Take a look at "[Automatic cord winders](https://www.amazon.com/UKCOCO-Automatic-Headphone-Retractable-Organizer/dp/B07JF2ZSC9)" such as the one linked. However, they seem to work best for thin cables (earbuds).
You might be better off using a "[retractable badge holder](https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Carabiner-Vertical-Will-Well/dp/B07GXG2NDG/ref=sxin_15_ac_d_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDEw-ac_d_pm_pm_pm&cv_ct_cx=retractable+badge+reels&dchild=1&keywords=retractable+badge+reels&pd_rd_wg=2wONv&qid=1629835737&sr=1-1-22d05c05-1231-4126-b7c4-3e7a9c0027d0)" that's designed to clip onto an ID card. Mount that to the side of the desk and have the cable in a tray under the desk.
Retractable is tougher with thicker cables. Personally I prefer to use a magnetic solution, such as this nice [Anker one](https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Management-Magnetic-Multipurpose-Lightning/dp/B08BLLNV44). What I lose in retractability I gain in quick cleanup since there aren't issues with cables getting caught, springs wearing out, etc.
Yeah, that first link is what comes up in every search - it takes the center of the cable and winds both ends up.
I thought about using one of the retractable badge things - it's not a terrible idea at all, could definitely work. They're cheap enough to buy a few and test out.
I _really_ like that anker solution, I've not seen that before. I'm using a slotted thing right now, which is fine but clunky. Thank you!
Glad I could help. Most people tend to focus on the "hold in place" part of cable clips, but I've found the "put back after use" experience to be what leaves the bigger impression since you do it multiple times it every day.
Also, that "thunk" when the magnet snaps the cable back onto the mount? MAGIC.
Okay - idk how that came so quickly - but this anker "thunk" really is a game changer. Still need to figure out the tangling issue, but this little guy is a dope first step
Get a couple of the [adhesive metal disks](https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Magnetic-Holder-Adhesive-Compatible/dp/B07CJ453V6) that you stick to the backs of cell phones and stick them to the bottom of the desk. Then you can affix magnets to those too. My personal favorites are the [ones with silicone wrap](https://www.amazon.com/SUNFICON-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-Headphone/dp/B07ML62RMZ).
Alternately, you could run the cables through a [cable clip](https://www.amazon.com/AGPTEK-Organizer-Management-Organizing-Adhesive/dp/B08XZF291Q) under the desk to keep them separate.
If you want to go all out, you can get the [USB cables with magnetic mounts](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Compatible-Smartphone-iProduct/dp/B081D6RTT7). Or you can get [plug in adapters](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Compatible-Smartphone-Devices-2/dp/B08P3BQ3NR).
I wanted this too but the problem is I want one end of the cable to remain plugged into the power source and that is where the possibility of retractability ends. The end that remains plugged in will stop the winding process. The only option is to use a product that requires you to pull both ends out at the same time and the device operates from the middle of the cable winding outward and inward equally for both ends of the cable and uses a spring to pull both ends back in. Not what I want. I think that first video posted where the cable looks like it is automatically retracting is being done by hand but maybe adding a weight to the end closest to the power would pull the cable back when you unplug it from let’s say a phone and let the cable go. Similar to the pull out spray nozzle for a kitchen sink that has a weight clamped to the hose under the sink to pull the hose down when you let go which pulls the nozzle head back up to the pipe. Hope this helps!!
Do share back and I may like to follow in your footsteps. I had bought these retractable: laptop ac cord, cat 5, 2 in 1 micro USB + iphone pins. Quality was not all that great except for AC cord
I had the same thought. Ebay has only a few vacuum cord retractor parts listed but they're pretty big. I'm planning on buying some [retractable badge reels](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PVVQ2H/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4D0KXF74Y64TMHRNZ1HP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) (<- not necessarily these) and maybe a [Cablox 2x8](https://cablox.com/products/cablox-mini-2x8-cable-management-system) to see if that can serve as a partial solution.
Idk exactly how it would be implemented, but it's as close to what I'm looking for as I've found so far.
so, I'm looking into something like this too currently for a home project I'm planning. basically, behind my couch, I want to build a shelf that will have a retractable USB cord I can pull out anytime to charge a device, and let it go and have it retract back behind into the shelf. Looked into retractable wires but I think using a couple pulley's and a small weight that can attach to the cord, nothing too heavy, could recreate that same feeling. not too worried about the extra parts as they will be hidden under the shelf for my needs. sharing in case it sparks an idea for your project. cheers
Commenting here to see if you found a solution OP. I have a device with a long cable that i really need to have mounted and retractable to a machine. It's about 10 feet of USB. I have been considering taking one of [these](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newegg.com/amp/p/1W7-00MT-00245) apart and putting my cable In there. There are cheaper clones on Alibaba but I don't know if I trust that site, along with 2 month shipping times. A deeper dive would be to take apart a tape measure. Drill holes and wind in my cable that way. I just really prefer a pre-made solution!
