We Tried Dollar Tree's Cable Clutter Solution And Came Up With Something Even Better

You're not the only one with a tangled mess of cables behind your entertainment center. These ugly nests of cords are the result of modern technology: Televisions, streaming devices, sound bars, and game consoles all require power, and it can be tough to hide all those cables behind a piece of furniture. We also have to be careful not to pinch chords, damage cables, or allow either of them to overheat, which could result in an electrical fire. 

You can invest in cable organizers to help eliminate cluttered chaos, but these solutions can be expensive. If you've searched for a less expensive option, you may have come across a popular solution making the rounds on social media: adhesive hooks from the Dollar Tree. These hooks are similar to 3M Command hooks but are much less expensive. 

Here's the idea: You attach the hooks to your furniture and loop your cables around them, getting them off the floor and neatly organized. At least, that's the idea. But does it work? We gave it a try, and the simple answer is no, not really. While the solution may be cheap, it doesn't work for several reasons. Luckily, we found a cost-effective alternative.

The Dollar Tree tactic, which uses $1.50 four-packs of self-adhesive hooks, is not your best option if you are committed to cleaning up your chords. Though they're rated to hold up to 3 pounds, we found in our test here at SlashGear that the adhesive was too weak to support cords. We also found that the hook shape wasn't appropriate for cables.

Instead, we recommend you give 3M Command metal wire toggle hooks a try. These hooks come in various sizes, so you 'll be able to pick the best option for your tangle. They also have a toggle design that acts similar to a hinge, making them easier to reposition. Due to the hook's design, users can also secure the cables by threading a zip tie or twist tie through the hook. Additionally, the adhesive on the Command hooks is much stronger than on the Dollar Tree version, meaning they shouldn't lose their grip even under the weight of the cords.

The Command metal wire hooks are widely sold at retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Lowes. Prices vary but average between $5 and $11 for a pack of six to seven hooks. It may take you a few tries to get it right, but this solution is worth the effort if you don't want to spend a lot. Keep in mind that this solution works best for chords and cables tangled on the floor. If your TV is mounted, we have a few pointers for hiding wires there as well.