Whether for your home office, workplace, or gaming setup, you can trust these tenacious models to keep your cables organized! 3D printing has a history of playing host to numerous wires, cables, and other clutter, but who’s to say that the problem can’t also be the solution?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite models that you can use to tidy up your electronics and your 3D printing workspace. We’ve got a range of selections, many with variable sizes to fit all your cable needs.
If you see an organizer that you’d like but don’t have the setup to print it, try Craftcloud by All3DP. With a wide range of materials and finishes, you’ll get the ultimate part to keep your cords in line!
And now, on to the list!
Flexible
First up, we have some cable organizers that are designed to move when you need them to.
Modular Joints
Next, this set of 3D printable modular joints can keep your cables contained while still allowing them to move. The underlying mechanism for how the joints move is very similar to a cable chain. However, these joints add an extra joint component, have circular space for wires, and can swivel along multiple axes, rather than just up-and-down.
As this cable organizer is flexible, these modular joints are very useful for managing wires for moving components, like those on a robot or a 3D printer.
The designer recommends printing the pieces for the modular joints with a 100% infill density to ensure strength. Unfortunately, no other printing advice was provided by the creator of this design or any of the recorded makers.
- Who designed it? sirmakesalot
- How printable/popular is it? This modular joint project has 5 recorded makes, 5 remixes, as well as over 22,000 downloads. Given this design’s popularity, you should definitely be able to print this model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cable Chain
In addition to the external protection that a cable chain can offer, it also protects against fatigue of the internal wire. When moving freely, cables can twist or bend beyond what they should, which may even cause them to fracture. Cables should not be crushed or bent beyond their natural point of flexion.
This model is version 2.0 of the cable chain, implementing several improvements such as a chamfer to facilitate fitting, ends with holes to facilitate fixation, and sharply rounded corners for a better finish. The maker has also added detailed illustrations to demonstrate the angles you can achieve after assembly as well as printing tips.
- Who designed it? TomvanderGeest
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been downloaded almost 4,000 times and has 20 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Strap
It’s always a treat to see a cool flexible TPU or TPE print. Compared to rubbery octopuses and cell phone cases, this model really reaps the practical benefits of these flexible materials. Specifically, the model is a 3D printed zip tie that functions like a commercially manufactured one would: pull it tight and it’s secure.
These ties are handy for bundling wires, especially on a 3D printer. Sure, you can purchase them by the hundreds, but if you make them yourself, you’ll have the ability to scale them to any size!
- Who designed it? MikeyWires
- How printable/popular is it? With five makes and one remix, this model is a quick and easy print that has been downloaded over 8,200 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Cable Spine
There are many cable chain designs out there, but this one will definitely send shivers down your spine. In addition to being functional, it also adds an interesting look to your printer. Although this model was designed for the Sovol SV06 printer, the modular pieces mean it can easily be applied to other flat cables that need support.
To make this item, it’s important that your printer is well calibrated, as the parts snap together like a ball-in-socket joint and have some movement. Thankfully, the maker has left useful printing tips in the description and comments. For example, to make it easier to fit the pieces together, you can heat the joints with a hair dryer.
- Who designed it? rogerquin
- How printable/popular is it? With 2,000 downloads, 62 makes, and over 750 likes, this design is worth a try.
- Where to find it? Printables
Coil
Here’s a flexible TPU model that’s pretty self-explanatory: It’s a springy coil that can help you organize your wires nice and neat.
It was designed in OnShape, and the print is a bit trickier than the others on this list. The designer recommends printing this model with 100% infill and no supports, though one maker only used 10% and it seemed to turn out okay.
- Who designed it? UXO
- How printable/popular is it? It’s been downloaded over 2,300 times, and there’s a posted make.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Clips
Next, we have some clips to keep your cables securely out of the way!
Small
Here’s a model that is compact and slim, yet robust. While it prints in two pieces and may be a little trickier than some others on this list, it’s still a good choice because of its tolerance.
