Below are common tools easily available in most household :

1) Scissor
2) Tape
3) Flat head screw driver for spectacle
4) Lighter
5) Hair Dryer


Additional tool for removing 4pin mobo, PCI-E & 20/24pin ATX Connector :

5) ATX pin removal tool from XMod ( RM 45 )




Remove all 4pin molex, FDD, ATX pin connectors

If ur afraid of forgetting which color order, u can :
- take a picture
- write it down

or remember this rule :

1) 4pin molex connectors - yellow always closest to u
2) Fdd connector - red always closest to u
3) 4pin mobo connector - Yellow closest to the clip
4) PCI-E connector - Black closest to the clip
5) 20/24pin atx connector - write it down !! or take picture, i no formula for this




use the flat head screw driver to push in the FDD pins


This picture below show FDD pins.
Top show push in pin so that it can slip out from the connector.
Bottom of picture show pin open up. Open it up & insert back the conncetor so that it'll "lock on"


use the flat head screw driver to remove the molex pins


Left picture show a closed molex pin. Right picture show a open molex pin.
The idea is to close the molex pin with ur flat head screw driver. This will allow the molex pin to slip through & out of the connector. u'll get a hang out of it very soon after a few try. relax & be patient.


Sata head can be removed too, I'll touch up on this part again when I get my hand on another PSU with Sata connector.

pic of antec PSU - messy cable management, I bet all Antec engineers DO NOT comb their hair !! Of my countless PSU sleeving journey, only Antec PSUs are this messy, even when we pay for their premium high-end 550watt series .. hehe SO, those who do not have an Antec, are lucky to skip this part. Or else its gonna be like some 10-15mins job trying to group up the cables neatly.


the extra work in grouping the cables in proper order, geezz ..



Tape up all exposed pins

Don't try to be lazy & skip this part. Or else u'll find ur sleeve getting entangled by the sharp edges later on. trust me ...

- tape up the exposed FDD cables as a group
- tape up the exposed 4pin molex pins 2 by 2. Seperate them 2 by 2


this picture show the 4pin molex taped up 2 by 2. If u were to tape all 4pin molex together as a group, it'll be too THICK for the Heatshrink to pass through later on.



These type of connectors below can be tape up as a whole.

- 4pin mobo
- 6pin PCI-E
- Sata

** For Sata, tape them up first for sleeve to get through, then remove it & insert heatshrink. let the individual Sata cables go through 1 by 1 if the heatshrink is a little too tight.

This post has been edited by uglyvamp: Oct 5 2005, 10:25 PM

the 3 main tool again : lighter, ATX removal tool & flat head screw driver


If u have Sata connector below, sleeving is NOT possible, unless its cut & change. I won't want u to void the warranty here, so I won't touch on this one here. PM me for solution, ( cutting is still a must though )

For your infos, its ANTEC psu again that come with such stupid factory sealed Sata connnector.



Cutting the correct sleeve length.

Before I share my formula below, remember that sleeve expand. And expanded sleeve will eventually be shorter. Having too long sleeve will make ur final sleeving job look fat while sleeve too short wont' be looking good either. Therefore, please try to follow the formula below. I hope the explaination & guide be is good & clear.

Cables from PSU to the 1st connector is the longest. Measure it with ur sleeve & cut at least 1cm LONGER

Cables from 2nd connector to 3rd OR 3rd to 4th connector is short. Measure it with ur sleeve & cut at least 0.5cm SHORTER.

Sata cable from PSU to 1st Sata connector. Measure & cut at least 1.5cm Longer. Sata cables are thicker than 4pin molex cables.

4pin mobo cable from PSU. There's only 1 connector. Cut the sleeve at least 1cm LONGER.

