Most cable failures aren’t from use — they’re from bad storage. Here’s what to avoid and what to do instead.

• ① Never Use Elbow Coiling
  
  Wrapping cables around your arm twists the internal wires in one direction every time.
  After months of this, copper strands inside start breaking — even if the outer jacket looks fine.
• ② Avoid Tight Cable Ties
  
  Plastic zip ties create pressure points that stress the cable.
  Use velcro straps instead — they’re reusable and won’t crush the wires.
• ③ Don’t Bend Connectors at 90°
  
  The area right next to the plug is the weakest spot on any cable.
  Sharp bends here cause internal wire fractures faster than anywhere else.
• ④ Use the Over-Under Technique
  
  
  This is how audio engineers and broadcast techs do it:
  First loop clockwise, second loop counter-clockwise (figure-8 pattern).
  This keeps the cable’s natural twist neutral — it unrolls smoothly without kinks.
  
• ⑤ Hang Cables Loosely When Possible
  
  Wall hooks or drawer organizers let cables hang in natural curves.
  No twisting, no pressure — just gravity doing its job.

Cable Type	Internal Structure	Storage Sensitivity
USB-C / Lightning	Multiple thin twisted pairs	⚠️ Very sensitive — avoid any twisting or tight bends.
HDMI / DisplayPort	Shielded signal wires	⚠️ Moderate — excessive bending damages shielding layer.
Audio (XLR / TRS)	Balanced twisted pairs	⚠️ High — must use directional coiling (over-under method).
Power Cables	Thick single-core conductors	✅ Durable — can handle regular coiling better than data cables.

Data cables with multiple thin wires are far more fragile than power cables.
USB-C, HDMI, and audio cables need gentle, twist-free storage to last.

Method	Best For
Over-Under Coiling	Professional-grade cables (audio, video, long data cables) — prevents internal twisting.
Loose Loop on Hook	Daily-use cables at desk or bedside — quick access, zero stress on wires.
Velcro Strap Bundle	Travel or drawer storage — keeps cables tidy without crushing them.
Cable Organizer Box	Multiple cables sorted by type — prevents tangling and maintains natural curves.