dirthurts OP t1_iznkwyi wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:13 PM

#899,423

Anyone know if it is possible to reshape the end of this coiled cable without damaging it? The way the coil ends at a 90 degree angle is a bit annoying. Would like to reshape it to continue out straight.

Any thoughts on how to do this? I assume it's the rubber giving it the shape and not the wire?

IMKGI t1_iznl7pb wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:16 PM

#899,441

My first attempt would probably be with a Hair dryer or some kind of heat gun

Tanachip t1_iznlr9u wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:21 PM

#899,465

Replying to IMKGI (#899,441)

This.

Steelmaker01 t1_iznmw95 wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:33 PM

#899,532

A retractable cord’s memory is baked into the plastic, so I would surmise that applying heat could reshape it: https://youtu.be/s7rb6fZ4pEM

dirthurts OP t1_iznn4mv wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:35 PM

#899,549

Replying to Steelmaker01 (#899,532)

My thoughts as well. I'm going to give it a try.

AyeYoYoYO t1_iznqikb wrote on December 10, 2022 at 2:06 PM

#899,776

Coiled cables are the best tho ! Why would you want it any different ? Coiled cable stays shorter and manageable at close range, then expands as you move around the studio (or game room/etc)

TellMeHowImWrong t1_izo36wx wrote on December 10, 2022 at 3:47 PM

#900,521

Heat gun works. I converted my extra long straight cable to a coiled one by wrapping it round a pole and blasting it with a heat gun then flipping the cable inside out. Be careful though because you can melt right through if you're not careful. And get someone to help you unless you want to cook your fingers trying to hold it steady.

dirthurts OP t1_izomssk wrote on December 10, 2022 at 6:01 PM

#901,528

Replying to TellMeHowImWrong (#900,521)

That's rather brilliant. I'll definitely try this today. Think a hair dryer is enough for my project,?

dirthurts OP t1_izonazl wrote on December 10, 2022 at 6:05 PM

#901,542

Replying to AyeYoYoYO (#899,776)

I just want the very last coil changed. Pointing straight instead of to the side.

TellMeHowImWrong t1_izordnj wrote on December 10, 2022 at 6:33 PM

#901,717

Replying to dirthurts (#901,528)

I don't think so. They're made to avoid burning people so I doubt it would get hot enough. Do you know anyone that might have a heat gun? There was an on site mechanic/general handyman at my old work so I asked to use his and he helped. Took us less than a minute with the heat gun so you won't need to borrow it for long.

Just a few points:

The cable will be HOT afterwards. Leave it for a while before you touch it.

Make sure you're not pointing the heat gun at anything flammable. Don't put it down on anything flammable when you're done.

If the cable starts smoking you've heated it up too much so stop. Try not to breathe it in.

Don't heat near the jack.

If you want to shape it with something while it's hot. Don't use your fingers.

I know that's just common sense stuff but I imagined reading tomorrow's headline: AUDIOPHILE BURNS TO DEATH IN HOME AFTER TAKING ADVICE FROM SOMEONE ON REDDIT and thought I better cover myself.