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You will never find yourself without a cable again if you slip this clever, compact, Swiss-designed multi-cable onto your key ring. It offers six charging combinations, with USB-C and USB-A on one end of the short braided cable, and Lightning, MicroUSB, and USB-C on the other. It can charge most devices at full speed and can be used for data transfer in a pinch. The USB-C connectors felt a little tight in some devices and the unusual Lightning and MicroUSB combination confused me at first, but it works. This improved version adds a cap to protect the connectors, but you must be careful not to misplace it. If you need a longer multi-cable, the InCharge XL ($29 to $39) is available in 1-, 6.6-, and 10-foot lengths.

Thunderbolt was a proprietary interface developed by Intel and Apple, but it's now open for royalty-free use (still certified by Intel). With Thunderbolt 3, the standard adopted the USB-C connector and is capable of data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps and can deliver 100 watts of power using the PD standard. Thunderbolt 4 brings various improvements mostly related to the video signal (support for two 4K displays or an 8K display). It also supports the USB 4 standard and is backward compatible with previous standards.

On the more exposed portions, it would be advisable to prepare the surface of hardened concrete with a high-pressure (15,000 to 20,000 psi) hydroblast or such other method as might effectively remove the hardened paste. If the water blast is performed shortly after removal of the forms, while the concrete is still relatively green, the paste can be much more easily removed with lesser pressure.

If you are curious about the charging rate of a device, this USB-C to USB-C cable from Baseus can tell you. It sports a tiny blue LED display that's built into one of the ends, and when you plug it in, the charging rate pops up in watts. When I measured it against my digital USB tester, it appeared accurate, though it rounds up to the nearest whole watt. It maxes out at 100 watts, so it can fast-charge most gadgets but is not a good pick for data transfer. The braided nylon finish and metal ends feel durable.

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What causespinholesin paint

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1. The pinhole will be generally exposed to view with or without a circumferential paste crust that hides some portion of the interior of the pinhole.

Most USB-C cables are dull and easy to lose in the tangle of your bag or, worse, your box of cables. This fun cable from Sharge looks like what Chewy might pass you if you asked for a power coupling. Impossible to lose, this yellow cable has molded plastic ends in what Sharge calls a “cyberpunk style.” Although they look suitably sci-fi they are also quite big, which could be an issue if space is tight at the USB-C port you are using. When you plug something in to charge, both ends of the cable light up. It can charge phones, laptops, and maybe even droids, as it carries up to 240 watts, but it’s quite slow for data transfer. It also comes in purple or gray.

USB Standards: The Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard dates to 1996 but has seen many new standards, revisions, and connector types in the years since. Instead of running through all of them here, we try to highlight what matters.

Updated November 2024: We added cables from Anker, Scosche, UGreen, and Native Union, added specs tables for each entry, removed several older picks, and updated prices throughout.

Folks looking to add connectivity to a laptop using the USB-C port should consider this compact and versatile hub from Anker. It is an affordable option in our Best USB Hubs and Docks guide that plugs in via the attached USB-C cable to give you two USB-A 3.0 ports, an HDMI output, and a full-size and MicroSD card reader. Using HDMI, you can get 4K video output at 30 Hz or 1080p at 60 Hz.

Keeping cables neat and orderly, ready to grab and plug in when you need them, requires a little help. I’ve tested various cable management options, and these simple clips from Syncwire are my favorites. You get five stick-on strips in the pack with between one and five slots for holding cable ends neatly in place. They stay put, hold your cables securely, and are fairly unobtrusive.

Vibration to compact concrete causes portland fines and light aggregate to migrate to the form panel faces creating a laitance-paste at the surface when the forms are removed. During this migration trapped air and encapsulated water migrate with the paste. In many instances the pinhole may exist underneath a thin paste.

Pin holes defect

Some pets like to chew charging cables, and some people just seem to wear through cables faster than others. If you've been looking for a more durable option, this Fuse Chicken cable should do the trick. The cable combines aluminum sleeves with several layers of cable protection, including Kevlar and stainless steel chainmail. They are not as flexible as other cables and are relatively heavy and pricey. But Fuse Chicken does offer a lifetime warranty. I encouraged my cat to attack one of these cables (when it wasn't plugged in!), but it still works and is unscathed.

