Pulling multiple cables at once led to a nightmare untangling session

I used to rush through cable drops, thinking faster meant better service. On a recent apartment complex job, I pulled multiple lines at once to save time. Halfway through, the cables got twisted and knotted inside the wall. It took me hours to untangle them, and I had to redo parts of the run. Now I pull one cable at a time, even if it seems slower. This way, I avoid knots and ensure a clean install. The extra care actually makes the overall job faster because there are no setbacks. I changed my mind completely on this approach.

5 comments

5 Comments

the_emery3d ago

Your cable story is a good example of a common trap. We often rush to save time (like speeding through laundry only to have wrinkled clothes), but it creates more work later. I see this when I skip chopping veggies for a meal and then spend extra time fixing mistakes. That extra care upfront, like you said, really pays off by avoiding bigger headaches. It's a lesson that applies to lots of things, from packing for a trip to sorting paperwork.

kellyjones3d ago

Five minutes chopping now saves me 15 later.

shanew263d ago

Yeah, Kelly's chopping example hits different when you realize the payoff is way later. Like spending 10 minutes sorting your toolbox so you can find the right screwdriver in 30 seconds six months from now. That time save is real but so far off it feels useless today. Our brains are bad at counting those far future minutes we didn't waste.

kai_robinson3d ago

I mean, I didn't actually share a cable story, so maybe you're mixing me up with someone else. But I get your overall point about rushing. Honestly though, sometimes speeding through a task does work out fine for me. Like if I'm in a huge hurry and just shove laundry in the dryer fast, it's usually okay. Maybe it depends on the specific thing. For me, the lesson isn't always "go slow," but more like you gotta know which tasks will bite you later.

wade7253d ago

Actually, you're right, I did mix up the cable story with someone else. But your point about knowing which tasks you can rush is spot on.