I have a bunch of charging cords for different devices, and I want to color-code them to make grabbing the right one easier. Currently, I've labeled them with colors like blue for USB-C, yellow for micro-USB, and red for Garmin, but I'm struggling with how to effectively mark them. I've tried colored duct tape and small stickers, but both options haven't worked well because the tape sometimes falls off and the stickers just don't stick to the cords properly. I'm considering using nail polish or paint, but I'd love to hear any other suggestions you all have!
6 Answers
Another suggestion is to use colored Velcro straps to wrap your cables! They not only help with cable management but also add a splash of color for easy identification.
Definitely doing this for my travel kit. Thanks for the tip!
Using a Brother label maker with colored tape works wonders! You can label each wire on both ends so you can easily identify what's what right away. It's neat and organized!
Multi-color heat shrink tubing is a solid choice! You can easily slide it over the ends of your cords to color-code them. Just make sure the tubing size is right for the cord diameter; if you run into size issues with larger ends, you might need to find specific tubing that fits better.
Okay, that’s a good point! Can you recommend any brands that offer a versatile range of sizes?
This is a great idea! I've seen those heat shrink options around before. How effective are they at staying put?
I store my cables in gallon ziplock bags with labels. I sort them by type, which helps keep my collection tidied up. It’s a game changer if you have many cables. Plus, it forces you to look at each cord when you pack them up!
That sounds super efficient! I've been bagging mine this way too—definitely helps avoid the tangled mess.
I’ve got so many cords that this tip about generally sorting by type is handy! Thanks for sharing!
Paint markers could be the answer! They’re perfect for drawing directly on the cords, and you can get them in various colors. Just make sure to use those that are meant for plastic surfaces so they stick well.
Sounds perfect! Thanks for the link! I’ll definitely check those out.
Smart move! I never thought of using paint markers. I need to try it!
If you don’t mind spending a bit, consider buying colored replacement cords. There are plenty available online in all sorts of bright colors!
Good suggestion, but I still have plenty of working cords at the moment. I’m just looking for a way to mark the ones I already have.

I like that! I can easily wrap them up neatly when I travel.