Some people go to great lengths to keep their work space clean and free of clutter. This may not characterize your habits, but I think we all can agree that a mess of cables on your desk not only looks bad, but can constantly get in your way. Lee Valley added two promising cable management boxes earlier this year that warrant a look.
The first is a 6-1/8″ by 4-1/4″ surface mount box that protrudes 1-1/2″ above the surface of the desk. Made from powder-coated steel, it can be mounted on the side, back, or top of the desk. It has two 7/16″ and three 1/4″ cable ports lined with plastic grommets to protect the cables. A hinged metal lid covers the cables ends when they’re not in use and is held in place by a rare earth magnet.
Similarly constructed, the second is a 5-1/2″ by 10-1/2″ flush mount box that mounts on the surface of your desk. It has the same cable ports as the surface mount box, plus an extra 7/16″ port. It extends 2-3/4″ beneath the surface with plenty of room for the cables and even a power bar. A hinged lid with cutouts lets you hide all the cables except the ones you’re using.
The boxes are made in Canada. The surface mount box runs $29, while the flush mount box runs $57 (ouch). I guess looking neat and tidy has its price. Lee Valley, recognizing that it’s hard to find a power strip small enough to fit in the surface mount box, will gladly sell you one that will fit for $15.
Cable Management Boxes [Lee Valley]
