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Corded tool storage

Charliekilo

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Jan 16, 2012
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91
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Ca
Looking for ideas for corded tool cord storage. Right now my corded tool shelf resembles a Maduza head.:yikes: There must be a a way to tame the mess.
Thanks
C
 
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shooting4life

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Nov 19, 2012
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Re: cord, storage

If cords, the best thing I ever did was get a cord on a retractable reel. It just makes everything so easy. Pull it out when needed, goes back in when done.
 
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C

Charliekilo

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Ca
Re: cord, storage

corded tool cord storage This seems to be going away from intent. The same with the search feature here. Corded tools with cords is the issue.
 

SKFishing

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Nov 17, 2012
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Re: cord, storage

Or maybe something like this.
 

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MackMan

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Jul 25, 2012
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Lexington, NC
Re: cord, storage

corded tool cord storage This seems to be going away from intent. The same with the search feature here. Corded tools with cords is the issue.

while there are some good looking suggestions here (including my own :) ) Honestly, I have always just wrapped the cord around the tool itself and never really had a problem. That said, I don't think I keep any 2 corded tools in the same area, my buffer is with the detailing stuff, corded drill is in the toolbox, corded hammer drill has its own case, and so on..
 

NUTTSGT

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Re: cord, storage

corded tool cord storage This seems to be going away from intent. The same with the search feature here. Corded tools with cords is the issue.

The reason the thread is going away from your intent is the title is different than what your post states. That is why I asked the question I did. I can change the title to something more appropriate if you'd like.

while there are some good looking suggestions here (including my own :) ) Honestly, I have always just wrapped the cord around the tool itself and never really had a problem. That said, I don't think I keep any 2 corded tools in the same area, my buffer is with the detailing stuff, corded drill is in the toolbox, corded hammer drill has its own case, and so on..

My power tools that doen't have a case get the cord wrapped around them or a tie put around the cord. If the tool has a case, it lives in it's case. All my power tools are in cabinets, out of sight, out of mind. It makes for a cleaner looking shop.
 
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Charliekilo

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Ca
Re: cord, storage

Please do change the title so that people will read the post instead of assuming.
 

zkling

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Jan 23, 2007
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I usually coil the cord in a ~5" diameter circle then on the last coil pass the end through the loop 2 or 3 times. That way it keeps the entire coil together without putting stress on the cord joint inside the tool. Yet is easy to uncoil and use. As for storage of tool itself, I use the open shelf below my workbench. The lateral file cabinets would be really nice for bulk storage, but just have no room for them. :beer:
 
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boiler7904

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NW IN
They'll all in the metal or plastic cases they came in except for the 14" electric cut off saw. It's on a shelf waiting to find a good way to be stored out of the way.
 

Dennis93

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Apr 23, 2013
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Va Beach, VA
See, every time I saw those I felt like they would break pretty fast, especially when used on a daily basis. The cable cuffs I mean.
 

lat905

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South Jersey
See, every time I saw those I felt like they would break pretty fast, especially when used on a daily basis. The cable cuffs I mean.

The small ones break easy, but the bigger ones are decent. The small opnes are made more for organizing power cords under a desk or whatever. Mostly I use them on the tools where I can't just wrap the cord around the tool. Dremel, hot glue gun, etc.

I do have a couple of the really big ones to keep the hoses and wires on my plasma cutter neat, and they work well.
 

LEVE

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Jun 23, 2008
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On the Willapa
The Cable cuffs are quite strong. I've used them on several of my extension cords with good success. I've also used them to hold water and air hoses coiled.

I like them, however I wouldn't use them for corded tools such as drills, saws, etc., I find them cumbersome to open. I wind these cords up around my hand and then wrap the final 18", or so, around the wrapped cord and inset the end in a a loop for storage. It's neat, rarely comes apart and doesn't take a lot of room.

Here's an example of a 6' computer cord.
 

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Squirel

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Jan 3, 2014
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Barnwell, Alabama
I take the plug end and fold it back to the tool.
Then I grab the mid point of the cord and fold that back to the tool.
I now have 4 strands of cord and I tie that in a loose knot.
I can't take a picture at the moment but can probably get one tomorrow.
 

Mattlt

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Nov 30, 2005
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Location
MN
These are pretty simple and cheap. A short length of wood (a hunk of broomstick works well) about 18" of rope/cord (1/8 - 3/16"). Drill a hole in the wood, feed the rope through and tie your favorite knot. I used a washer because I drilled too large a hole.

These work well on extension cords too as you can hang them up.

I want to try to make some out of elastic cord, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Like a "ball bungee".
 

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Charliekilo

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Jan 16, 2012
Messages
91
Location
Ca
I think zkling and LEVE have the best ideas for me. Wrapping around the tool would be impractical on my smaller tools. Another point is nothing for me to lose.
Thanks again all.
Cal
 

machine_punk

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May 14, 2011
Messages
2,540
Location
Napa Valley, California
I take the plug end and fold it back to the tool.
Then I grab the mid point of the cord and fold that back to the tool.
I now have 4 strands of cord and I tie that in a loose knot.
I can't take a picture at the moment but can probably get one tomorrow.

+1 Ding, ding, ding...here is the winner!

This is exactly how I do relatively short cords which I frequently use. I don't always use 'exactly twice,' or '4 strands,' but I always leave it long enough to LOOSELY tie a square not in the cord. I do this with mouse cords on the computer, any tool cord permanently attached to the tool, short (9ft) extension cords, power cords for laptop computers...any short electrical cord. No fasteners, no muss, no tangled cords.

For extension cords, I use the 'stagehand's wrap,' since I have worked on stages for 31 years.

Kev
 

Tejaas

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Mar 13, 2013
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Location
TX Hill Country
Assuming you use an extension cord for your tools, or better yet a ceiling/wall mounted cord reel:

I used to take my "portable" corded power tools and modify them. As long as you have basic electrical skills this is safe and simple.



1. Open the case up

2. Cut the cords down so you have about 10-12" of cord when the case is put back together.

3. Tin & solder contacts back (with quality flux!)

4. Reassemble

The short little "pigtails" are great when it comes to storage... No more zip ties, Velcro strips, cord wrapping, etc...

I've done this in the past to drills, angle grinders, jigsaws, orbital sanders, circular saws, etc.

Obviously, don't do this to a tool still under any worthwhile warranty.... Or any tool that is electrostatic sensitive!

And I wouldn't do it to any stationary tools like a bench grinder, chopsaw, drill press, miter saw, etc. The factory length cords probably get you to the plug behind the workbench/stand and stay plugged in anyways.






~Tejaas~
 

70C-10

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Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
201
Location
Mn
I googled this pic. This behind cabinet doors would work for me. Easy access & stored out of sight.

Right now I'm keeping everything corded on 2 shelves. Some tools have cases some don't. Winding the cord around the tool has been my method but it doesn't always work, they seem to unravel & get tangled up at times. Good ideas posted.

I see K1rodeoboater (post #6) beat me to it. I like the idea
 

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