Tools and maintenance accessories for computers, desks and network racks: releasable cable ties, hook and loop straps, cable sleeves, clips, trays and management panels, alongside repair and test tools. With over 400 products from StarTech.com, UNI-T, EFB-Elektronik and iFixit, it suits home users tidying a desk, IT technicians and anyone repairing electronics.
How to choose tools and cable management accessories
Type of product. Start with the job. Releasable cable ties and hook and loop ties bundle cables, sleeves group several cables into one tidy run, clips hold single cables along a desk or wall, and panels and trays organise cabling in racks and cabinets. Our range includes all of these.
Reusable or fixed. A releasable cable tie can be opened and reused, while a standard tie must be cut. Hook and loop ties are the easiest to adjust when you add or swap a cable, so they suit setups that change often, such as a home office or a patch panel.
Material. Most ties in our range are nylon, which is strong and holds its shape. Sleeves are often polyethylene or a nylon and polyester mix, which gives some flexibility, and trays and panels made of steel are stiffer and carry heavier cable loads. Rubber and plastic parts are mainly used for clips and fittings.
Tool or tester specification. For repair kits, check that the bit types match your devices, since laptops, phones and consoles use different screw heads. For multimeters and other test instruments, check the measurement ranges and the safety category rating before working on mains electricity.
Compliance and colour. Many products carry RoHS or CE marking, and some also list REACH, WEEE or Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance, which can matter for business or public sector purchasing. Black and white are the most common colours, while blue, yellow, red and green are useful for colour coding different cable types.
Brands in tools and maintenance
- StarTech.com: a well-known supplier of IT connectivity and cable management products for offices and server rooms.
- UNI-T: known for multimeters and other electrical test and measurement instruments.
- EFB-Elektronik: a German brand focused on cabling and connectivity products for network installations.
- iFixit: known for repair guides and precision screwdriver sets for opening phones, laptops and other electronics.
- DIGITUS: a brand with a strong focus on network cabling, racks and the accessories that go with them.
- FNIRSI: makes compact test equipment and electronics tools for hobbyists and repair work.
- Mileseey: known for laser distance meters.
Also in our range: ESPERANZA, COLORWAY, ACTIVEJET, GEMBIRD and TRACER.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a releasable cable tie and a hook and loop tie?
A releasable cable tie is a nylon tie with a mechanism that lets you open it and reuse it. A hook and loop tie is a fabric strap that fastens with a hook and loop surface and can be opened and closed many times. Hook and loop ties are gentler on cables, while nylon ties give a firmer, fixed hold.
What should I use to organise cables in a network rack?
Cable management panels and trays keep cabling in order inside a rack or cabinet, and hook and loop ties hold the patch cables together. Panels guide cables neatly beside the equipment, while trays carry longer runs. Choose items sized for your rack and the number of cables you expect to add.
Can cable ties damage network cables?
Yes, if a nylon tie is pulled too tight it can squeeze a network cable and affect its performance. Hook and loop ties are safer for twisted pair cabling because they hold the bundle without crushing it. Whichever type you use, fasten it snugly rather than tightly.
What do I need to check when buying a multimeter?
Check the measurements it covers, such as voltage, current and resistance, along with its ranges and safety category rating. Electronics hobbyists usually need good resolution at low voltages, while electricians need a higher safety rating for mains work. Features such as a continuity buzzer and an auto-ranging mode make everyday testing quicker.
