10 Rebel Tech tricks

Phones, tablets, controllers, cables, today we are literally drowning in technology. It wasn’t always like this. Not that long ago (the late 1980s), we didn’t even have the Web. Go back a bit further (the 1950s), and IBM’s first supercomputer (the 305 RAMAC), weighing a whopping one whole ton, could store a meagre 5MB of data on its hard drive.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Nimbus Data introduced its ExaDrive DC100 Solid State Drive, which can hold up to 100TB of data – the largest SSD small enough to sit on your desk! But don’t hold your breath, technology changes faster than a Planck second (look it up, it’s fast). Instead of worrying about the latest this, that or the other upgrade, consider fixing, adapting, customising, modding or hacking the gadgets you already have with Sugru. It’s way more fun.

Speaking of data storage, this incredibly simple hard drive cradle gets tucked away at the back of your monitor. It’s reassuringly out of the way, off your desk, protected from potential coffee spills, but well within your reach. All you need for this project are two classic Sugru hooks to hold the drive. Oh, and if you don’t already have a back-up drive, then get one!

Have you ever tried living without music? There’s nothing more distressing than being immersed in your favourite tune when your beloved headphones cut out. But fret not, there is a simple Sugru fix to give life back to your music. Learn how to fix damaged headphones.

While we’re on the subject of headphones, Sugru is the perfect material for creating bespoke hooks to keep tech safe. Mould one onto the side of your monitor or wherever you want to hang your headset.

Watch how to make a monitor hook.

E-readers are great. But printed books have such interesting covers. Get the best of both worlds with this easy Sugru hack that turns an ebook into a charming real book. See how here.

The brilliant thing about tech and Sugru is you can mould your devices to fit you. Amateur and professional photographers all over the world use Sugru to make subtle improvements to their valuable kit. Experience it for yourself. Custom grips help the heavy camera body rest in your hand more naturally while building up those tiny buttons make them easier to locate and operate. Watch Sugru Mouldable Silicone in action here.

Whether you use an iPad, a tablet, or a Kindle, this simple Sugru mount is for you. It creates a secure bond plus, the three Sugru shelves are flexible enough to insert and fish out the device as and when you need it. The mount can be fitted pretty much anywhere – no screws, no nails, no tools. And, here’s the genius part, the mount is totally removable. Learn how to make an iPad wall mount.

There’s no getting away from it, portable gadgetry in the car is as normal as it is in the home. This is where Sugru and magnets come together in an ingeniously useful way. You can use this trick to secure your phone or GPS device in the front, or a tablet device in the back for the little ones. Either way, watch how to organise your tech in the car with Sugru and magnets.

Get a better grip on your gaming skills by making your devices work better for you.

Sugru Mouldable Silicone is electrically-insulating, shock-resistant, durable and flexible, so it’s brilliant for modding your game controllers. Mould and shape the triggers, buttons and thumbsticks, for a much more grippy, dynamic and responsive experience. Game on.

Check out how to mod your game controller.

No matter how wireless and tech-savvy we become, everyone surrenders to the frayed cable syndrome at some point. It’s a digital rite of passage. No worries, countless people around the world save their cables from landfill with this surprisingly satisfying fix.

*Sugru is electrically insulating, but be careful with electricity – stick to small consumer electronics’ repairs below 24 volts.

See how to repair a USB cable.

Do you have cable management issues? Get yours under control with these gorgeous grippies. Simply use a toothpick to cleverly transform single cones of Sugru into an organised row of rude boys.