Camera accessory manufacturer Tether Tools has released an updated version of one of its most popular products, the JerkStopper. After over a decade of service in various iterations, JerkStopper is being replaced by TetherTools new TetherGuard system.
Like its predecessor, TetherGuard is designed to prevent your cables, such as HDMI, 3.5mm audio and power cables, from being ripped out of your camera’s port. This not only reduces wear and tear on the cables themselves, but helps keep the ports from getting damage over continued use, which is more costly than replacing a single cable here and there.
TetherGuard uses what Tether Tools is calling a ‘magnetic breakaway cable management system’ that relies on a ‘Lock & Dock’ system to keep your cables organized when not in use and secure when attached to the camera, computer and other bits of gear you’re using it with. Specifically, the part that attaches to your camera uses the standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread on the bottom to create a locking point where no cables can be further pulled from. If you need to attach the secured points to other gear, Tether Tools provides 3M adhesives that will securely lock onto almost any non-porous surface.
As with the original JerkStopper, it’s also possible to connect the new TetherGuard system to your camera’s strap connections if you still need access to the tripod socket on the bottom of your camera.
Tether Tools’ TetherGuard system starts at $23.99 for the basic Tethering Support Kit, with additional attachments and accessories available as needed for your setup.