Just curious if anyone has shortened their IDE cables without destroying the connectors. I've tried 3 connectors so far and all of them have snapped. Also, more of a technical question. How is it that the pins on the connector can contact both adjacent wires, yet keep the data straight?
Rather than reusing the connectors, purchase some new ones, clamp them on the cable at the length you're trying for, and then trim. I have also heard of some people using the 2 drive cables and just cutting the cable at the middle connector.
I've probably broken more connectors by disconnecting them from the drives - I guess I took more care when I shortened my cables. Some connectors tend to split easier than others but as bob says, if you can find new ones, there is less risk involved.
Spot on answer BorgBob. I heartily endorse this product and/or service. I'll also add that slowly tightening the new ends in a bench vise is a geat way to get a solid connection. If you look closer, it's like there's two knives cutting the insulation for each wire in the ribbon. The blades are facing each other, so the backs don't slice the insulation. The offsets along the length of the cable are set up to make all that work cleanly.
