Real talkThis stops the fray getting worse, but it won't fix a cable that already cuts out when you wiggle it.

Bill of materials

• A cheap retractable pen
• The frayed cable

Assembly

1. 1Pull the spring out of a retractable pen.
2. 2Stretch it a little so it's longer and looser.
3. 3Wind it tightly around the cable where it meets the plug.
4. 4Leave a couple of centimetres of spring on each side of the weak spot.