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If you want to avoid contributing any more plastic to the world, these cables might tempt you. They boast an eco-friendly build with a flexible knit fabric finish crafted from certified recycled plastic and aluminum that looks (and feels) lovely and promises to last. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has been using a few of these for years with zero issues. Available in three lengths with a two-year warranty, they charge at a rate that should be good enough for most portable devices, but they're slow for data transfer.

Avoid tangles with this clever retractable cable from Baseus. Available in a few fun colors, this flat cable comes rolled up inside a circular case. Pull the USB-C ends and you can fix it at preset lengths (1.1, 1.9, 2.7, or 3.3 feet). When you’re done, simply pull and release it to have the cable coil back up inside the case.

GENERAL PHENOMENON: Where vertical formed surfaces are involved air pockets and water bubbles are trapped at the form face. When the concrete hardens these defects remain at the surface of the formed concrete. They may be regular in shape or elongated in any plane, fully or partially exposed or completely hidden. These defects are called pinholes or bugholes.

It is safe to use your phone while it is charging, but it will charge at a slower rate. Heat is also bad for battery health, so it is best to take a break when your phone feels warm.

How to fixpinholes

The humble cable is often the simplest and fastest way to charge your devices or move files from one device to another. But these ostensibly straightforward power and data conduits come in many shapes and sizes. Even cables that appear identical may perform differently when you plug them into your phone or laptop. Various connectors, specifications, charging rates, and data transfer speeds make for a confusing, messy scene.

This cable matches our top pick on most features, with 40 Gbps data transfer and support for displays up to 8K at 60 Hz, but it also includes Extended Power Range support to charge Power Delivery devices at up to 240 watts. Some laptops top out at 100 watts anyway, so check before you buy, but for those that can handle the extra power this cable will be the speediest option. It’s also braided and tangle-resistant.

Don't worry. We dived into the dreaded box of cables, identified the ones you need for various scenarios, and untangled them, ready for use. You'll find some advice here on USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB connectors, as well as a primer on everything you need to know about cables. After all, we're WIRED.

2. The pinhole will be partially or fully hidden under the surface paste. In the case of the fully exposed pinhole a spray membrane will be able to coat the surface of the pinhole without leaving any membrane discontinuities.

Pinhole camera

If you're looking for a USB-C to USB-C cable that can handle fast charging and speedy data transfers, look no further than this Anker cable (USB 4 Gen 2). It is rated to carry 240 watts, meaning it can power the beefiest MacBook Pro and transmits data at up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps). It's USB-IF certified, which means it has been tested to ensure it complies with standards set by the USB Implementers Forum. Anker describes it as bio-based because around 40 percent of the exterior is made from corn and sugarcane. The downside? It's only 3 feet long.

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Perhaps you just want a cable that will charge all of your gadgets at the maximum possible speed and you don’t care about data transfer. If so, the Anker Prime is the USB-C cable for you. The braided nylon exterior is tough and made from 100 percent recycled plastic. Anker promises this cable will last a century and it can operate in temperatures from -40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. I love the ribbed cuffs, because they make it easier to grip for plugging and unplugging. It is USB-IF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Some devices with USB-C ports (certain camera accessories, portable battery packs, and other cheap gadgets) can only charge using a USB-A to USB-C cable instead of a USB-C to USB-C. Usually, this is because USB-C charging ports use the Power Delivery protocol and need to be told the required voltage by the device charging, which means it needs a controller chip. This USB-IF certified, braided nylon cable should do the trick and offers reasonably speedy charging and data transfer to boot.

Our experience is that blasting the surface with high-pressure water, sand or other media will remove the paste and open the cavities so that the coating product can be sprayed uniformly across and into the areas. Certainly not all bugholes will be revealed and a few pinholes will occur even in the most rigorously prepared surface, but a significant reduction of the incidence will be achieved. This preparation coupled with use of additional spot applied coating material to overcome remaining problem areas can result in an optimum waterproofing system installation.

