I designed these cable tidy spools to offer a neat and compact solution for storing a variety of cables. My initial efforts with rubber bands and cable clips were less than ideal, as they often resulted in tangled cables and difficulty distinguishing between similar ones.
In search of a better solution, I explored many great ideas (see the Inspirations section), but none fully met all my needs. Consequently, I created a new cable spool design. My main objectives were to make a spool that could be quickly printed, use minimal filament, and securely store various USB and other cables.
Cable Diameters
This page specifically includes models for cables with a 3mm diameter. Due to the extensive range of models, I’ve created separate pages for each cable diameter.
Dimensions
The provided diagram illustrates the spool’s dimensions, detailed in each model’s filename. They are also available in a PDF catalog, with tables to guide you to the correct model for your cable.
Width (W): The outer width of the spool, in millimeters. The inner width can be calculated by subtracting twice the rim height. It also determines the spool’s end radius.
Length (L): The outer length of the spool, in millimeters. Like the width, the inner length is determined by subtracting twice the rim height.
Cable Diameter (C): Indicated in tenths of a millimeter, with 30 representing 3.0mm. This value serves as a guideline; for example, a 3.2mm or even 3.5mm cable can fit a 3.0mm designed spool, though optimal performance is achieved with the intended diameter.
Rim Height (R): Describes the rim’s height around the spool, in millimeters. A higher rim secures the cable but limits usable spool space.
Inspiration
My design took inspiration from several projects:
I hope this design provides an effective solution for organizing your USB cables.
