My preferred storage solution for such things - which includes all kinds of cables and plug-packs - is to put each set into a zip-lock bag. You can then dump all these into any storage container you like and they will never get tangled. Also far easier and quicker to sort through them - and FAR less likely to get damaged.
Here's a random sample from my unsorted container.
Hmmm..... Brumby for the win
Bought a couple packs of ziplock bags... small size and medium size. Small size (18x20cm) is the perfect size for the test leads, and not as expensive as I feared it might be. pack of 25 cost only 1.16 Euro.
Happy with the result !
They a re kept flat iside the bags so the 10 sets once piled up, take actually I am sure less space than tehy would have if they were not bagged. And indeed so easy to handle and search for what you want.
I am sold, thanks Brumby !
Now I have a big container of a million and one IEC power cords, 2 or 3 pronged. I am sure there close to a hundred cables in there, not even kidding.
Tried bagging one thick 3 pronged one, it fits into a small bag, don't need medium. However I am not sure it takes less space than if I had say held it together with a removable tie, or a beefy elastic band. Need to experiment see what works best, before I spend money on either solution....
Need to sort them into 5 categories I think :
- 2 pronged with a plug
- 2 pronged with a PCB mount connector
- 3 pronged with a plug
- 3 pronged without a plug
- 3 pronged with a 90° / right angle plug, because I have very few of them and when you need one well you NEED one, so don't want anymore to empty and search this big box of entangled cords to search for the elusive right-angle plug....