Tuning the Signal

Stepping out from behind the tube receiver, morning brought a pale slant of sun across the workbench. Resting near a metal flux core coil sat a pair of vintage stereo headphones, their thick coiled black cable dangling loosely over the bench edge. A stray foot below could easily snag it. I paced over, braced both feet on the ribbed rubber mat, and took hold of a heavy brass test lead clip resting by an impedance meter. Gripping the spring jaw with both hands, I clamped the brass teeth firmly over the heavy rubber cable, pinning it flat against the steel lip of the bench. The slack stayed put. No dragging lines, zero hazard.