The two shorter-length cables are passive, and the 6.6-foot cable is active. (Active cables have an extra chip inside to help them push data further without degradation.) I’ve been testing the two shorter cables and have yet to find anything they can’t do. The cables come with a one-year limited warranty in the US (lifetime limited warranty in the UK and a two-year limited warranty in the EU).

Power: While cable manufacturers always list the maximum charging rate, your device will determine how much power to draw, so it's important to know what standards it supports and combine your cable with the correct power adapter. The charging rate of a cable is measured in watts (W). Sometimes manufacturers will list specifications on the cable in tiny print. If there’s no W listed, you can calculate it by multiplying the voltage (V) and the current (A), assuming they are listed.

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Apple's cables are notoriously bad. The casing around the wires easily falls apart over a short period of time, so it's smart to invest in a durable USB-C to Lightning cable. This thick braided cable feels tough and is Made for iPhone-certified (MFi), so will work perfectly with your iPhone or iPad. There are USB-C to Lightning and USB-C to USB-C versions.

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★ Alternative pick: I use the Smartish Cable Wrangler ($30) on my desktop to stop cable ends from disappearing off the back of my desk. It works great with metal connectors, but for some cables, you must attach a special cable collar that sticks magnetically (you get three in the box).

RESOLUTION: When relatively tight working conditions on the project exist, it might be reasonable to install additional coating material rather than performing surface blasting and additional surface preparation on that surface.

Basic USB-C cables are passive and can only carry up to 60 watts. Cables that can carry 100 watts or more, sometimes described as active, must contain e-marker chips that identify the cable and its capabilities.

Polyurea spray will cover many of these defects in a continuous membrane. Some pinholes will not be fully covered without defect in the membrane. Primers will not fill these small cavities or alleviate the resultant defects.

When you have multiple devices with varied charging ports, you often need multiple charging cables, but this clever offering from Smartish packs three connection types into one. It is technically USB-A to MicroUSB, but there's an adapter at the tip that converts it to USB-C or Lightning. It has a durable fabric finish in a choice of four colors and can charge most of your gadgets at top speed. WIRED review editor Julian Chokkattu has used it to juice up a range of devices, from wireless keyboards to a Fire tablet. It's also MFi certified for Apple devices.

Pinhole glasses

Cables are usually included in the box for whatever device you purchase. These are generally capable of charging the device at the maximum rate. Keep it safe, keep it simple, and if it is unmarked, consider labeling it.

A long charging cable lets you place your devices wherever you want while charging (or continue using them without crouching at the outlet). This braided nylon cable from Anker is a durable option with a lifetime warranty. It is 10 feet long and can go up to 100 watts, which is enough to fast-charge practically any laptop, phone, or tablet, and it comes with a handy cable tie. You can get it in black or white, but I like the red, as it is easy to spot and less of a tripping hazard.

If the laitance/paste is removed bugholes can be fully coated and a continuous membrane will result. This may leave a slightly non-planar surface, but is a fully smoothed surface that critical in below grade waterproofing?

Rubbing the surfaces with special compounds is expensive. The use of general wall parging to cover pinholes is problematic. Pinholes, regardless of size, generally comprise something less than 3% of the total exposed wall surface. Pinholes that are not suitably covered and that cause some defect will result in a membrane that has less than 0.5% discontinuity.

If you’re looking for a way to plug your USB-C device into a monitor or TV, this adapter can help. The USB-C to HDMI cables and adapters scene is a minefield for compatibility, so do your research first to ensure you get something that works. Provided your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone supports DP (DisplayPort) Alt Mode, you can use this adapter to switch to HDMI 2.1 (you will still need an HDMI cable). It’s a durable aluminum adapter with a braided cable, and it supports 8K at 30Hz or 4K at 120Hz. It can also handle 4K at 144Hz if the USB-C source is DP 1.4 and the monitor is HDMI 2.1, but it is limited to 4K at 60Hz for Macs. The adapter supports HDR and is lag-free, making it a solid choice for hooking up to the latest gaming monitors, though sadly, it does not support VRR, FreeSync, or G-Sync. We recommend you check compatibility before you buy.

