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frayed charger cable

G

ghanwani

macrumors 601
Original poster
Dec 8, 2008
4,836
6,157
I got a new charger under AppleCare a year and a half ago and the cable has frayed yet again at the magsafe end. This time around it took just a year and a half instead of 2 1/2 years which it did the first time around.

What are folks here doing for this problem? Should I just suck it up and get a new one? Should I use some electrical tape (how long would that hold up?).

Any ideas whether this problem is being caused because of the way I'm using the cable? It seems like it happens to several folks, but I was wondering if there are any tips for prevention.
 
i know this is a bit off topic but it isnt. So when i had my 2010 mac book pro my charger used to break every 8 months in the span of about 4 years (late 2013) I've gone through 5 chargers. Now with this 15" retina I've had for a year never broke it once except the 2 things on the charger that make sure it stays
 
Use Sugru

ghanwani said:
I got a new charger under AppleCare a year and a half ago and the cable has frayed yet again at the magsafe end. This time around it took just a year and a half instead of 2 1/2 years which it did the first time around.

What are folks here doing for this problem? Should I just suck it up and get a new one? Should I use some electrical tape (how long would that hold up?).

Any ideas whether this problem is being caused because of the way I'm using the cable? It seems like it happens to several folks, but I was wondering if there are any tips for prevention.
Click to expand...


For a few dollars you can buy Sugru it is a putty that dries to a rubbery consistancy and can fix anything like this quickly and easily.

http://sugru.com/
 
Just had my genius bar appt today. They offered me a replacement at $61.00 + tax which I took. It's probably refurbished, but it's also a better deal than $79.00 + tax which is what a new one would cost.

I'm just bummed I had to do this!
 
ghanwani said:
Just had my genius bar appt today. They offered me a replacement at $61.00 + tax which I took. It's probably refurbished, but it's also a better deal than $79.00 + tax which is what a new one would cost.

I'm just bummed I had to do this!
Click to expand...

I went through the same thing today with the charger for my wife's MBP. I passed on the $61, and ordered a new charger fr OWC for $59 with free shipping. I'm thinking about ordering a replacement cable for her old charger. Does anyone have experience and or recommendations on this?
 
ghanwani said:
I got a new charger under AppleCare a year and a half ago and the cable has frayed yet again at the magsafe end. This time around it took just a year and a half instead of 2 1/2 years which it did the first time around.

What are folks here doing for this problem? Should I just suck it up and get a new one? Should I use some electrical tape (how long would that hold up?).

Any ideas whether this problem is being caused because of the way I'm using the cable? It seems like it happens to several folks, but I was wondering if there are any tips for prevention.
Click to expand...

Get a new one, i had a frayed and put electrical tape, wasn't sure it would be safe and bought a new one for 60$
 
The cable boot is quite short and the cable itself is quite thin, so unless you look after it (i.e., ensure it's not put under strain by bending it into a tight curve) it will eventually fray.

There's not much that can be done short of making the cord much thicker.

Never pull the magsafe out by pulling the cable, try to make sure that you don't bend it in a small radius curve and try not to tug on it at such an angle that the magsafe doesn't disconnect easily.

In terms of a replacement I would only go with an official Apple one or one from a reputable third party such as OWC or Belkin. Do not be tempted to buy a "genuine" one from a Chinese reseller on ebay.
 
It's just under a year since I got a replacement and its frayed again. I just got it replaced again for $61.00. Now that I realize it was under a year I'm thinking it would have been better to get a new one for $79.00, since that has a 1 year warranty instead of a 3 month warranty.

But hopefully the 12" MacBook will be updated with skylake in a few months and I'll get one if those before this next one frays.
 
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