Extension cord holders?

[ukiltmybrutha]

I have a few heavy duty extension cords and I am tired of having to throw them on the garage floor in a corner. I am not completely worried about the cost of such holders but 2 things bother me about extension cord holders.

1) My memory isn't great and I get confused easily. I don't want an extension cord holder that is overly complicated to use. It also has to have the flexibility to come off the spool completely without complications and install back onto the spool easily.

2) I am not worried about cost, but I think it's ridiculous that the cost of a holder sometimes exceeds the cost of the extension cord. All it does is hold it for crying out loud, lol. Reminds me of the price of a quality garden hose reel which often costs many times the price of the hose itself. I grudged buying an Ely Garden Hose Reel after years of finding reels in the $40 to $140 range on the ground destroyed from UV or rust after a few years.

What are some good choices based on this?

Thanks.

 

[Shiftless]

Are you asking about a spool for storage or a retractable cord reel ?
I think you are just asking for a convenient way to store a few extension cords.
I like my system of just wrapping them figure 8 around my elbow, plugging the ends together and hanging the cord from a bicycle hook screwed into the side of a shelving unit.
Easy and definitely inexpensive.

The over, under coil technique is good too. Lots of contractors use the double up chain technique and hang them from the lumber rack on their truck. For home use, I find that the smaller coils hanging on a bicycle hook takes up less room In my crowded little garage.
I have no need for a hundred foot cord so I don’t own one. I have a 25 and two 50’s. And a couple of short cords with multi tap ends.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Probably not what you’re looking for, but my 100 ft heavy duty cord lives in one of these:

HDX 7 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black with Yellow Lid 999-7G-HDX - The Home Depot

This heavy-duty HDX 7-Gallon Tough Tote is designed to handle all your storage needs. The recessed lid enables you to stack multiple units effortlessly, while the tapered design facilitates easy nesting

www.homedepot.com

No complicated winding, small enough to keep it from tangling, inexpensive, and protects it from the mice.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Probably not what you’re looking for, but my 100 ft heavy duty cord lives in one of these:

HDX 7 Gal. Tough Storage Tote in Black with Yellow Lid 999-7G-HDX - The Home Depot

This heavy-duty HDX 7-Gallon Tough Tote is designed to handle all your storage needs. The recessed lid enables you to stack multiple units effortlessly, while the tapered design facilitates easy nesting

www.homedepot.com

No complicated winding, small enough to keep it from tangling, inexpensive, and protects it from the mice.

Thanks for that. Maybe I am overthinking it. I have bins like these actually. The thing is, say I have several extension. Couldn't that turn into a rats nest/spaghetti junction if I store more than one in a bin? I really like this idea though. The mess usually results after a power outage where there is a panic to connect multiple extension cords to multiple items as quickly as possible.

Maybe get smaller bins and measure carefully so I can stack them on my shelf? If I could get away with multiple cords in a bin I would be happy though!!

Maybe some sort of easy to use clip to stop the extension cord from unraveling?

Appreciated.

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks for that. Maybe I am overthinking it. I have bins like these actually. The thing is, say I have several of them. Couldn't that turn into a rats nest/spaghetti junction if I store more than one in a bin? I really like this idea though. The mess usually results after a power outage where there is a panic to connect multiple extension cords to multiple items as quickly as possible.

Maybe get smaller bins and measure carefully so I can stack them on my shelf? If I could get away with multiple cords in a bin I would be happy though!!

Appreciated.

Multiple cords in a box will get tangled.
How do you store your multiple strands of Christmas tree lights? ( I put each length in a bag and then all of the bags in a plastic storage bin)

Your idea of separate bins for each cord is good. Make sure to label the bins.

You can get rubberized twist ties that are about 1/4 inch in diameter and various lengths. Easy to bend but when twisted together, they hold great.

The bins would keep the cords clean. Mine hanging on a hook get dusty of course. I don’t use them inside the house. Just in the garage or outside when I need to use a hedger or like yesterday using a corded half inch drill to power a 3 inch hole saw cutting multiple holes through hardie backer cement board.

 

[unslow1]

I use those V things mounted on the wall. HF calls them V shape hang alls. I also use them for air hoses.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have a few of these with 50' and 100' cords on them. I like that they have the separate section for the power end of the cord. This comes in handy, as you have enough to reach an outlet with the real sitting on the ground.

Yellow Jacket Cord Wiz Yellow Extension Cord Holder 64827501 - The Home Depot

Brighten up your existing wiring work with a classic and modern style by choosing this Southwire Cord Wiz Yellow Extension Cord Holder.

www.homedepot.com

 

[mike93lx]

I have a shallow hose reel on a wall of my garage to hold a 100' #12 cord. With an outlet right next to it, I can unspool it, plug it in and get to work. If I need portable, my other 100' #12 is on a handheld reel

 

[steaks&anvils]

Thanks for that. Maybe I am overthinking it. I have bins like these actually. The thing is, say I have several extension. Couldn't that turn into a rats nest/spaghetti junction if I store more than one in a bin? I really like this idea though. The mess usually results after a power outage where there is a panic to connect multiple extension cords to multiple items as quickly as possible.