Pinhole in ophthalmology

In the case of the partially or fully hidden pinhole a spray membrane may fully cover the defect, but more often one of two events will occur. Event one occurs on a partially hidden pinhole; a small portion of the very deepest part of the pinhole (not accessible to the spray) will not be coated. Event two occurs on a fully hidden pinhole; an outgassing pinhole will form.

There are so many cables out there, and plenty of solid options did not make the cut. Here are a few I’ve tested and liked.

You can use USB-C for displays. Manufacturers will state the data transfer speed or list support for 4K or 8K video on select cables. That means you can just use a USB-C to USB-C cable to transmit video from your laptop to your monitor. You should consider DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) support, as this enables you to hook up displays and video sources that support DisplayPort.

There is something to be said for the simplicity of getting the most capable USB-C cable you possibly can, and right now, an Intel-certified Thunderbolt 4 cable like this one will meet all your needs. It carries 100 watts, enough to charge a laptop, and it can transfer data at up to 40 Gbps. It’s capable of serving an 8K display (or two 4K displays). It supports both DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), including PPS, which enables fast charging for certain Samsung devices, and it is backward-compatible with all earlier standards.

You can save a few dollars by going with this USB-C to USB-C cable, and you don’t have to sacrifice, because it is capable of 100-watt charging and 10-Gbps data transfer. You can even use this cable to connect a laptop to a 4K display. So, what’s the catch? Well, it is very short, finished in plain black plastic, quite thick with relatively long connectors, and not very flexible. But these specs at this price make it a total bargain. It is USB-IF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Data: The data transfer speed is always in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). You'll know the speed a cable should be capable of by the standard:

Cable Certification: There are a few types of cable certification. When a cable is certified, that usually means it was independently tested and conforms to specific standards. It gives you, as a buyer, peace of mind that your cable performs as the manufacturer claims. Certification can be expensive, so many cable manufacturers shun it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their cables are poor quality. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing USB technology. Run by members like Apple, Google, HP, Microsoft, and Intel, it sets specifications and offers certification. If a cable is certified by the USB-IF, it has been tested to ensure it complies with its standards. Apple has its own Made for iPhone (MFi) certification for Lightning cables. Intel certifies Thunderbolt cables. Certified cables usually have the relevant logo on the connector. (For example, Thunderbolt cables have a lightning bolt.)

Connectors: While USB-C is mercifully becoming a standard connection type, you want cables with connectors that fit your existing devices. Today, that still might mean USB-A, Lightning, or even MicroUSB. Remember that the capabilities of any cable are limited to its oldest connection type.

PROBLEM: Formed concrete wall surfaces are prone to produce pinholes [also known as bugholes]. Pinholes vary in size and physical configuration. Pinholes are not found on finished slab faces or the underside of elevated decks.

The Power Delivery (PD) standard is as close as we have to a common standard. A few manufacturers, like OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi, still have proprietary charging standards. Then there's Qualcomm’s Quick Charge (QC) standard, which was the most popular for phones for many years, although Quick Charge 4+ supports PD. Even PD has a variant called Programmable Power Supply (PPS), which is part of the USB PD 3.0 standard. PPS allows for real-time adjustments to maximize efficiency and charge phones like Samsung's Galaxy S22 range at up to 45 watts instead of the usual 18. The latest addition to PD is Extended Power Range (EPR), which allows USB-C cables to carry up to 240 watts (they used to be limited to 100 watts).

With various standards and charging technologies at work, it is much harder than it should be to work out what a cable can do. There are a few things worth knowing when shopping.

This Technical Note does not address the loss of aggregate at the time of form removal. Rock pockets, form seams and other such discontinuities are beyond the scope of this Technical Note. Simple outgassing of concrete, covered in pinhole resolution, is beyond the scope of this Technical Note.

Poorly made cables can overheat and start fires. To boost your chances of buying a dependable cable, look for USB-IF certification or stick to trustworthy brands like Anker, Cable Matters, or Syncwire.

Check your device's standards. Look for a cable that matches your needs. For example, if your device supports Power Delivery, then get a PD cable. Remember: The charging adapter also must support the same standards. We have more details about standards at the bottom of this guide.