cutting ribbon cable

[JackAndCoke]

i have alot of slack from the ribbon cables from HDD,CDRW, and my floppy inside my case.Is it ok to cut them and resize them or not?would all this slack prevent good airflow in case?

[randy48]

You can resize cables, but it's difficult to get the connectors on right, try cable-rounding instead, easier and neater:
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/articles/cabround/index.html

[wyvrn]

Instead of cutting the cables, why not just fold it twice and use zip ties to keep tight? No chance of ruining a cable there.

[Richard_Cranium72]

I use red electical tape to bind my cables together, looks kinda neat too.

[NDC]

There was a link about cable tapering, and King Of Pain mentioned baking the cables in the sun for a bit and they will be easier shape.... I thought that was a good idea...

[thekingofpain]

You can buy the cable ends and crimper, I prefer these... http://b.PostMyPic.com/b.nsf/Z/RoundcableQGXE/$file/Roundcable.jpg
I like the factory appearance, as its better then my rounded painted spiralwrapped attempt, maybe its my clearcase that makes it important to me...

Darn thing is fighting me to post this img...( available here http://www.pccables.com/ )

[This message has been edited by thekingofpain (edited 12-17-2000).]

[Graham]

Not too difficult on older cables, but the new 80 way ata66/100 must be a pig to do, I wouldn't even try.

G

[JackAndCoke]

hmm, maybe i'll just fold them i don't feel like taking a chance cutting them to round...

[Rat]

Rounding can be done different ways. I use a mini-Swiss Army knife that I sharpened to a very good edge. I can strip an IDE cable in about ten minutes with it. I sharpened only about 1/2 and inch of the blade (starting at the tip) and dulled the rest. The dull part I use as a guide (hold the knife at about a 45*-60* angle) and draw the cable across the knife. I have very few mis cuts (I'd estimate about 2%). I use 3/8" split loom to finish the job.....looks nice.

Rat...

[LiLRiceBoi]

if you want to round your cables, using an xacto blade makes it really easy