Why does my iPod wire tangle up when it is in my bag?

I very carefully wind up the wire and put the whole thing into a separate pocket on the side of my bag, when I get it back out again it is all knotted. I understand that it happens for the same reason that causes the garden hose to tie the lawnmower to my bike when it is in the shed for longer than 5 minutes, but why?

Why does my iPod wire tangle up when it is in my bag?
I THOUGHT that i was the only one with this problem...

phew feel a lot better
Reply:Most cables tie themselves in knots by trying to strighten themselves (I know, it sounds odd) The problem is that the actual wires inside the cable are wound in a spiral (if you were to split the cable open you'd see this) so when they are at rest they try to straighten themselves causing the cable to tie itself up (I wish at this point someone had timelapse filmed this process then I could give you a link to watch).

The best way to avoid this happening is, as you coil your cable, for each loop give the cable a little twist between your thumb and finger. You find this helps and also that it starts to fall into natural loops.
Reply:make sure they arre no rats
Reply:try wrapping it around something thats what i do and it works
Reply:It's just one of those 'Great Mysteries of Life' I'm afraid.
Reply:two words. Sod's Law.



it's the same reason that your carefully wound fairy lights are in a knot. it's the same reason that the cables behind the telly get tangled.