This picture here show an example of the shortest sleeve required. From the last 4pin molext to the FDD connector. This one will require at least about 0.5cm to 0.7cm shorter. ( its the thinest part of PSU cables )


REMEMBER :
Sleeve inserted, has to be slightly shorter. Like this picture below.
This will allow the heatshrink to HOLD tight between the cable & the sleeve. It'll also "straighten" ur final sleeving job & make it look slim


This post has been edited by uglyvamp: May 8 2007, 07:03 PM

Sleeving

The lighter. Burn the tip every time the sleeve is cut.

Left of picture show burnt tip while right show a freshly cut sleeve.


Top of picture show burnt tip still in good shape.
Bottom of picture show unburnt tip in BAD Shape when u don't follow.


Unburnt tip trying to get through, the sleeve will start splitting & ur gonna get pissed off very soon .. hehe

Picture only show earlier stage of split sleeve. PLS remember to burn the tip a little !!


Sleeve first, then cut the Heatshrink to appropriate length & insert in.
If u find ur sleeve being too short, then cut slightly longer Heatshrink.
Cut the heatshrink to length able to hold the sleeve by about 1cm & the rest cover up the bare wires.


Picture below show Heatshrink going through the 2 by 2 4pin wires as mention on earlier part of this guide.


Do not forget each sleeve section require 2pcs Heatshrink !!! Forget 1pc & u'll have to remove all & start all over again ...
Do note again, it is sleeve first, then 2pcs heatshrink.


U can attach back the molex connector after every section of sleeving is complete.


Push the Heatshrink all the way closest the PSU as possible. Cut appropriate heatshrink length. Heatshrink must hold the sleeve & cable.
IF, ur heathshrink only hold the sleeve & not the cable, the sleeve will slip eventually.



Heatshrinking

To shrink the heatshrink, use a Hair Dryer. DO NOT use a lighter !! The fumes from ur lighter's flame will cause ur colored heatshrink turn black !!

However, if u have got Black heatshrink instead, go ahead but be very carefully not to burn the sleeve.


Tips on Ligher : If ur a botak & never require a hair dryer, then lighter can still be a solution.

To use lighter to shrink the Colored Heathshrink. Turn ur lighter to bigger flame. Use only the lower blue flame. DO NOT use the orangish/yellow flame or it'll turn ur heatshrink dark color. Try it carefully putting the blue part of the flame close to the sleeve. U'll see ur sleeve shrinking very fast but be careful. Spoilt jobs, burnt wires is not my prob !!! heehee

This picture below show shrinked heatshrink holding the sleeve & cables tight.




Completed job awaiting pickup by SG modders.

Added : July 2006

20/24 ATX Removal guide ..

Before we start, do note : ATX pin same as, 4pin mobo, 6pin PCI-E & 8pin EPS

What u need is staplets or wat we call that ?? staple bullets ??
Straightened 1 pair. straight, as straight possible.



Use technology to remember the wires color codings ... take a pic & the pic will remember for u. Black wire is ground, they can mix. Here I insert a white paper as background for easier contrast recognition.

You NEED 2 picture shots, then take out the wires 1row @ a time. Then tape up the 1st row of wires b4 removing the 2nd row.

** I also notice some PSU's ATX connector has "thinner" black wire at 1 point, so try to insert back the same 1 @ the same spot. Same goes to if u find a red or an orange being thinner than the other, just try remember to put back same hole... This hardly occur anyway **





The idea of the 2straightended staple bullet is to push the pin inwards so u can pull "down".

Push both pin as deep possible, till both at same height, the hold tight & pull the wire downward. If 1st try unsuccessful, reinsert the 2pins & do again. Lots of practice & patience for this one.

Most ATX pins are really difficult to remove, thus, I use PLIER to hold the connector while i pull the wire with my finger @ moderate strength. Beware not to break the wire or ur in deep trouble & so do I !!



I'll provide a short video demo of the process for download here again,
good luck



To summarize it all :

1) Remove all connectors
2) Tape up all exposed pins
3) cut the approriate sleeve & start sleeving
4) insert 2pcs heatshrink to every sleeve section
5) put back connectors
6) Provide heat source to shrink the heatshrink



Below are optional tools that can be purchased seperately from me.

