Reusing computer parts

I was just thinking this morning that old computer cables might work for extension cords. Anyone ever try this or think it would be safe?

Sherri Lynn : It all depends on what you have been using the Extension cords for ! If you have been using the E-cords to tie things up Yes, if you extended the length

Of the pull chain on your overhead fan with one ok! if your dresser drawer has lost its knobs and you cut of the ends of an extension cord and slipped the cord through

the little hole in the drawer front, depends how big/thick is your Computor cable.

The rubber sheathing of extension cords has been slipped off of its wires and used as IV tubing, try that with your Computer Cable !

Skip rope! Auto erotic behavior! Dred locks! Using Extension cords for wigs and wait for it. . . . . . . . . . Extensions! ruff measuring, an 6' extension cord just goes around it

Hand rails, and crowd control ! Holding up pants, draw strings for hoodies and Sweat paints ! Replacement handles for pails and buckets

More seriously, check to see if there is a 'hackers group' in your area, they love to get the cords and mouses with old computers which they fix and give to needy kids!

Kind of the way Bikers and the Marine Corp League collect presents for Santa to give to needy kids ! Thanks for putting up with my ramble

Sherri Lynn wrote:I was just thinking this morning that old computer cables might work for extension cords. Anyone ever try this or think it would be safe?

Depends, which cords? The typical computer has any number of cables going into it, but only the AC power cord itself would have the gauge of conductors to carry
high voltage.
But, considering these cords are generally only 6ft/2mt long, thats not much of an extension, not to mention you would have to cut the end off and replace it
with an electrical socket / receptacle.

The fans used in computers are very well made and can be used for a variety of uses including cool closet ventilation, which is what I use them for.

I've converted bad flatscreen VGA monitors into lamps. Specifically ones where the backlight works, but the screen wont come on or the LCD is damaged/cracked.

Basically take the cover off, remove the LCD screen and filters from in front of the back light, then put the cover back on. You basically have a bright white florescent
panel on a stand (or the light source and power inverter can be removed and built into a different case.)

Since the many of these old monitors run on 12VDC, these would be great for battery/solar systems.

Computer power cords aren't good for much of anything else, it would cost the same price to fab it into a 6' extension cord as a 12 ft extension cord. Though the wire gauge is usually pretty good.

The fans are good for many projects; I've made circulating fans for the tent, a cold smoker, a biltong and herb dryer etc.

The platters from the hard drive make decent mirrors, wind chimes, signal devices. I mounted one to the back of my cell phone so I could view the back of computers, the flashlight illuminates the target and the platter mirrors the image back to me.

Magnets from the hard drives are useful for many projects.

Speakers can be handy for projects.

The wires from the power supply are a decent gauge and similar to that used in automotive applications.

The power supply it self can be used to generate 5 or 12 volt power (I suspect it would be a waste compared to other methods)

toroids can be used to create joule thief devices

Switches for power and reset are useful, the 120/220 power supply switch can take mains voltage.

CD/DVD drive motors can be used for assorted projects.

The laser from a cd/dvd might be useful if you're into that.

Many motherboard parts are useful for breadboard applications.

Speaker and microphone jacks are easy to reuse for low voltage applications or audio

I've reused some of the plastic by softening it with acetone but I wasn't impressed with the results.

The metal pieces are pretty useful but they take a considerable effort to refabricate.

The clock battery and an LED could make a flashlight of sorts

... those are the easy ones off the top of my head.

Does anyone have other suggestions I've missed? This is a primary focus for me as I deal with them daily and I have a ton or so of parts in the attic and have to turn away parts all the time.