Wrapping cable is perhaps the most universal skill in video and film production.  Just hand any crew member an unwrapped cable and without even asking they will probably start wrapping it up for you.  It’s a subconscious thing to most of us, but what purpose does it really serve?  To successfully understand the technique of wrapping a cable properly, you must first understand why it’s necessary.

Check out the video below where I go over why it is necessary and how to properly wrap cable.

It’s more than just a cool trick for your friends

Wrapping a cable properly is done for two reasons; maintaining the life of the cable and unwrapping without knotting or tangling.  When done properly, you can literally toss the coiled cable, holding on to one end, and it will unwrap completely straight.  You will find that making things nice and tidy on a production will not only impress those around you . . . it makes the job easier.

The over-under technique

So how is it done?  It’s actually quite simple, but it does take some practice to master the art.  I’m going to explain this using your right hand, however it can be done either way so keep that in mind.

Step one: Hold the cable in your left hand near the end with your palm facing up.  Place the end of the cable in the middle of  your palm, between your thumb and index finger.

Step two: Grab the longer length of cable between your thumb and index finger of your right hand (palm facing down) about three feet down the line.

Step three: Pull your right hand towards your left, looping the cable with an overhand motion.   With your right hand facing palm down,  twist your wrist upward while looping the cable. Make sure that you have a nice even loop – somewhere between 8 – 10 inches in diameter.

Step four: Take your right hand and grab another three feet of cable.  This time take your right hand – palm facing down and still grabbing the cable with your thumb and index finger – and bring it towards your left hand – only twist your wrist towards your body in an underhand motion.  This will loop the cable underneath itself so the loop is on the outside of the extra cable.

Step five: Now go back and repeat step two – always making sure that you have an equal amount of cable looping each time.

Step six: When you finish the wrap, make sure that you secure the cable with either a length of rope or a cable tie.

That’s all there is to it!

Unwrapping your masterpiece

The key to unwrapping any cable that has been “over-undered” as most of us call it, is to make sure that you are pulling the cable from the proper end.  You will notice immediately if you are doing this incorrectly because the cable will start to knot.  Examine the cable before you begin to unwrap.  If you notice that you are pulling the end through the middle of the loop – STOP! Fix your mistake by bringing the cable back through itself and start over.

Practice – Practice – Practice – then practice some more

This isn’t something that you will learn right away.  You might.  But it isn’t probable.  Just keep practicing.  Make sure that you follow the video above and read through the steps to do this properly.

Some controversy in the art of wrapping cable

It has always been my experience to wrap EVERY cable that I come across.  Audio cables, video cables, stingers, computer network cable, rope, even my dog’s leash.  However, a few of the gaffers that I work with on a regular basis have explained that twisted pair cable shouldn’t be over-undered.  This includes power cables, twisted pair computer network cable and most AC extension cables.  So now I make it a habit to roll twisted pair cable either on a cable roll or I will just wrap it in a continuous loop without using the over-under technique.  Most of the research that I have done on this subject has led me to believe that nobody really knows what the “proper” technique actually is.  Right now it is about 50-50 on the subject – so here’s my solution:

Simply ask the production company that you are working with for that day.  They will let you know what they think about the subject . . . they’re production people which means they are more than likely opinionated.  Just make sure that you can properly execute the over-under technique and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

For more information:

Stagecraft’s website – They have a great video that is a bit longer than mine, but it may help envision the process a little better.

Wikipedia – A short little article about the over-under technique