Originally Posted by archer_456

Well its part 2 to my sleeving guides, LOL. After doing my PSU sleeving guide I decided the flat IDE cables had to go to improve the airflow inside my case. I had some left over sleeving material from the PSU guide so I decided to round my IDE cables. You can buy round IDE cables pretty cheap, but if you’re like me (Cheap) or just like to do things yourself, you round the flat ones you already have. Let the fun begin!

I do not take any responsibility if you get hurt or your cables are damaged. I do not guarantee your cables will be useable afterwards (Mine work and I haven’t had any problems out of them). DO AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Here is what you’re going to need:

• An IDE cable of course!
• A razor blade or some kind of utility knife.
• ½” sleeving material
• ½” heat shrink
• A lighter or heat gun.
• According to OSHA, you need cut resistant gloves, LMAO!

Now the fun part!!

Tip: I would practice on a couple cables before attempting to round some more expensive cables.

If you notice the cable is made up of a lot of little wires coated in insulation.


The object of this step is to take the utility knife and separate the wires. The number of wires you separate is up to you. I separated the wires in 5 wire sections, but I found 3 wires roll up better when you sleeve them. Count over 3 or 5 wires, take the utility knife and cut between the wires being careful not to cut into one of the wires just the insulation.

Note: If you accidentally cut into the wire, you can wrap that section with electrical tape.


Only make a small enough incision (cut) to get your pinky finger threw. Now take the cable in one hand and pull apart the section you just cut. Don’t worry the insulation will separate just like it was cut. Keep pulling the sections apart until you get about ¾” - ½” from the connector.


Now count over 3-5 wires and repeat the cutting procedure above. After you have all the sections separated it should look like this.


Now measure out the length of sleeving material you are going to need. I cut mine so that the ends of the sleeving would be about 1 ¼” from the ends of the connectors. Take the connector and roll the wires along side of it. Take the sleeving and slide over the connector.


Once you have the sleeving on, go ahead and cut two 1” pieces of the ½” heat shrink, and slide it over the connector and wires.


You want the heat shrink to cover ½” of the sleeving and ½” of the wires. +After getting the heat shrink where you want them, use the lighter or heat gun and shrink it down. Be careful to not melt the insulation or the sleeving. Once you have it done it should look something like this, but better than mine. LOL


Now if you have a multiple section IDE cable like I have, go ahead and do the other section just like you did the previous section.


Here are some before and after pictures.


Here are some other variations of the round IDE cable.

Using Wire loom: Use the same procedures as above to prepare the cable. Instead of using the sleeving material, use wire loom. Apply the loom around the cable and then wrap the ends of the loom in electrical tape.


Another variation, my least favorite, wrap the cable in electrical tape: Use the same procedures as above to prepare the cable. Instead of using the sleeving material, wrap the cable in electrical tape.


Thanks, for checking out my cable rounding guide!! If you have any questions, suggestions, or if you notice anything wrong, feel free to email me at archer_456@yahoo.com or stop by the forums at Overclock.net. And post it

Originally Posted by jgweb2000

*** i was paying money for those

can i steal this smiley???

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