Its small size makes it unnoticeable compared to larger models and a good choice in tight places, as well as highly visible areas. Makers who have commented on this model are all very satisfied.
- Who designed it? HMDesign
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 5 posted makes and has been downloaded almost 8,700 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Chompy
This is the only model on our list with its own name: Chompy! The name is fitting, as the clip resembles an alligator or a crocodile’s jaw. Chompy simply bites the wires in its jaws and they are held in place by its teeth.
A mounting screw can be driven through the eye hole, or you can simply let them sit on your desk and hold the wires in a neat little bundle. Either way, the printing process should be easy and fast.
- Who designed it? CHRY3D
- How printable/popular is it? This model has one posted make in PLA and has been downloaded almost 2,500 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Ratchet
If you need something a little more sturdy than a zip tie, this ratchet clip is a great option. The print-in-place model uses a ratchet mechanism, meaning the hinged pivot arm will lock into place at each consecutive peg. Zip-ties use a similar mechanism, but this model is larger and more sturdy, so you should be able to force your wires to maintain a certain shape without being scared of the model breaking like a cheap zip-tie might.
The creator of this ratchet clip stated that they printed the model in PLA with a 0.2-mm layer height and didn’t use any supports. Other community makers also mentioned that they were able to print the model in PETG.
- Who designed it? fns720
- How printable/popular is it? This ratchet clip design has about 260 makes, 3 remixes, and over 23,000 downloads!
- Where to find it? Printables
Hinged
The problem with many cable organization tools, especially zip-ties, is that they are one-time use. This hinge clip features an integrated hinge so you can easily add or remove wires. The design has two spaces for wires, allowing you to further organize your cables by separating them to prevent them from getting tangled.
The designer of this hinge clip cable organizer listed that they used a 0.3-mm layer height with a 20% infill density to make the print-in-place design. They also stated that they didn’t use supports or rafts when printing the model on its side.
- Who designed it? Plunderknabe
- How printable/popular is it? This hinge clip has 6 recorded makes, 1 remix, and 1,600 downloads.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Ethernet
This cable organizer is specifically meant for holding ethernet cables so you can prevent them from getting tangled when you have a lot of them (e.g. in an office). Each slot on the design can securely hold two cables, and the design is capable of managing up to 16 ethernet cables. The design comes in a few variations depending on how many wires you plan on organizing and how you want to keep them contained (e.g. unsecured, zip-tie, T-mount).
The designer listed that they printed the cable organizer using 3 shells, a 50% infill density, and a 0.2-mm layer height. They also noted that they used no supports but activated a raft when printing in PLA.
- Who designed it? muzz64
- How printable/popular is it? This cable organizer for ethernet cables has 84 recorded makes with over 194,500 downloads! So, many users have successfully printed this design and you can too!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Table Organizer
Even with wireless solutions, cables are still essential (for now!). If you have several different devices, you can easily end up with a small mess of cables on your desk. Luckily with this amazing model, managing all of these cables will no longer be a problem.
The maker’s idea was to be able to change its position on the table without having to drill a new hole or worry about tools, so this model has two fixing screws at the bottom. The design first appeared in 2018, but since then it has received several improvements and remixes. The standard table thickness size is 38 mm, but the maker has published versions for other table thicknesses.
- Who designed it? Kanata
- How printable/popular is it? With well over 60,000 downloads, 22 makes, and 14 remixes, you’re sure to find a version for your favorite table.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Mountable Organizers
These mountable organizers won’t just keep your cords in order, they’ll secure them in place, too!
Large Capacity Hook
Organizing your cables and wires doesn’t necessarily mean securing them in closed holders or a laborious installation. If you have a workbench or desk with several wires hanging underneath that are often moved around, this sturdy hook may be just right for you.
This model can be made with only 15% infill and without supports according to the maker, but depending on the amount of cables you want to organize, it might not be a bad idea to up the infill a bit. No more tripping over cables and braiding wires under the table!