Top - Carbon steel molex removal tool ( the BEST molex removal tool ever )
Middle - Plastic molex removal tool ( the 2nd Best molex removal tool ever )
Bottom - ATX pin removal tool ( the BEST ATX pin removal tool ever )

** I've used other tools by Big major brands but none of them to my satisfaction which i shall not name them. Above are highly recommmend tools if modders have the extra cash to spare.

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4929/dsc058888vf.jpg


Sleeving colors

I always recommend 2tone color for sleeve & connectors for my customers. It'll be a good reference for guys wanting to sleeve up their PSUs.


Admire the work

Here comes the gallery ... and dont loose ur jaw









This post has been edited by uglyvamp: Aug 28 2006, 04:11 AM

Thanks for guide. Hope can pinned it.

*Claps*
this is one of the best guides in LYN

Pinned. Good job there !!

thanks sniper, about 6hrs job .. from photo taking, to writing it all up & editing ..

I'll still re-edit the guide here to be better.



SATA power connector :

3types Sata power :

Left to right : Factory sealed Sata connector on far left. Middle & right one can be removed.





can remove ..


right angle Sata connector




This post has been edited by uglyvamp: Jul 8 2006, 08:06 PM

[uglyvamp]
thanx for this guide
hav been waiting for a long time for ppl 2 post thiz guide
at last u post
: 2 thumbs up :

The Molex removing is very tedious if done ure way lar. There's a very nice tool that comes with the Vantec sleeve kits. It looks like the doctor's injector. Just insert into the molex hole, press the injector n pull the wire out. Very simple n neat. Doesn't damage the springs too.

heh .. i've done countless psu sleeving with the same old flat heat screw driver.

its easy. the tedious one will be the ATX pins even with proper removal tool

Btw, yes, i do have both plastic & metal removal tool too. I'm posting the screw driver way becos not everyone has the proper tools.

That's y u shud relocate to KL lar. Then we all can haf a regular supply of good n cheap mod parts like the sleeves, sumi tubes n all. Hahaha. Coz in KL most fellas only can get the Vantec Sleeve kit. I haven't seen any1 in LYP selling sleeves in bulk like u do. So for KL fellas we just hafta buy the expensive Vantec kits n they all come with the tool so mebe u shud include the tool in ure list of tools too. Good guide anyway.

Where did you get the ATX pin removal tool? I'd be interested in getting one...

While you could use a larger sleeve and avoid removing the four pin mobo and PCI-e connector, the result is not a pretty as the sleeve is bigger than the cords. Tights versus baggy trousers if you will...

I used the straightened staples method to remove the pins off my PCI-e and four pin mobo power connectors. This was quite tedious. A proper tool would have been nice.

I don't agree with Ian however on the vantec tool. I damaged some connectors with that thing (probably from improper use though). I find the fine jewellers flathead screwdriver that Vamp describes to be a much better tool.

Great guide though... Well done!

MacDaNife, the staple way was indeed hard !!! i tried once when my ATX removal tool broke. I didn't have the patient & never succeed lol

and yea, baggy sleeve won't look good.. hehe



Anyway, updated 2pictures above showting the proper tools .. take a look again

This post has been edited by uglyvamp: Oct 6 2005, 01:47 PM

nice thread thanks 4 the info.......

one of the best and easiest guides of sleeving.....good job uglyvamp CHEERS!!

regards,
aaron

well done uglyvamp,

can help most of the forumer that 1 2 done sleeving by DIY!!!

nice guide man.....very eazy 2 understand even for noobies

if this guide can be improved better, PM me !!

I need to ask something.. When u take off the connector, and when after we sleeve we need to put back the connector, how we know which colour first? Or which colour also the same? I mean the wire cable that have black and red and yellow and green.. Izit it can put as we like?