Think Tank, which makes some awesome photography bags, also makes these small cable wraps. They’re meant to be used on smaller cords, but can be used on larger power cord bundles as well.
I typically use Velcro reusable cable ties as temporary cable wraps, and they’re easy and convenient to use. But they’re not as quick as I’d like them to be for wrapping and unwrapping frequently used cables.
These Think Tank “Red Whips,” are quicker to use than Velcro wraps. They’re simply constructed with elastic “shock cord” and barrel cord locks.
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They’re available on Amazon for ~$10 with free Super Saver (on $25+ orders) and Prime shipping options.
I received the pack I ordered, and they have greater capacity than I expected. The barrel locks aren’t as strong as I would like for heavy duty use, but they’re ideal for lighter duty use as you would expect from a photography accessory.
I am also in the process of ordering parts so that I can build my own cable wraps. At the time of this posting, USA-made ITW cord locks cost around 30 to 60 cents each, and cord is $7 to $12 for 100 feet. It’s more economical to just buy these wraps, but the DIY route allows for greater flexibility if you need a lot more cable ties or longer lengths.
Update April 2022: It seems that Think Tank released a “V2.0″ pack of Red Whips. As far as I can tell, there’s no difference other than packaging. With this new pack, you get (10) regular-length 6″ whips, and (2) longer-length 7.5” whips. The pricing has increased to around $15.
fred
For years we always saved small cutoffs of NM (commonly called Romex) cable. The 12-14 gauge insulated wire pieces could be pulled out and used to make cord ties for both extension cords and for tool cords. Bend into a hook at one end of the wire , loop the piece around the extension cord and pull the straight end through the looped end, pull tight and fold over – pretty quick, reusable and cheap.
Benjamen Johnson
I have been partial to ball bungees, but the “Red Whips” look like they might be a good replacement, especially when you have to wrap the ball bungees around a small cable 3-4 times.
Stuart
I’ve been meaning to build my own ball bungees using large wood beads I’ve had laying around here for a while. One of the benefits of these over ball bungees is how there’s one double loop and that’s it. No wrapping a cable or bundle several times and then trying to get the bead or ball into the end loop at just the right point.
Jim
Finally, a great use for the nitrogen ball inside a Guinness can.