- Who designed it? Pluto3301
- How printable/popular is it? Approaching 200 downloads and 2 makes, this could also be the hook you’ve been looking for.
- Where to find it? Printables
Zip-Tie Mount
You can use this zip-tie mount to fix a set of zip-tied wires to a surface like a wall or a desk to prevent them from being visible or keep them out of the way. The model features two mounting screw holes that can fit up to an M6-sized screw, according to the designer. As seen in the image above, there’s a semi-circular shape with a hole through it, so you can loop a zip-tie through the model to hold your wires.
The designer of this zip-tie mount listed a few printing specifics, including that they used a 0.15-mm layer height with a 0.4-mm diameter nozzle and printed the model in PLA. They also noted that the total print time took just under an hour and consumed around 11 grams of filament.
- Who designed it? Fluki
- How printable/popular is it? This zip-tie mount has been downloaded over 2,000 times and 15 makes have been shared by the community.
- Where to find it? Printables
Snap
A common issue with some cable management clips is getting the wires into the clip or the holder. This model makes it easy with two springy pawls that part when you push the cable in and snap back afterward to secure the wires in their place.
It prints easily, mounting is standard, and versions are available with multiple routes. Flexible or otherwise durable filament is preferred, but it isn’t necessary. The best part is that you don’t have to unplug your wires, you can simply install the clips, and press the wires into place!
- Who designed it? Prenta
- How printable/popular is it? With 5 makes, 5 remixes, and over 6,000 downloads, this model is a great organization solution.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
U Mount
Equipment racks and networks are a real challenge without proper organization, and many tangled cables become a nightmare for even the most experienced technicians. The creator of this design wanted to make a rack cable management piece that didn’t need brackets, and the result is this simple yet practical printable model.
The holes follow the spacing of common racks but have additional clearance. The holding area for the cables is 26 x 26 mm area. Additional cabled can be added or removed through the zigzag opening. As the model is thin, it’s important to activate the brim to avoid adhesion issues.
- Who designed it? chrispsimons
- How printable/popular is it? This useful piece has over 4,700 downloads, 6 makes, and 4 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Clips
When it comes to numerous flexible cables, wires, and power cords that plague your desk, cable management clips are your best friend. This quick clip prints in a single piece, and comes in four different variations depending on how many cables you need to run and how big they are. Due to their small size, you can print as many as you need all at once!
The clips print without supports but are best printed in a durable or flexible filament because they need to bend and snap over the cables during installation. Each clip sports two screw holes on the bottom surface so they can be screwed to the underside of a desk, wall, or 3D printer! The clips could also be attached with double-sided tape or another suitable adhesive if necessary.
- Who designed it? PatPend
- How printable/popular is it? With nearly 20,000 downloads, 6 makes, and 12 remixes, this is a popular and printable model.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Grommet
While organizing cables to create a clean environment, you’ve probably run into the issue of furniture blocking access to your power source. While you could run several meters of extension cables, there are neater alternatives. With the help of a 3D printer, you may even be able to skip the trip to the hardware store entirely.
Now you can add a grommet and organize cables and wires easily, and even close up the opening if not in use. There are several sizes ready for download, but as the model is parametric, you can also scale it to the size that’s ideal for you. Plenty of successful makes in both PLA and PETG have been shared.
- Who designed it? Blizzard
- How printable/popular is it? More than 2,700 likes, 3,300 downloads, and 31 makes show that this is a great option to get yourself organized.
- Where to find it? Printables
Zip Tie Base
Sometimes, you may not need a full-blown management system, but just a way to get a cable or two out of the way. And how to use as little material as possible in manufacturing a solution may also be on your mind.
This small piece is a perfect mount for zip fasteners that can be attached either by double-sided adhesive or a screw. The minimalist design is perfect as an easy print without supports, and can fit in any space as it’s only 18-mm wide. Of course, you can try scaling up to a slightly larger size, too.
