Best Cable Clips for Safety & Tidy Wiring: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
We have all been there—a tangle of wires behind the TV or a trailing extension lead across the hallway. Whilst it looks untidy, as an electrician, I see a bigger problem: risk. Loose cables are a primary cause of trips and falls, and cables left to drag on the floor can suffer insulation damage, leading to exposed live conductors.
In Leeds, particularly in the older brick terraces of Armley or Harehills, chasing wires into solid walls isn't always feasible without a major renovation. Surface clipping is often the necessary solution. However, getting a clip to stay in 100-year-old mortar or hard engineering brick requires the right kit.
In this review, I've selected three cable management solutions I encounter often. Whether you are a landlord needing to secure wires for an EICR, a student in Headingley needing a non-damage fix, or a homeowner tidying up a home office, these are the best options available right now.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal Wall Fixing"
"Marketing claims nail clips will drive into 'concrete, brick, and plaster' effortlessly."
In Leeds' Victorian properties, the bricks are often hardened 'engineering bricks'. Standard nails will just bend. You often need to drill a small pilot hole or aim strictly for the mortar joint.
The Spec: "Damage-Free Adhesive"
"Self-adhesive clips claim to stick anywhere and remove cleanly."
They stick well to smooth plastic or metal. On painted plaster or wallpaper, they will either fall off with the weight of the cable or rip the paint off upon removal. Preparation is vital.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Round Cable Clips, 100Pcs 6mm Electrical Cable Wall Clip - Nail Clips Cable Management
Elezenioc
These are the bread and butter of cable management. If you are running ethernet cables along a skirting board or securing a coaxial cable, these 6mm clips are the standard solution. At roughly 3p per clip, they are incredibly cost-effective for long runs.
The Good
- Extremely affordable for bulk jobs
- High carbon steel nails generally resist bending better than cheaper alternatives
- PE plastic is weather-resistant, suitable for outdoor runs too
The Bad
- Can be difficult to hammer into hard Victorian brick without bending
- Not suitable for rented accommodation where holes are prohibited
Installer Tip:
Don't hammer the clip flat against the cable with full force. If you crush the cable, you can damage the internal insulation or alter the impedance of data cables. Leave a fraction of wiggle room.
Priced at £3.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonRYCHUI 60PCS Cable Clips, Strong Self Adhesive Cable Tidy Wire Clips
RYCHUI
For HMOs in Hyde Park or rented flats where tenants lose their deposit for putting holes in walls, these adhesive clips are the ideal solution. Being transparent, they are far less obtrusive than white plastic blocks, making them perfect for routing cables around door frames or across desks.
The Good
- No tools required – no hammer or drill needed
- Transparent design makes them nearly invisible on most surfaces
- Strong adhesion if applied correctly
The Bad
- Adhesive needs 24 hours to cure for full strength
- Will struggle with heavy, stiff cables that naturally want to coil back
Installer Tip:
The secret to these is surface preparation. Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser first. If you stick these to a dusty skirting board, they will fall off in an hour. Let them cure for 24 hours before clipping the wire in.
Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on Amazonsmofish Cord Organizer Holder, 8 Pack Magnetic Desk Cable Clips Management
smofish
This isn't for running cables along a wall; it's for the annoying charging cables that constantly fall behind your bedside table or desk. The magnetic mechanism is clever because it allows you to easily pull the cable out to use it, then snap it back into place to keep it tidy.
The Good
- Magnetic clasp is much easier to use than stiff silicone slots
- Prevents connector heads from being stepped on or crushed
- Aesthetic design looks good on modern furniture
The Bad
- More expensive per clip compared to standard nails
- Only suitable for thinner cables (chargers, mouse cables), not heavy mains leads
Installer Tip:
I recommend these for home offices. Keeping charging cables off the floor prevents the internal copper from breaking due to being rolled over by office chairs—a common cause of charger failure.
Priced at £9.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How far apart should I space cable clips?
Are nailed clips safe for all walls?
Can I use these clips for mains voltage cables?
Do loose cables affect my EICR Landlord Certificate?
What is the best way to remove adhesive clips without stripping paint?
Why create a fuss about cable clips?
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