How to Fix a Broken USB Cable With Sugru

Do you have a USB cable on its last legs? Fix and extend the life of your cables by using Sugru. Whether it is to charge your phone or camera, the majority of people will still use a USB cable on a daily basis. They are subject to being pulled, twisted or bent constantly and can end up leaving you with frayed or split charging cables. Exposed cable wiring can be extremely hazardous to the device and user, and could potentially result in electrical shorting.

If one of your cables begins to break, you can repair it using Sugru. Sugru – a mouldable glue formula – turns into rubber so your cable will last much longer and will prevent further breakages. Repairing a USB cable in place of buying a new one, is an inexpensive alternative to prolonging the life cycle of your cable.

You can even try this with your new cables to prevent them from splitting in the future! Scroll down to view our step-by-step guide on how to fix a broken USB cable with Sugru.

What is Sugru?

Sugru is a mouldable formula that sticks to surfaces like plastic, glass, metal, wood and fabrics. You just push it onto the item you want to stick, fix, repair, seal or even build. The putty gives you 30 minutes to get the job done before it starts to set – 24 hours later the product will turn into a durable, flexible, silicone rubber that remains in place until you decide to move it. Sugru was invented by its founder Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh whilst studying for her MA in product design, with the mission to get a new generation fixing, making and improving stuff.

How to repair a fraying USB cable:

What you will need:

1 pack of Sugru
A frayed or split USB cable

Take care:

It’s important to take care with electricity. Try to stick to using low voltage items such as phone and laptop cables. Do not repair cables where the metal is exposed or the cable is already working intermittently.

Step 1:

To begin, cut open one single-use pack of Sugru. Take the Sugru and roll half of it with your hands to create a sausage shape. Press it flat.

Step 2:

Carefully wrap the flat piece of Sugru around your cable, making sure it’s tight to the plastic part of the charger. Continue to press it until you have given it a nice shape.

Step 3:

Once you are satisfied with the shape gently rub the Sugru to create a smooth surface.

Step 4:

If you are happy with the shape and surface, leave the Sugru to cure overnight and there you have it – your cable will be as good as new.

Step 5:

Do you have other USB cables which need repairing? Repeat the above steps. You could also try this DIY Sugru tech hack with your new cables to prevent them from fraying, to begin with.