How to Fix a Broken Ethernet Cable with Masking Tape - Free & Easy!

This is a video showing how I fixed my RJ45 ethernet cable with masking tape. This is a quick and practically free repair if you just have some masking tape laying around. This way, you don't have to buy a new ethernet cable every time that cheap plastic hook which is designed to hold it in place breaks off (this happened to me twice). Moreover, this fix is good for as long as you keep your cable plugged into your ethernet port. The more you unplug it, of course, the more the masking tape will wear off. However, replacing it is practically free, anyway.

[Envinite]

The person who designed the lock mechanic on ethernet cable deserved to be tased smh. I got 5 cables already, 2 of them are more expensive ones with stronger build plug design and eventually the clip will broke no matter how safe I keep it.

[_window]

11 years later and this still works like crazy. Saved me so much pain and effort in minutes!

[glemarluces]

The trick still works after 8 years. Thanks

[YPTusa]

Thanks for keeping this less than 2 minutes. Upvote...

[pastichiorocker]

I've ordered a couple of repair clips that you click onto the broken connector (kinda like ClipFix), but until they arrive this is a perfect and simple solution! No messing around with tie wraps or replacing the entire connector, which I don't have laying around anyway. These lock mechanisms are so fragile!

[traumabear]

*GUYS IF YOU DON'T HAVE MASKING TAPE AT HAND* . Just with a small piece of paper, forld it 1 or 2 times and before connecting the cable on the port, put the piece of paper on one side (better long so it sticks out from the socket and you can pull it out) and while holding the piece of paper in place just stick the cable in. Depending on the socket, If you folded the paper 1 time maybe its too weak to support the cable but im telling you, folded 2 times is enough to resist easily 1 kg of force. Like you actually have to pull out hard to get it out. Good luck.

[zikretahadzic]

Finally a quick fix without having to pull out an entire toolbox! Thanks! Saved my day from frustrations!

[CheeCheeHsu]

This fix is cheap, fast, and it works great! No need to buy zip ties or locking mechanism replacement covers. Just use a bit of masking tape and you're done! Thanks for this excellent tip!

[tiernanluke]

You are my hero. I immediately got the tape from my tool bag and fixed it. Back to world of Warcraft. Thank you.

[intro]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! It's year 2024, and the trick is still doing great. Your post is incredibly helpful and now no issues using Ethernet of getting frequent disconnects. :)

[EdReggi]

Excellent option and way faster than the Zip Tie way!

[agus.leonardi]

RJ45 is also used as connector in pro audio such as digital audio mixers. loose connections lead to nightmares. this idea has saved me when I was handling some important events. thank you very much sir.

[Riceball_caws]

It worked. Some side note tho, it will stay in place tighter but if you move it often it will lose again ( obviously ) . Apply more layer of masking tape will make it stay tighter, recomend using masking tape cuz it is thicker and it has rough surface to create more tension to stay in place :)

[BEATz]

I can't believe I did not search this up earlier! thanks for this man have saved me the hassle of going under the house and rewiring another cable! Absolute LEGEND!

[ikyogre]

Thank you so much! I have been fighting with this cable for like 6 months. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[diosealorwh]

Holy fuck this works. I thought the tape would be way too thin to make any difference, but it's exactly the right thickness.

[DH]

i honestly can't believe how easy and simple this was. Thanks for sharing!! 

[RealNicole]

This worked, thank you!! I have a Dell G7 and my cord keeps popping out. At some point part of the port broke off so even if I change cords, they won't click into place anymore. This tape idea did the trick!

[TPremjee]

I used a combo of this and another solution I found out there involving cable ties. I secured the end of the cable tie under a rubberband around the base of the RJ45 connector and stuck it into the port, ridged side of the cable tie facing out. It's stuck in there nice and snug now. Thanks for the simple idea.

[WendyMoule]

Always the way brand new cable and the clip breaks off. Thanks to your idea, my cable still works! Love you so much. x