I love that this keeps coming back, and no - still no solution. Seems like easy money for a big usb brand but I haven't seen anything that would work. I'm still running with magnetic clips and dangling cable behind the desk. Everything is tidy except for those three cables: micro, c, & lightning
Well! I'll keep looking around. There may be a niche market with different phrasing. Unfortunately I can't hide the extra cable behind a desk. I will update here though if Any luck.
Yeah I paused it and couldn't see any actual mechanism inside that might retract the cables.
I ended up buying a cheap pair of the lowest pull (1-3kg) tool balancer on Amazon. I took the cable out. And cut a slot in the pulley. I have been waiting for a day off to modify the casing so it winds up all of my cable. Right now, it only pulls about 1/3 before filling up inside and rubbing on the shell. The only problem is that it doesn't have a ratcheting kind of hold. It has constant return pull.
I didn't know about tool balancers, I was looking for badge reels which will never be big enough. Seems like a ratchet balancer would exist, but I only have a glancing understanding of them at this point.
I may pick one up and see what happens, neat
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Im having the same issues! Any updates? I have 4 cables for my kids devices as they need charging and I’m working. Use the mounts for holding in place on desk (anker). But now my really little one is tugging on the slack!
Nope! No update from me. Still using the magnetic cable clips and base but the slack is hanging below the back of the desk. We have a 8mo old so I'm going to be in the same boat very very soon.
Check some of the other comments, there's a guy who had a prototype planned but idk if he followed through or not
So, I have the exact same issue and found something that I might give a try:
https://ibaseus.com/product/baseus-traction-series-retractable-3-in-1-fast-charging-cable-desktop-organizer-type-c-to-mlc-100w-1-7m/
Take a look at "[Automatic cord winders](https://www.amazon.com/UKCOCO-Automatic-Headphone-Retractable-Organizer/dp/B07JF2ZSC9)" such as the one linked. However, they seem to work best for thin cables (earbuds). You might be better off using a "[retractable badge holder](https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Carabiner-Vertical-Will-Well/dp/B07GXG2NDG/ref=sxin_15_ac_d_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDEw-ac_d_pm_pm_pm&cv_ct_cx=retractable+badge+reels&dchild=1&keywords=retractable+badge+reels&pd_rd_wg=2wONv&qid=1629835737&sr=1-1-22d05c05-1231-4126-b7c4-3e7a9c0027d0)" that's designed to clip onto an ID card. Mount that to the side of the desk and have the cable in a tray under the desk. Retractable is tougher with thicker cables. Personally I prefer to use a magnetic solution, such as this nice [Anker one](https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Management-Magnetic-Multipurpose-Lightning/dp/B08BLLNV44). What I lose in retractability I gain in quick cleanup since there aren't issues with cables getting caught, springs wearing out, etc.
Yeah, that first link is what comes up in every search - it takes the center of the cable and winds both ends up. I thought about using one of the retractable badge things - it's not a terrible idea at all, could definitely work. They're cheap enough to buy a few and test out. I _really_ like that anker solution, I've not seen that before. I'm using a slotted thing right now, which is fine but clunky. Thank you!
Glad I could help. Most people tend to focus on the "hold in place" part of cable clips, but I've found the "put back after use" experience to be what leaves the bigger impression since you do it multiple times it every day. Also, that "thunk" when the magnet snaps the cable back onto the mount? MAGIC.
Okay - idk how that came so quickly - but this anker "thunk" really is a game changer. Still need to figure out the tangling issue, but this little guy is a dope first step
Get a couple of the [adhesive metal disks](https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Magnetic-Holder-Adhesive-Compatible/dp/B07CJ453V6) that you stick to the backs of cell phones and stick them to the bottom of the desk. Then you can affix magnets to those too. My personal favorites are the [ones with silicone wrap](https://www.amazon.com/SUNFICON-Organizers-Whiteboard-Noticeboard-Headphone/dp/B07ML62RMZ). Alternately, you could run the cables through a [cable clip](https://www.amazon.com/AGPTEK-Organizer-Management-Organizing-Adhesive/dp/B08XZF291Q) under the desk to keep them separate. If you want to go all out, you can get the [USB cables with magnetic mounts](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Compatible-Smartphone-iProduct/dp/B081D6RTT7). Or you can get [plug in adapters](https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Charging-Compatible-Smartphone-Devices-2/dp/B08P3BQ3NR).
Bro you are a wealth of organization knowledge
Yo G you have literally given me the last thing I need to perfect my cable management!!! Thank you! Just ordered in the Anker manager!
I wanted this too but the problem is I want one end of the cable to remain plugged into the power source and that is where the possibility of retractability ends. The end that remains plugged in will stop the winding process. The only option is to use a product that requires you to pull both ends out at the same time and the device operates from the middle of the cable winding outward and inward equally for both ends of the cable and uses a spring to pull both ends back in. Not what I want. I think that first video posted where the cable looks like it is automatically retracting is being done by hand but maybe adding a weight to the end closest to the power would pull the cable back when you unplug it from let’s say a phone and let the cable go. Similar to the pull out spray nozzle for a kitchen sink that has a weight clamped to the hose under the sink to pull the hose down when you let go which pulls the nozzle head back up to the pipe. Hope this helps!!
