Dressing wires nicely - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 06:50:50 pm
content: I hate messy wiring. Running wires all over perf board or interconnects in chassis makes work so much more difficult.In old days, (in Japan), there was this stretchy nylon(?) twine that self-cinch and stays put. Even older says (in US), kits like Heathkit provided bundled wire dressed like this already with fibrous yarns(?).Can I still buy those? I don't want to use zip ties.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 07:33:41 pm
content: The term that you are missing is "lacing". I'm sure I remember reading a long thread somewhere on EEVblog about it, but I can't seem to find it now. Anyway, many people (myself included) recommend waxed dental floss (unflavored). The thicker stuff, not the "fine".A couple of other links:https://makezine.com/2009/07/28/lost-knowledge-cable-lacing/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_lacing

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 08:04:37 pm
content: The reason lacing was used in ye olden days was not to make it look good but because shaped wire harnesses were built beforehand and were one more part in the final assembly.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 08:08:14 pm
content: If you search the auction site for < "lacing twine" > you'll find what you want. I've seen more listings in the past, but there are only a few now. Note that the quotation marks are important! If you leave them out, you'll find a whole different kind of lace!You've been warned!Another way to control wiring is with nylon spiral wrap. It's relatively easy to find in a variety of sizes and colours. It's easy to pull wires out of the bundle wherever you want.Ed

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 08:32:25 pm
content: This is how I was taught to tie the knot.However, my company only does the initial knot and trims it.They don't do the running knot. Just individual knots separated about 4"-6" on long cables.The spacing is a judgement call based on what and where your cables are.I have a bunch of the waxed lacing cord but you could use waxed dental floss for personnel projects. (Flavor is your choice)https://www.amazon.com/Waxed-Lacing-Tape-Spool-Black/dp/B005PQRLYC

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 08:49:01 pm
content: Quote from: soldar on June 06, 2019, 08:04:37 pmstill done,https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/2017/05/wiring-installation.html

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 10:04:45 pm
content: You could 3D print wire combs or buy existing...See for example :https://www.ebay.com/itm/PC-Cable-Comb-Dresser-Insert-Version-F-3-0mm-Wire-3-3mm-Cables-Black-Clear-/132001146293orhttps://mainframecustom.com/shop/cable-sleeving/cable-combs/mainframe-customs-stealth-cable-combs/lc-stealth-cable-combs/You could make them from two parts , with one that has some plastic clips on the corners and one that has some holes where the other part would have holes.... when you bring them together the clips go inside the holes locking the two plastic bits in place until you press on the clips to release... or whatever, some other locking mechanismAnd also what's wrong with regular ribbon cable... you could buy spools of ribbon cable and cut bands as neededex 150 meters of 50 conductor ribbon cable:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/3m/3365-50/3M155838-500-ND/3867406or multi-color 64 wire 92 meters:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/assmann-wsw-components/AWG28-64-F-300/AE64M-300-ND/655751The above are thin guage, but there's cables as thick as AWG14, or with transparent insulation .. ex 300 meters of 4 wire AWG20 ribbon :https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cicoil/969M101-20-4/CI20D-1000-ND/3524430

author: ChristofferB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2019, 10:05:15 pm
content: I lace with that waxy black thread used for leather work. It works really well, since it kinda clings to itself, but it's admittedly a bit more bulky than real lacing thread.I still think short (2mm or so) lenghts of heat shring every 10-20 cm looks pretty good given the ease of that approach.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2019, 03:11:40 am
content: Waxed dental floss can work as lacing if you need something immediately.For shorter lengths with fewer wires, I often just braid the wires together.

author: BurningTantalum
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2019, 12:09:43 pm
content: The waxed lacing cord that I used when I first started work was made by a company called 'Barbour', and I always assumed that it was the same people that made the waxed waterproof jackets. We made the prototype 'looms' on ply boards using 'Stellite' headless nails for the corners and turning points. When the loom was laced up it could be pulled off the nails complete and laid aside ready for installation in the equipment. In production the same technique was used but the ply boards had a grid of threaded inserts, and the pins were headless and threaded at the other end so could be screwed into the board in the nearest insert to the design layout.Happy memories (actually I hated it...)BT

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2019, 04:27:58 am
content: Hum.... I was looking for something thinner....What I see on eBay, I could probably find them at Home Depot or craft shops. I'll visit a few and see what I can dig up.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2019, 05:54:01 am
content: Quote from: tkamiya on June 09, 2019, 04:27:58 amEven dental floss is too thin unless you are lacing bundles inside a small enclosure.There is always the chance that thin lacing cord will cut through the insulation and cause a short.As others have said, you want lacing cord around 1/8" or 2-3mm wide.If you end up with something like dental floss, don't pull it too tight.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2019, 05:06:48 am
content: Thin waxed cord is sometimes used in upholstery work. It might be found at a fabric or craft store. I have also seen some kind of thin tacky clear plastic monofilament used for cable dressing.But I suspect waxed lacing cord is the best option.