Extension cord connectors

[bonneyman]

How do you guys deal with extension cords that keep pulling apart? I've always just tied a loose knot around the ends, but I know that's not good for the cord. I've also done paracord/bungee cord types of ideas and they do work OK. But not really quick to undo. Fine if you're going to use connected cords long term, though.

Did a google search and a couple different designs come up. What styles do you guys use? I'd rather hear what real users do rather than advertising hype.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I don't generally have the problem, but in the rare case I do...

I'm not bungee jumping off of it, so I don't worry about it too much.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have used black tape.
a pc of copper wire wrapped around also works
I also have extended many cords on tools so I don't need an extension cord.

 

[skruft]

There is a small plastic device that will hold them together and is sometimes built into electric garden tools, but I usually just tie the knot above.

 

[fivespdcat]

I have Velcro straps on all of my extension cords. In the case I have them coming apart I use the Velcro to secure both ends.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[anndel]

Overhand knot +1

 

[PhysicsDude]

When I'm in a situation where I know I'll be pulling on the cord (going up an extension ladder, etc.) I tie the cord in a knot like this:

Which takes the tension off the plugs. You lose ~2 feet of cord length, but its totally safe for the cord and everyone involved. Learned it from an older co-worker. I've seen doo-hickies at Home Depot and the like that keep the 2 ends of the cord together, but I don't think they're worth buying, and if I did buy one, I'd never be able to find it when I need it!

 

[Shiftless]

Great idea, PhysicsDude!

 

[bonneyman]

When I'm in a situation where I know I'll be pulling on the cord (going up an extension ladder, etc.) I tie the cord in a knot like this:

Which takes the tension off the plugs. You lose ~2 feet of cord length, but its totally safe for the cord and everyone involved. Learned it from an older co-worker. I've seen doo-hickies at Home Depot and the like that keep the 2 ends of the cord together, but I don't think they're worth buying, and if I did buy one, I'd never be able to find it when I need it!

2 foot loss on a 100' cord ain't bad at all. Nice idea!

 

[BrendanBehan]

Yes, great idea PhysicsDude.
I typically use the overhand knot but it has bent one of my cord ends too much.

 

[joe_padavano]

overhand knot +1

^^^this!

 

[Ilikeike]

When I'm in a situation where I know I'll be pulling on the cord (going up an extension ladder, etc.) I tie the cord in a knot like this:

Which takes the tension off the plugs. You lose ~2 feet of cord length, but its totally safe for the cord and everyone involved. Learned it from an older co-worker. I've seen doo-hickies at Home Depot and the like that keep the 2 ends of the cord together, but I don't think they're worth buying, and if I did buy one, I'd never be able to find it when I need it!

Thats how I've been doing it on job sites for 30yrs, like everyone else I thought.

Theres also a secret way to roll up a 100' cord, like a chain !

 

[KnurledNut]

When I'm in a situation where I know I'll be pulling on the cord (going up an extension ladder, etc.) I tie the cord in a knot like this:

Which takes the tension off the plugs. You lose ~2 feet of cord length, but its totally safe for the cord and everyone involved. Learned it from an older co-worker. I've seen doo-hickies at Home Depot and the like that keep the 2 ends of the cord together, but I don't think they're worth buying, and if I did buy one, I'd never be able to find it when I need it!

Always done it this way too.

 

[theoldwizard1]

These 2 extension cord ends actually work !

Stay Plugged



Qwik-Lok

 

[xladkalkd]

I sometimes use twist-lock connectors on extension cords. Use to be able to find them for around ~$2.00 - ~$3.00, cost has gone up, Home Depot has them for around ~$7.00 - ~$9.00

 

[bonneyman]

I found this brand tonight while perusing the web, and it had multiple configurations. 12 gauge, too.

http://www.jhlindustries.com/cordlock.php

And here's another one that doesn't look too bad. A bit bulky, can't vouch for the durability, but it looks simple and it's inexpensive.

http://www.hotheadz.net/extension-cord-safety-seal-2-pack.html

 

[PhysicsDude]

Thats how I've been doing it on job sites for 30yrs, like everyone else I thought.

Theres also a secret way to roll up a 100' cord, like a chain !

Hah, the first time I saw a guy do that on a job site, it blew my freaking mind.

 

[p_mori7]

That's always the way I've done it as well. We had an electric lawnmower when I was a kid. My Dad showed me that trick way back when.

 

[MikeF2316]

I just started to use one of these. So far it works well. It even comes with a little gasket so you can waterproof the connection, sort of.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/cord-connector/A-p8286494e

 

[bonneyman]

Came across this safety cord doubler. I'm liking the locking end devices!

http://www.mpja.com/Power-Cord-Y-Adapter-Safety-15A/productinfo/31925+CB/

 

[Beemie]

Knots are cheap

 

[rick carpenter]

These 2 extension cord ends actually work !

Stay Plugged



Qwik-Lok

How do the Qwik-Lok cord ends securely attach to the cord?

 

[ADSR]

When I'm in a situation where I know I'll be pulling on the cord (going up an extension ladder, etc.) I tie the cord in a knot like this:

Which takes the tension off the plugs. You lose ~2 feet of cord length, but its totally safe for the cord and everyone involved. Learned it from an older co-worker. I've seen doo-hickies at Home Depot and the like that keep the 2 ends of the cord together, but I don't think they're worth buying, and if I did buy one, I'd never be able to find it when I need it!

Sorry, I'll be the first to disagree about doing it this way. That hoop and knot will catch everything it can while you're pulling on it. Bigger rocks, lumber, scaffolding cross brasses, rough framing, and everything else. It's left me up on a ladder, scaffolding and roof's plenty mad.

 

[bonneyman]

That Stay-Plugged device looks like it has some promise, Mr Carpenter. Being one is always going thru extension cords and/or repairing them that replacement socket could come in handy.

 

[rick carpenter]

That Stay-Plugged device looks like it has some promise, Mr Carpenter. Being one is always going thru extension cords and/or repairing them that replacement socket could come in handy.

The locking part looks good in both. I'm wondering how and how well the Qwik-Lock plug attaches to the cord. Bonded maybe? I've got an email in to them. The Stay-Plugged is held on by the rubber clamp.

 

[Tribalvision]

I bought these for the shop and they work great. they lock right into anything you plug into it with just a push of the button. I think it should be mandatory on all ext cords..lol

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NODEJ5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They also have a larger gauge version. I really like them
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PD22SFU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



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