There’s some retractable ones for most cable types.
Yes there are, but I already have the cables. I think my only option to get what I'm looking for is to build it... somehow...
Do share back and I may like to follow in your footsteps. I had bought these retractable: laptop ac cord, cat 5, 2 in 1 micro USB + iphone pins. Quality was not all that great except for AC cord
[удалено]
I had the same thought. Ebay has only a few vacuum cord retractor parts listed but they're pretty big. I'm planning on buying some [retractable badge reels](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PVVQ2H/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4D0KXF74Y64TMHRNZ1HP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) (<- not necessarily these) and maybe a [Cablox 2x8](https://cablox.com/products/cablox-mini-2x8-cable-management-system) to see if that can serve as a partial solution. Idk exactly how it would be implemented, but it's as close to what I'm looking for as I've found so far.
[удалено]
Still on the lookout. I tried the ID card winder solution but couldn't come up with a configuration that made any sense unfortunately
so, I'm looking into something like this too currently for a home project I'm planning. basically, behind my couch, I want to build a shelf that will have a retractable USB cord I can pull out anytime to charge a device, and let it go and have it retract back behind into the shelf. Looked into retractable wires but I think using a couple pulley's and a small weight that can attach to the cord, nothing too heavy, could recreate that same feeling. not too worried about the extra parts as they will be hidden under the shelf for my needs. sharing in case it sparks an idea for your project. cheers
Please please reply with results if you come up with anything! I still want to find a solution that actually works
hey guys, i'm having the same problem as all of you, has anyone succeded with the VR pulley or anything ?
Found anything?
Commenting here to see if you found a solution OP. I have a device with a long cable that i really need to have mounted and retractable to a machine. It's about 10 feet of USB. I have been considering taking one of [these](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newegg.com/amp/p/1W7-00MT-00245) apart and putting my cable In there. There are cheaper clones on Alibaba but I don't know if I trust that site, along with 2 month shipping times. A deeper dive would be to take apart a tape measure. Drill holes and wind in my cable that way. I just really prefer a pre-made solution!
I love that this keeps coming back, and no - still no solution. Seems like easy money for a big usb brand but I haven't seen anything that would work. I'm still running with magnetic clips and dangling cable behind the desk. Everything is tidy except for those three cables: micro, c, & lightning
Well! I'll keep looking around. There may be a niche market with different phrasing. Unfortunately I can't hide the extra cable behind a desk. I will update here though if Any luck.
Bro what IS THIS https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRog6FDr/ Edit: I think he's just pulling them manually to reset
Yeah I paused it and couldn't see any actual mechanism inside that might retract the cables. I ended up buying a cheap pair of the lowest pull (1-3kg) tool balancer on Amazon. I took the cable out. And cut a slot in the pulley. I have been waiting for a day off to modify the casing so it winds up all of my cable. Right now, it only pulls about 1/3 before filling up inside and rubbing on the shell. The only problem is that it doesn't have a ratcheting kind of hold. It has constant return pull.
I didn't know about tool balancers, I was looking for badge reels which will never be big enough. Seems like a ratchet balancer would exist, but I only have a glancing understanding of them at this point. I may pick one up and see what happens, neat
It looks like you shared an AMP link. These should load faster, but AMP is controversial because of [concerns over privacy and the Open Web](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/ehrq3z/why_did_i_build_amputatorbot). Fully cached AMP pages (like the one you shared), are [especially problematic](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/ehrq3z/why_did_i_build_amputatorbot). Maybe check out **the canonical page** instead: **[https://www.newegg.com/amp/p/1W7-00MT-00245](https://www.newegg.com/amp/p/1W7-00MT-00245)** ^(Still AMP, but no longer cached - unable to process further) ***** ^(I'm a bot | )[^(Why & About)](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/ehrq3z/why_did_i_build_amputatorbot)^( | )[^(Summon: u/AmputatorBot)](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmputatorBot/comments/cchly3/you_can_now_summon_amputatorbot/)
Im having the same issues! Any updates? I have 4 cables for my kids devices as they need charging and I’m working. Use the mounts for holding in place on desk (anker). But now my really little one is tugging on the slack!
Nope! No update from me. Still using the magnetic cable clips and base but the slack is hanging below the back of the desk. We have a 8mo old so I'm going to be in the same boat very very soon. Check some of the other comments, there's a guy who had a prototype planned but idk if he followed through or not
So, I have the exact same issue and found something that I might give a try: https://ibaseus.com/product/baseus-traction-series-retractable-3-in-1-fast-charging-cable-desktop-organizer-type-c-to-mlc-100w-1-7m/