(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best cable raceways

No experience with it, but there's some neat super flat speaker wire alternatives out there (flat enough to paint over & they pretty much disappear). Most seem a bit pricey, but I imagine lengths would be just for baseboard / crown molding to speaker. Had pretty good luck with some of the wire track / cable "raceways" myself previously (example). Blended in pretty good with the baseboards.

You can pick up a spool of Cat5e or Cat6 at Lowe's along with the RJ-45 crimping tool and a jar of RJ-45 connectors. I highly suggest also getting a cable stripper while you're at it. Your total outlay will be around $20-$25 for the tools, and about $55 for a spool of cable plus the jar of RJ-45 connectors.

After that, the important things to know:

Don't cut the insulation on the individual wires inside the cable. Don't try to strip the individual wires, don't nick them when you cut the jacket, DON'T don't don't! :) The crimping tool will squeeze them down hard onto sharp blades on the inside of the RJ-45 terminators to make the connection right through the insulation.

If you get a stripping tool - only rotate it ONCE, lightly, around the jacket of the cable. It should require some resistance to pull the cut bit loose. Strip a good six inches or so off the end of the cable - you'll want some extra length in the exposed pairs to arrange them properly.

Untwist the exposed pairs down to the jacket. Straighten them out completely. Now arrange them in the proper pinout: orange-white, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown. This is "T-568B" layout, and it's IMPORTANT. You might think you can wire it up any old way you want, as long as it's the same on both ends, and have it work - if you think that, you're WRONG WRONG WRONG. The order is important because the structure of the cable prevents crosstalk on pairs, and if you split the pairs up, you will have RF crosstalk and it will completely suck so don't do that.

That T-568B layout up there? It goes in with the locking tab on the RJ-45 connector facing DOWN, repeat, DOWN. Left-to-right, locking tab facing DOWN, orange-white orange white-green blue white-blue green white-brown brown. Learn it, live it, love it.

Consider a cheap cable tester to add to your arsenal. You may have trouble sourcing this at a Lowe's or Home Depot - frequently they either have no testers at all, or only have "pro" testers that cost hundreds of bucks. For your purposes, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Tonor-RJ45-Network-Cable-Tester/dp/B00OUFX38W/ref=zg_bs_tab_pd_mw_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TJ654JVCX7SM9J4YE3GJ at $9 is fine, and can save you a lot of hassle.

Before you feed your nicely untwisted and properly laid out pairs into your RJ-45 terminator, snip them off cleanly about 1/2" from the jacket. Slide them all the way, carefully so they don't cross over on you but FIRMLY onto the exposed pairs, and so that the bottom of the RJ-45 slides OVER the jacket on the cable itself. When you crimp it down - hard, like you're shaking your girlfriend's dick-bag ex's hand - the little bar on the inside of the RJ-45 should clamp, firmly, ONTO THE JACKET, not just onto the pairs.

If you possibly, possibly, CAN remove the crimped RJ-45 from the cable by pulling on it... you did it wrong. Cut it off, re-strip, re-arrange, do it again. A properly crimped RJ-45 connector can hold your weight off the ground. Yes, seriously. THIS IS IMPORTANT, don't fuck this up.

I think that pretty much covers it. Oh, and you can pick up surface-mount raceway to run cable through while you're at Lowe's, if you want. It's square rubbery stuff that comes in 6' lengths (typically) and has sticky stuff on the back if you peel the paper off, so it'll stick directly to a wall, ceiling, etc. Stuff like this: https://www.amazon.com/Medium-Latching-Cable-Raceway-500/dp/B002DO164K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486775258&sr=1-3&keywords=raceway+cable

You could use something like this under the desk

Large Latching Surface Cable Raceways - (5 x 5FT Sticks = 25FT) - Color: White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WGZV4V6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_J1RDwbH7WXSAB

Cut a hole by the monitor run the cables for mouse, keyboard, monitor and whatever else you may have through there to the PC. If the PC is on the desk as well it would be super easy to then cut another hole near there for cables to route through. Use grommets in the holes to make them look nice and like they are meant to be there.

I saw someone's setup with something like this the other day and it looked awesome. Try to go for something that "hides" them in a cool way

Mount-It! Cable Management Spine, Desk Cord Organizer Vertebrae, Keeps Power and AV Cords Safe and Organized, 50 Inch Long Modular Wire Management Tray, Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B079VBLXN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vYKHDbNZ2EHJ5

Okay, can you help me understand your setup? Maybe a sketch or photo?

Up to 24 cables coming in the back, at the top most U and punched down at the front?

Are the cables coming in the back? Sides? Both?

Something like this, mounted on the inside of the back legs (facing in or out depending on you setup might help.

StarTech.com Horizontal 1U Server Rack Cable Management
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073X4PLG9

Looks like you need this to store the slack. This is great for fiber because it maintains a proper bend radius and its velcro so its ease to add runs:

Leviton 48900-IFR Recloseable Storage Ring, Inside Plant (11.75-inch Diameter)

I dont understand your description very well. (more pictures would be nice) The best solution would be to mount this on a ply wood wall board but I dont think that is an option in your case. So I would suggest putting the slack loop on a rack shelf a couple U down from the patch panel.

