Cable Lock

thingiverse

I had a problem at the office where people kept taking my HDMI cable when I wasn't there. So, I came up with this over-the-top solution to solve the issue in a silly and somewhat passive-aggressive way - a cable lock. This fake lock can be opened by simply pulling the shackle part outward. If you need something secure, you can print just the cable holder and desk connector parts and use any small padlock for added security. The lock holds cables up to 8mm in diameter, but it's a bit challenging to get the cable into the holder, especially with thicker ones. Thinner cables make it easier, as long as the connector at the end doesn't fit through an 8mm hole. The hole in the cable holder is slightly too small, and you can file the edge off the lock bridge until it fits. Alternatively, print the cable holder a bit larger in the Z dimension - I chose to do this because I'd already spent too much time on the project. I printed the cable holder in PETG, which needs to be extremely flexible for easy cable insertion. Nylon or ABS might work as well, but PLA will likely break before you can get the cable in. The lock body and desk connector were printed in PLA, which is cheaper and doesn't require flexibility. Both parts print without support, and cable holder and lock bridge have wall structures that make infill unnecessary. Lock body and desk connector should still work fine with low or no infill. I designed this solution using Autodesk Fusion 360 and printed it with a Robo 3D R1+.