Cable-keeper coil

Today in my ongoing series of photos from my travels over the years: a coiled cable-keeper in a shop in Melbourne (though the coil bore a label saying MADE IN USA). The cable came down from the ceiling to the cash-register, protecting the Ethernet cable that ran down from a drop-ceiling. I've been responsible for more than my share of truly ugly cable-runs with sudden drops in the middle of the room where the data needed to be -- a handsome little gizmo like this could have made my fugly hacks into decor. Link

[#1 posted by lava , January 20, 2008 6:11 AM]

I've seen hacks like this before - the coil is like a machine shop power cord, and you can snake other cords inside it. But adding or removing a wire can be a tremendous pain. There are a number of products out there that are segmented "spines" that manage cables on runs from desk to floor. The heftier versions could also run to a ceiling. Their cool in an alien kind of way.

http://www.thebackshop.co.uk/products/products481-details103.html
http://www.restockit.com/Monarch-Freestyle-Vertebra-Cord-Holder-(SMF36405MT1).html?source=froogle
http://www.shoplet.com/office/db/SMF36405MT1.html
http://www.mockett.com/default.asp?ID=4&action=detail&partCode=WM14
http://closet-masters.com/detail.aspx?ID=747

[#2 posted by Geno Z Heinlein , January 20, 2008 7:50 AM]

Speaking as my company's "computer guy", I wish all cable runs let you follow which cable goes where.

[#3 posted by A Nonny Moose , January 20, 2008 8:22 AM]

It almost looks like someone repurposed a self-coiling air hose. Neat!

[#4 posted by bcsizemo , January 20, 2008 1:04 PM]

I agree with #3. I'm pretty sure it's just an air hose.

[#5 posted by TEKNA2007 , January 20, 2008 1:55 PM]

I think it should be lit up inside like a neon tube.

[#6 posted by Takuan , January 20, 2008 1:57 PM]

use rope light

[#7 posted by trevoro , January 21, 2008 8:45 AM]

As seen in the first few seasons of 'Alias'