StarTech.com 2U Vented Server Rack Mount Shelf - 22in Deep

lmk what you end up doing im curious.

That's a good idea!
Maybe combine with some of the little wire tuck stickies to help keep the desk area neat and cords out of the way.

That might be a good place-holder so he knows you thought ahead, but can't quite complete is gift yet.

I'm thinking that they're all pretty much the same too. I've used the Leviton 492RU-HFO for years now and I'm happy with them. And velcro to keep things neat around the edges.

Indeed, heres a cheaper GPU bracket too:

https://www.amazon.com/upHere-Graphics-Anodized-Aerospace-Aluminum/dp/B079HSVSLR/ref=asc_df_B079HSVSLR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309743296044&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10665687362373943921&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007224&hvtargid=pla-571699433718&psc=1

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Its a good idea as you will face some major sag.

​

You may also want to get something to better organize your cables:

https://www.amazon.com/Viaky-Adhesive-Backed-Adjustable-Management/dp/B01M6U9Q9C/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=cable+management&qid=1571599718&sr=8-8

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There are other options for making your setup look a little more tidy like cable raceways:

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Raceways-Concealer-Wall-Raceway/dp/B07KBYFQY8/ref=asc_df_B07KBYFQY8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309750549985&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17039843953418155208&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007224&hvtargid=pla-582137656261&psc=1

Bought some EZ HideWire a while back. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks pretty straightfoward

edit: also the good folks over at /r/cableporn might have some tips too

Large Hook Channel Cable Raceway - 1 Piece - 36" - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PUV0QQM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

GBSTORE 25 Pcs UVB Plastic Kwik Clips Black Adhesive Backed Nylon Wire Adjustable Cable Clips Adhesive Cable Management Clips Adjustable Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZX6G1W?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

2" Black Desk Grommet Plastic Wire Organizer 6 Pcs | Computer Desk Cable Hole Cover Plug Cap | Great to Hide Cords & Cables through Office Desk, Entertainment Center, TV Stand, Workstation, & Tabletop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075P4H7F2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Stand - Lift Engine Arm Mount, Aluminum https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MIBN16O?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Here u go man. And also get some velcro ties.

Have you thought about using cable management for a TV like setup? Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K24TBJP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pp3kDb1B6W89X

I can see it on the back side of your desk looking pretty decent

I'll copy paste it then:

Some info...

Right Build:

Case: NZXT h510 Elite

Monitor: LG 32GK650G-B 32" QHD Gaming Monitor (144hz)

Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow X (mercury white)

Mouse: Razer Basilisk (mercury white)

Mousepad: Steelseries QcK Prism Gaming Surface (XL)

Headset: Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless

Speakers: Logitech Z207 2.0 Multi Device Stereo Speaker

MBU: Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming ATX Motherboard

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X62

RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB

GPU: EVGA GeForce Nvidia 2080 Super FTW3 Ultra

PSU EVGA Supernova 1000 P2 80+ Platinum

Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 5

Tablet Stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S73HVW5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Left Build:

Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 750D Performance Full Tower Case (airflow edition)

Monitor: LG 34UC80-B 34-Inch Curved UltraWide QHD IPS Monitor (60hz)

Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow

Mouse: Razer Deathadder

MBU: ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus ATX Motherboard

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3800X (with stock cooler)

RAM: Corsair 16GB

GPU: EVGA GeForce Nvidia 1080ti FTW3 Ultra

PSU: EVGA Supernova 750 G2 80+ Gold

TV/Consoles:

TV: Samsung UN49RU8000FXZA Flat 49" 4K UHD 8 Series Smart TV (2019)

TV Wall Mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VMH7PQM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Console 1: PS4 Pro

Console 2: Nintendo Switch

Furniture:

Left Desk: IKEA Malm with 2 IKEA Malm Cabinets on Casters

Right Desk: IKEA Malm with Pullout Panel

Left Shelf: IKEA Lack 43 1/4" Wall Shelf

Right Shelf: IKEA Lack 74 3/4" Wall Shelf

Console Storage: IKEA Kallax with IKEA DRÖNA Storage Boxes

Chair: Steelcase Think

Decor/Lighting:

Under Shelf/Behind Desk LED Strips: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLNDJ2N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

LED Diffuser Channels (2 packs needed): https://www.amazon.com/Muzata-Aluminum-Channel-Diffuser-Mounting/dp/B01NGWIGXJ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Muzata+Aluminum+Channel+for+Led+Strip+Light&qid=1570330250&s=hi&sr=1-5

TV LED Strip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072QWJRBS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cord Concealer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GPBJV6K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Decorative Wall Tiles: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073NZ67LK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mounting Tape for Tiles/LEDs (2 rolls needed): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2LWV7P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's a few close ups of the lighting to get a better understanding how it works: https://imgur.com/a/196iXOy

Nice work. A cable conduit would help neaten things up a bit

Thanks for the reply. I was considering that manufacturer you suggested except with the sound bar connection https://www.amazon.com/PowerBridge-Sound-Bar-Recessed-Management-TWOSB-CK/dp/B06VV8FC23/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TD9DX4LLHADA&keywords=power+bridge+sound+bar&qid=1564698794&s=electronics&sprefix=power+bridge+sound%2Celectronics%2C202&sr=1-3

I couldn't find anything else for new construction. I was hoping to find additional options.

