Electronic devices have become essential, and with them, charging cables. However, these accessories generally have a limited lifespan and many users find that they break at the ends, where they bend and experience stress the most. The need to replace them frequently results in inconvenience, additional expense and, in some cases, frustration due to the fragility of an item that seemingly should last much longer.
Cable wear is not always the result of manufacturing defects. The way they are used and stored directly influences their durability. Bending sharply, rolling hastily or pulling while the device is still connected are common practices that accelerate the appearance of cracks and breakages. Often these actions go unnoticed until the cable stops working properly, forcing us to look for quick and cost-effective solutions.
There are simple strategies to extend the life of your cables: from more conscious maintenance habits to using homemade resources that reinforce the cables’ most vulnerable points.
How a broken pen can extend the life of charging cables
Many electronic device users face the same problem: charging cables break at the ends, where they most often bend. A simple way to strengthen them is to use the spring from a pen that no longer works. Simply remove the spring and place it around the cable, close to the connector. In this way, the spring acts as a small support that prevents the cable from bending suddenly and protects the internal threads from possible damage.
This trick does not require special materials or expensive tools, and its operation is based on the same idea that some commercial protectors apply, distributing pressure to prevent wear on the cable. By placing the spring at the most vulnerable point, the risk of cracking is reduced and the life of the accessory is extended, avoiding the need for frequent replacement.
In addition to reinforcing the cable, the technique requires greater care of the accessories. Although this is a home solution, it encourages simple habits like not twisting cables roughly or straining them when the device is connected. With small actions like this, it is possible to keep cables in good condition for longer and reduce waste related to damaged accessories.