So I have a ton of cords....some with plugs, some with 'usb like' connectors, some with prongs...etc....and I have no idea what they go to. So I'm sure there must be some basic rules as to what can be used for what. IE, is a power adapter a power adapter? Because I tend to forget what things are for I started labeling them but what about all these other ones? I tend to save things when I shouldn't so it's likely half this shit is for a one use item that was tossed a long time ago....but is there any way to tell?

6/2/2010 10:31:55 PM

try to plug it into some stuff.. if it fits then use it, otherwise try a different one

repeat

but seriously:


this is generally used to power desktop computers and monitors


connects some cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders, external hard drives, and other miscellaneous peripherals to your computer


connects other cell phones and stuff to your computer


transmits video or audio signals from a source to an amplifier or a display


used to transmit network traffic between computers


phone cord. if you don't know what this is for, i'm sorry. my heart bleeds for you

just a few guesses as to the random assortment of cables you've got

6/2/2010 10:32:54 PM

i have a shitload of cords too. they're all in a basket on the top shelf of my linen closet cause i have no idea what they are all for but i feel like the second i throw one away i will need it and be like FUCK. so yea. not really advice but i understand your plight.

6/2/2010 10:33:18 PM

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50035115

6/2/2010 10:33:43 PM

THE SOLUTION TO ALL OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS IS NOT IKEA

but maybe i sort of want that thing.

6/2/2010 10:34:27 PM

The solution to this problem is IKEA YOU FUCKIN JERK

6/2/2010 10:35:42 PM

While I appreciate that idea Ernie, this will not aid in my current mission to figure out what I have that isn't currently plugged into something.


jtw...i get nervous playing with electricity

kh...exactly. The minute it gets tossed, even if I haven't used in 10 years, I'm gonna need it

6/2/2010 10:37:29 PM

Or save money and do this: http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/binder-clip-cable-organizers
Go to an office store and get a box of them for 2 bucks. It's amazing.

6/2/2010 10:39:09 PM

clever and cost saving idea...however, this is still not helping me

6/2/2010 10:40:57 PM

organizing does not help figure out what the cords go to, PEOPLE!

reading comprehension - IKEA clearly doesn't help with that.

6/2/2010 10:41:50 PM

see jtw's edit.

6/2/2010 10:44:06 PM

first post updated

what else you got??!!?!

6/2/2010 10:45:07 PM

This thread is stupid

6/2/2010 10:47:58 PM

yes, I saw the update after I posted, but still felt that message needed to be driven home.

jtw....so then since I currently only have one PC, and it's plugged in, can I toss those other cords? Is that really all they are used for?

The others I pretty much know and/or don't have a lot of....

But I've got a ton of 'ac adapter' things but the part that would connect to whatever it's supposed to connect with looks different on most of em. Some longer, some shorter, some thinner, some thicker etc.....Now one happens to have a sticker on it suggesting it belongs to a printer which I have since gotten rid of so is that all that cord is good for?

6/2/2010 10:51:02 PM

String them together and hang yourself in your kitchen

6/2/2010 10:54:13 PM

unless you think you'll need more than one computer in the future, there's no real reason to keep the other computer power cords (except for extras/spares)

odds are, if you buy something new that uses an AC adapter it will be included, so you don't really need to keep the random collection you have now.

they should all have the specifications (voltage, current, tip positive vs tip negative) on the "brick" part of the adapter. if you have an ac adapter that fits something you already have, i guess you could keep it as a spare

6/2/2010 10:54:58 PM

^^why my kitchen?

^yeah....I think I'm gonna just toss them otherwise I'll sit here and obsess about them

6/2/2010 10:59:29 PM

if they're phone chargers, or other DC plugs, just cause the fit doesn't mean that they'll work on your electronics.
Gotta check the voltage and amp. ratings. That's a good way to fry your delicate electronics

6/2/2010 11:51:57 PM

i had this problem several years ago, and actually realize i have it again. here is what to do...

pull out all the cords you KNOW go to something you own & confirm the match

throw all other misc cords and crap into a box & give it away

i did this in college and gave it away on here, you can do it on craigslist or freecycle. the only catch is that whoever wants it has to take the whole box & can't pick and choose.

/problem

6/3/2010 12:34:18 AM

read the fucking labels and google serial numbers/part numbers etc.

6/3/2010 12:52:54 AM

Quote :

"http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50035115"

i have 2 of those mounted under my desk at work... i'm obsessive about keeping my office neat and organized and shit

everyone always asks where the hell i got them

6/3/2010 12:56:16 AM

^^ lol who cares

6/3/2010 1:27:16 AM

Quote :

"THE SOLUTION TO ALL OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS IS NOT IKEA"

Ikea would not agree with you.

6/3/2010 1:50:50 AM