The recess will not be wider than 16". It is to hold the "one connect box" that comes with the samsung picture frame tv, provide power, and a pass thru location.

Sure thing:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B018K8UGKM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZBRC63/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9VKVFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s06?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For the cable concealment; if you are just going to use it for the single sensor cable maybe don't get those wide flat one; get the ones that are more like a square pipe, much smaller profile.

It's living room/family room. It's not full wall room, it has two wide open entrances to the kitchen that are not able to cover.
I won't able to hide it in a wall.

I would have put one rear speakers and the receiver on a column and the other perpendicular on the other side mounted on a wall. So the wire would be on the top wall.

Do you think something like this can cover it?

Echogear On-Wall Cable Concealer Kit Hides TV Cords - 48" Long Cable Raceway Can Be Cut to Any Length - Installs in Minutes with A Screwdriver - Ideal for Mounting A TV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9B66D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BbtoDbKAP8645

Go wired and get some nice looking conduit for your cable run.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/GOWOS-Surface-Raceway-Straight-Section/dp/B07QSPNSB6/

Zip Ties: https://www.amazon.ca/NOUVCOO-Pieces-Self-Locking-Different-Workshop/dp/B078RFW1LM/ref=pd_bxgy_469_img_2/147-3407632-7738367?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078RFW1LM&pd_rd_r=d1a35b78-78dd-11e9-985f-5d3a71b469ca&pd_rd_w=TD8Bw&pd_rd_wg=oCjmU&pf_rd_p=a62e2918-d998-4bbb-8337-35aac776e851&pf_rd_r=G2T997PRJM8RQZE8E982&psc=1&refRID=G2T997PRJM8RQZE8E982

Zip Tie Mounts: https://www.amazon.ca/NOUVCOO-Adhesive-0-9x0-9inch-23x23mm-Surface/dp/B078YRGJN5/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=zip+tie+mounts&qid=1558122965&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Velcro Straps: https://www.amazon.ca/Fastening-Reusable-Velcro-Organiser-Management/dp/B07B4ZJHT7/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=velcro+straps+cable+management&qid=1558123050&s=hi&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

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These 3 items are a cheap and easy way to cable manage. Zip ties hook into the mounts, and can anchor a road of wire from A to B. Leave the loop loose until you confirm your management, or if you intend on moving the wires a lot.

The Velcro straps are good to use if they will be visible, or if you intend on needing to open up the path constantly.

I dig that set up!! One recommendation would be to add some corner cord management. Your set up looks too clean to have those cords hanging.

https://www.amazon.com/Small-Corner-Cable-Raceway-1075/dp/B002DO172Q

I did 1.5" can get 50' of it for under $100.

Well worth the $$$$ spent.

You can thank me later

I would go with something like 1.5" or 2" where you need to run more wires. The orange low-voltage Carlon which terminates in the orange low-voltage brackets. Make sure they leave the pull-strings in the flex conduit.

https://www.amazon.com/Carlon-SCH4X1C-50-1-5-Resi-Gard-Raceway/dp/B005ZF7ZAS

For between floors, I actually use the gray 3" schedule-40 PVC conduit used for power entrance to buildings. In some installs you can run this on the surface of a garage wall so there's less boring to do.
http://www.cableorganizer.com/carlon/carlon-flexible-raceway.html

1. When drilling through joists, stay at least 2 inches away from the top or bottom and make sure the hole is no bigger than a third of its height.
   
2. Run RG6 (coax) for the subwoofer spot as this can easily be terminated into RCA (compression tool, stripper, and RCA ends needed). Also, run some to different areas of the room and you can decide placement later based on the sound.
   
3. Run some of this stuff to your projector. They also have a 1" option thats about the same price for twice the length but 1" is very tight to be squeezing HDMIs through it.

Also because you’re mounting the monitor to the wall you shouldn’t use that cable sleeving. You should get one of these.

You could always mount it and get wire covers running below it like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FDAOEE/ref=asc_df_B000FDAOEE5006309/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B000FDAOEE&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167122786755&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2494162818341502850&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017274&hvtargid=pla-272345954547

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015EA3NO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wM7pDbVGN4MRR <--- one i personally used

it is basically a cable raceway, or a channel, that can either mount onto the wall with either screws, or adhesive (which i used, since i don't own the house.) it gives it a very clean look, without having to drill behind the tv into the wall and running cables through the wall. you can also paint the raceways if you don't like the white color on them.

here are a few other alternatives, but i haven't seen how good they are.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9B66D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qS7pDbB6M2Z2F

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5Q2ZQX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3S7pDb5T2NN7X

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00845SXDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7T7pDbK7HPQXC

You can but it makes it harder. If you don't want to do that, then get a corner cable run. Then cut to length.

https://www.amazon.com/Small-Corner-Duct-Cable-Raceway/dp/B002DO172Q