Frayed charging cables can be dangerous to use and expensive to replace. Whether you’re using a Lightning cable with an iPhone, a USB-C cable with an Android phone, here’s how to protect them from breakage.
Taking Care of Your Cables
The best way to stop your cables from breaking is to take proper care of them. In particular, always hold the cable by the plug when removing it from a device or USB port. Suddenly pulling a cable out without doing this will put pressure on the weakest part of the construction, where the cable joins the plug.
In transport, loop your cables and keep them bound with a strap or clip where possible. Make sure you loop your cable the right way by manipulating it with your hands. The cable will naturally coil in a specific manner, which you should always try to replicate. Some cables, like the Anker Powerline+ below, come with a velcro strap for easy transportation and storage. The “roadie wrap” is the best way to wrap your charging cables.
Avoid excessive bending of cables, or wrapping them up too tightly. Bending the cable, particularly at the point where the cable joins the plug, is the leading cause of damage over time. If you can avoid using your device while charging it, you will avoid unnecessarily wear the cable.
You will probably need to change your behavior and break old habits, but your cables will thank you for it. If you instinctively grab your phone in the morning before getting out of bed, take care to unplug the cable first. Laying there in bed with the cable bending back and forth as you roll over isn’t ideal. If you’re used to throwing your charging cables in a bag for a weekend away, take a second to coil them correctly.
RELATED: How to Properly Wrap Charging Cables to Prevent Damaging Them
Use Cable Protectors
Cable protectors work by protecting the point at which the cable joins the plastic or metal plug. They should be made of a flexible material like rubber, to allow the cable to flex slightly when pressure is applied. If the cable protector does not flex, it merely moves the point of weakness further up the cable.
You can buy a pack of cable protectors for a few dollars online. The TUDIA KLIP is one of the best solutions for Apple Lightning, iPod, MagSafe, and Apple Watch chargers. For a cheaper product that’s compatible with just about any USB charger, check out the Jetec multi-colored spiral protectors or the Nite Ize CordCollar.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can add springs to your collars to add some tension and prevent the cable from bending to a critical point. For a more resilient homemade solution, check out the Paracord Cord Reinforcement tutorial on Instructables.
Read the remaining 29 paragraphs
Source : How to Stop Your Phone’s Charger Cables From Breaking
