They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I have been reading a lot about protecting the USB port on your embroidery machine lately. If you plug a USB directly into your machine to transfer embroidery files, the USB port can become damaged over time.
Repeatedly plugging in and taking out a USB can wear on the port. You also run the risk of bumping the USB which can break the port. Even if the replacement part and labor is affordable, how long will it take for the machine to be repaired? For me, the closest dealer with on-site repairs is four hours away.
Many embroiderers are starting to use USB male to female extension cables. Think of them as an extension cord for your USB port. They plug into your machine, and stay there, with an end that accepts your USB. That saves wear and tear on your port.
I purchased this cable from Amazon (no affiliation) and received two for less than $10. What I liked most is that it has a right-angle connector where it plugs into the machine and most of the models that I saw did not. That configuration offers even less of a chance of bumping into it.
At eight inches long, the cord does not get in the way and rests on the surface of your work area which also avoids pulling on the port.
Here are some other beneficial attributes:
- 3.0 speed is fast.
- Different lengths are available, which may be necessary if your USB is on the back of your machine.
- Just plug and play, no formatting necessary.
- The cable is shielded and has a lifetime warranty.
These cables can also be used on your desktop computers and laptops to save wear and tear on their ports. It is an inexpensive way to avoid costly problems.
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Bonnie Welsh - March 01, 2023
Vicki—Oh yes! I do the same. =)
Bonnie Welsh - March 01, 2023
Roxanne—It definitely saves on the wear and tear of our precious machines. =)
Vicki W - March 01, 2023
I even added one to my lap top! a couple years ago… Great idea.
Roxanne - February 25, 2023
When I started seeing some connection issues with my USBs, I immediately switched to an extension pigtail and didn’t experience anymore issues. I then passed this tip along in every class I had over the last two years (& will continue to pass this tip along forever).
Bonnie Welsh - March 28, 2022
Lynne—Personally, if I was using it on an older machine, I’d opt for the lower cable version as well. Just seems logical to me. However, you might want to check with your dealer for your particular machine’s make and model for clarification. =)
Lynne Simpson - March 28, 2022
Do you recommend a 2.0 or a 3.0 cable for older embroidery machines?
Bonnie Welsh - January 12, 2022
Phyllis—The link is under the last picture as well as in the comments. You get 2 for approximately $10. I don’t think they sell them as one. =)
Phyllis Seaman - January 12, 2022
I’d like to buy the computer cord for $5 but can’t find it. Could you send me a link pls?
DB - January 11, 2022
Thank you for this information and link!!
Sherry Love - January 10, 2022
This is the best information that I have read so far today. Thank you so much for informing us. Great idea.
Georgieann - January 10, 2022
I will be investing in this extension cable. You can definitely break off or severely loosen a usb stick at the machine port!! Ask me how I know….scary moment trying to remove the stick without part of it remaining in the machine. Can’t be too careful.
Bonnie Welsh - January 10, 2022
Yes—we all want to take care of these expensive machines as best we can and save on their wear and tear. =)
Bonnie Welsh - January 10, 2022
Patsy—The hyperlink is under the last photo above but here it is again if you’d like to copy and paste it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793P8XJK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Anne Imler - January 10, 2022
This is a great idea!
Jamie Quiring - January 10, 2022
Thank you for this info, I’ve been concerned about this issue with my machine.
Linda Mosley - January 10, 2022
Great idea! Thank you.
Anonymous - January 10, 2022
Where can I find this