- Who designed it? YerayMerino3D
- How printable/popular is it? Since this design was shared it has accumulated 11 likes, over 320 downloads, and positive user feedback.
- Where to find it? Cults
Small Hook
Simplicity once again assures that it will always be in fashion. A simple, printed hook and screw are all you’ll need to install this organizer. Since it’s so small, it’s quick and easy to make several of them at once and get any cable where it needs to go.
The maker recommends 100% infill and PETG filament for optimal strength. The hole was designed for 6 x 1/2″ screws and shouldn’t be difficult to attach to most walls.
- Who designed it? TheMatterForge
- How printable/popular is it? This design was only recently shared, but already has some likes and around 10 downloads.
- Where to find it? Cults
Standalone Organizers
Finally, these standalone organization solutions will sort out your cables (and your life).
Mouse Bungee
Corded mice and keyboards can come with such long wires, but most of the time they just sit right next to the computer and create an unsightly tangled mess on your desktop. This simple model mouse bungee is the solution.
Printing easily in two pieces and without supports, you snap it over the middle of your cable and twist it to wind up the excess length. When you need more, give it a tug, and when you want to store the cable, wind it all the way up!
- Who designed it? MarvinGbrt
- How printable/popular is it? The 4 posted community prints show the model in PLA and PETG, and it’s been downloaded over 3,900 times.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Octopus
It’s not every day that you find a themed cable management model like this one. With the regular eight tentacles, you have several options for where to hang your cables from. Maybe this octopus is friends with Chompy?
The printing process isn’t too complicated, with no supports needed but slow printing speeds and high infill density are recommended.
- Who designed it? matteosgherri
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 7,500 views and 270 downloads.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Spool
This model targets the storage side of cable management, but its beauty comes from how universal its applications are. This two-part spool can store your wires or holiday lights, string, rope, filament, and virtually anything else! It was remixed from a small cable spool.
The design is an easy print, with the two keyed halves sliding together, meaning no supports are needed. You’ll want a few drops of glue to secure the halves.
- Who designed it? BenWittbrodt (remixed from cheewee5000)
- How printable/popular is it? This customizable model has over 6,500 downloads, an incredible 128 remixes, and 9 posted makes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Ties
Tossing your loose cables and wires into a drawer isn’t the best idea; they always seem to get hopelessly tangled together. Tying each individual cord into its own bundle can be time-consuming and tedious.
This print is a straightforward solution: An oval-shaped band that you slide over your cables before storing them. They’re simple, reusable, effective, and come in a variety of sizes. They are also very easy to print, with most makers using PLA. Without too much hassle, you could even design them to be printed with a label for easier identification.
- Who designed it? lemonstick
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been downloaded nearly 20,000 times. There are 23 posted makes and a remix.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Charger Holder
When it comes to organizing your cables, your desk is not the limit! Take the organization with you when you print this phone charger holder.
It’s a simple block that holds a standard Apple USB wall adapter and the basic lightning charger cable. The USB adapter simply slides in the slots and the cable wraps around it, with the ends secured in a couple of holes in the base.
There are no specific printing instructions, but the design seems simple enough.
- Who designed it? walterhsiao
- How printable/popular is it? This model has more than 590 downloads and over 8,300 views.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Hive
Dealing with that USB, aux, and other occasionally used cables can be a real pain. You can never find a special cable when you need it, but when you don’t, it always seems to be in the way to tangle things up. This cable hive is the perfect solution to all that mess.
It prints easily and can sit on your desktop or in a cabinet. The designer suggests using a layer height of 0.3 mm and printing in PLA with three bottom solid layers.
- Who designed it? Filar3D
- How printable/popular is it? This model has been downloaded over 110,000 times and has an impressive 100 makes and 23 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
License: The text of "3D Print Cable Management: 25 Functional Solutions" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.