How to Repair a Short in a USB Cord

Have you tried to plug your MP3 player, iPod, hard drive, digital camera, or other gadget into your computer to transfer data, only to discover that the connection doesn't always work? You unplug it and plug it back in, and nothing happens. You start jiggling it, and suddenly the computer recognizes it, and you're good to go.

If this has happened to you, it sounds like your cord has a short in it. The short will get a little worse every time you jiggle that cord, and will eventually break completely through. The ideal method to rectify this would be to go to the store and purchase a new cord - for some people, however this isn't an option. Perhaps you're on vacation in an area where you can't purchase the cord. Or, maybe it is a proprietary cord for an old, archived product that's no longer

No matter the reason for repairing it, the process to do so is relatively simple once you know the method. If you need to repair a short in a USB cable, but you're not sure how, read on to find out how.

Items Needed:

USB cord
Scissors or knife
Wiring Tape
Solder and soldering iron

Step 1: Identify the short in the cord. You will be able to find it by running your fingers over the cable and feeling for a break in the flow - it could be a bump, or a dip in the plastic. Once you identify it, mark that spot with a marker or piece of tape so you don't lose it.

Step 2: Use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut the plastic away from the cord in that area. Be careful not cut the other wires, so take your take and cut only a little at a time. Once you've cut the plastic, peel it back to reveal the short. You'll see small wires covered in different colored plastic.

Step 3: The small wire that has a break in it is the one that needs repaired. You need to make the connection again to make it work. Do this by carefully peeling away the plastic from both sides of the small wire.

Now, plug in your soldering iron and let it heat up. Once warm, place the broken wire ends together and put a drop of solder over them to held it together. The solder will completely the circuit, and it will work again. Peel the plastic of the cable back down and wrap that area tightly in black tape to seal it well. Make sure you're liberal with the tape, so that it's waterproof and doesn't come undone easily.

Note: Attempt at your own risk. If you don't know how to solder, get someone who does to do this for you.