How to Attach a Mini USB Hub to Your Work Desk

A mini USB hub is a useful device for anyone with a multitude of necessary gadgets waiting to be attached to their computer. However, having a USB hub on the desk often causes an unattractive snarl of wires and leads to coil up around your work area, making for a cluttered and distracting desk space. By attaching the hub to your desk in a unique and unconventional manner, you could free your space of any and all superfluous wires while also creating a more convenient way of accessing your equipment.

Step One - Prepare The Area

If your computer area is based around a wooden desk, then it is ripe for this project. First, measure the height of the main surface, that is, measure the height of the edge of the desk. The screws will need to be shorter than this. 5/8-inch wood screws should be of sufficient length, but every desk is different. Also, taking the MDF sheet, measure out space for the shackles to fit and cut those holes open. Then, by placing the MDF sheet against the desk, mark out on the underside where the shackles will be attached to the desk.

Some metal desks are perforated, ostensibly to allow the circulation of air and to aid natural cooling. If this is the case, you can skip everything and simply go to Step Three and you're finished.

Step Two - Drill It In

Once the underside of the desk is marked with the intended areas of the shackles, take shackles and press them against the desk in the intended areas. Drill four pilot holes in the space where the screws will be attached (be careful not to drill too far, or you'll risk coming out of the topside but also take care to drill far enough in to stop the wood splitting when the actual screws are applied). Holding the shackles there still, put the screws at the opening and screw the shackles in place.

Step Three - Tie One On

Take the MDF and loop the cable ties through the holes on the pegboard or, if you have the option, through the perforations in the metal desk and use them to attach the USB hub to the pegboard. Apply two or three to the hub and tighten them enough so that the equipment doesn't move when jostled.

Step Four - Attach The MDF

Once the shackles are in place, the project is almost finished. Finally, take MDF sheet with the hub attached and line up the shackle holes with the shackles. Place the wooden pegs through the shackle holes to hold the MDF board in place. If done correctly, your USB hub will now be suspended beneath your desk, with all the wires running underneath your work surface and out of sight keeping your space free of clutter.