In this post I’m going to share with you how to improve cable management with some quick and easy DIY tips and tricks. I’ve been using the Startech 2x2 cable raceway for the past 2 years and it has kept all my cables in check. Recently, I upgraded my entire desktop audio setup which introduced a bunch of extra speaker cable which were unable to fit in the 2x2 raceway, so I felt it was time to upgrade to the bigger 3x3 Startech raceway and I’m going to give you a quick tutorial on my upgrade process.
For this cable management tutorial, you will need three things. Firstly, and most importantly, you’ll need the Startech cable raceway. This raceway comes in a variety of sizes. For this tutorial I’ll be referencing both the 2x2 and 3x3 raceway. What I like about this raceway is that it has slots where you can weave your cables in and out of. This allows you to cleanly cable manage all your devices across the entire length of the raceway. Secondly, you’ll need cable ties to bundle your cables together. I personally use One Wrap Thin Ties because they are Velcro and can be reused. Lastly, you’ll need double sided tape. We’re going to use doubled sided tape to stick power bricks to the underside of the desktop, and optionally to stick the raceway to the bottom of the desk. I’ve been using the Scotch 3M brand for the past couple years with no issues.
The raceway comes in 6-foot lengths, so depending on how long your desk is, you’ll have to cut it to your desired length. It’s also made of thick plastic, so I’d recommend using a multipurpose saw to cut it to size.
As I mentioned earlier, originally, I used the Startech 2x2 cable raceway which I attached to the underside of the desk using 3M double sided tape. In the 2 years I’ve used this cable management method, I never had a problem with the raceway coming unstuck or falling down. Just be sure to use lots of tape if you’re using this option. Being that this time around, I’d be increasing the load in the raceway with 14-gauge speaker wire, I chose to screw the raceway on to the underside of the desk for added security and peace of mind.
Screwing the raceway down is a straight forward process; however, I’d recommend drilling some pilot holes first being this will make screwing down the raceway a whole lot easier.
Once the raceway is attached, start looping your hanging cables through the slots in the back of the raceway at your desired placement. When all your cables are looped through, use the One Wrap Thin Ties to bundle all your cables together. Once this is done, it’s as simple as attaching the lid back to the raceway. You are able to slide the lid on from one side to another; however, being the legs of my desk prevent me from sliding the lid on, I have to click the lid back in place from back to front.
Lastly, you’re going to use the double-sided tape to attach any power bricks you are using to the underside of the desk. I’ve been using this APC power brick for probably the past 5 years. When placing power bricks under your desk, be sure to keep them out of the way from hitting your knees and remember to position the brick near your closest power outlet.