• VeganPizza69 Ⓥ@lemmy.vg
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    3 months ago

    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)
    • knexcar@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Wait, there are USB cables that don’t transfer data? What do they do then, charge only?

      • Baguette@lemm.ee
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        3 months ago

        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

        • FierySpectre@lemmy.world
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          3 months ago

          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.

          • med@sh.itjust.works
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            3 months ago

            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

        • fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          3 months ago

          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.

    • PriorityMotif@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      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.