not every product requires the full spec. Maybe mandatory labeling (like some companies are doing already) would be a solution, but it's rather late to start with that now.
4 will solve some of this, and bring it up to a minimum usable standard generally, hopefuly we can use the numbers arms race to eliminate some of the bullshit being pulled
USB A to C maybe, but C to C cannot work without data. To me MicroUSB was notorious for that. At this point all my micro USB cables that I have left don't do data because I've given away, or worn out/broke all the ones that did data.
Now I just have a bunch of USB C to ___ adapters. Right now on my desk I have a USB C to Micro, Micro to USB C (just in case) and a USB C to lightning adapter all stuck together.
Yep. Very annoying in some cases.
Just be sure to not damage cables with plastic zip ties or other things that crimp the wires inside.
I bundle my cables and put them in ziplock bags by type. I bought a whole spool of twist tie wire with it's own built in cutter. I also keep a bag with damaged cables because sometimes I make my own custom cables or just need some scrap wire.
Wait why does the box need to be closed?
To avoid the collection of cables growing?
So, don't leave male and female cables alone in a dark box!
To avoid dust.
To not ever let them escape
Less degradation of the plastic maybe? Idk
I think so. Keeps the insulation from dry rotting.
Keeping it closed also means that you don't have to breathe it in (and prevents dust from getting in).
but what if I like the smell like a steam deck vent
Get your hormone levels checked once in a while.
hormones? Yeah he do :)
So that the cables don't get covered in humid air and dust which sticks to them and forms a grime (with bonus added chemicals from the plastics).