Put a layer of old cardboard between them? cheap, easy to use and replaceable as needed.

loop the cord into the bin, plug into itself. Then the cardboard. Repeat.

 

[nbpt100]

Unless you have 100 foot chord simple gadgets like this work. I use similar inexpensive stuff like these for my chords and air hoses.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwi1_8Tx-PHwAhUcBogJHfHaC9oYABAHGgJxbg&sig=AOD64_2DB9s8yfk2fendsIqQ3hQSC8yY4Q&ctype=46&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiCq7vx-PHwAhVFFVkFHSn8Aj4Q9aACegQIARBN&adurl=

or

Amazon.com: 8 Pack Heavy Duty Large 13 Inch Extension Cord Storage Extendable Cable Strap Loop Hanger Organizer for Cable, Hose, Power Cord, and Rope: Home Audio & Theater

Buy 8 Pack Heavy Duty Large 13 Inch Extension Cord Storage Extendable Cable Strap Loop Hanger Organizer for Cable, Hose, Power Cord, and Rope: Cable Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[RTM]

Ive had a cord winder, fatter than nbpt posted, and stopped using it, the cord bundle got too fat, didn’t fit anywhere.
Nowadays, my first two users are on a utility hook, looped in about a 3’ loop. Held with a cord cuff to transfer it from where I wrap it up in the driveway.
The bigger longer ones are rolled up similarly, held with a cord cuff or a twist lock chain thing, and stacked on a narrow shelf, typically alternating colors. No problems with them tangling.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EasyFlex-1-2-in-x-100-Ft-Firm-Flex-Tie/5001851855?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lwn-_-google-_-pla-_-236-_-landscapefabricandlawnedging-_-5001851855

I don’t like wrapping around the arm, they develop a set, And don’t unspool nicely, especially in cold weather.

my prime user for the driveway is on a self roll up thing hanging from the garage ceiling. Gets about 20’ into the driveway, or anywhere in the garage.

 

[mslim]

Maybe I spent too much time doing movie and a/v work, but with 12>16AWG I just over/under them into 10-12" coils and throw them in a milk crate or hang off a hook. The longest I keep around are 50' but most are 25's.

 

[joecon]

I like self winding retracting reels, but I have several loss cords and my favorite way to store them is to make a loop of rope or cord and wind then in loops that are 3 feet in diameter, then loop the rope loop around them and hang them on a hook. I make the loop by stretching my arms out to get the loop the same length each time, a bigger loop is better for the wire so it does not bent so tight it damages the wire, and the fewer loops the faster it is to wind the cord and the fewer the loops.

 

[Neggy]

got any scrap alloy wheels you can mount on the wall?

 

[619DioFan]

I keep all my cords on the round orange cord reels that you find at walmart , hd , etc. I have 50 and 100 foot cords on them. the 100 foot cords are 12 qauge. I store them on edge in a cabinet, easy to grab , take to the job.

 

[plc268]

I coil mine over/under and secure them with a large cable cuff.

CABLE CUFF Large Cable Cuff PRO CFLP030808 - The Home Depot

Newly designed Cable Cuff PRO is the ultimate Reusable Cable Management Tool. Featuring a unique Push Button Release constructed with flexible and durable polycarbonate. Integrally attached Carry Handle

www.homedepot.com

I used to mess with winding reels, but they were always more hassle than they were worth.

 

[quickfarms]

I simply could the cord like a garden hose on a metal heavy duty garden hose holder

Robot or human?

if I have multiple smaller cords, or air hoses, on the holder each one is tied together with a chainsaw strap with the ring

Item Detail

www.weaverarborist.com

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

How about using a sheet rock compound bucket or some smaller ones for shorter cords?

 

[Wyoming09]

I simply could the cord like a garden hose on a metal heavy duty garden hose holder

Robot or human?

I also use these. For extension cord and air hoses. Works well for me.

 

[jonshonda]

I always wind up cords by hand with large loops, using the over under technique. I then hang them on the wall using those rubber coated metal hooks. Velcro straps to help with transport if needed.

 

[06switchback]

I have a couple of empty welder wire spools screwed to my garage walls for air hoses and extension cords

The ~40lb steel wire spools

 

[Kscardsfan]

Velcro straps with carabiners on the top to clip them together and/or hang off a peg or nail. Home Depot and Harbor Freight sell them and I can’t tell a difference between them.

Hang Straps, 2 Pack

Amazing deals on this Hang Straps 2 Pk at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Try cat 5/6 cable spools. Any electrician or cabling installer would likely be happy to give them away as they take up lots of space in the garbage can. If you can find the plastic inner cylinder instead of the cardboard one they would be better if they get wet.
Screw them to the wall and loop your cable over them. Could be mounted through center hole for removing from the wall.

 

[PossumDog]

I've just been using regular hooks from hardware store. Now you've all got me worried it's too sharp of a bend.

 

[Meursault74]

Unless you have 100 foot chord simple gadgets like this work. I use similar inexpensive stuff like these for my chords and air hoses.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwi1_8Tx-PHwAhUcBogJHfHaC9oYABAHGgJxbg&sig=AOD64_2DB9s8yfk2fendsIqQ3hQSC8yY4Q&ctype=46&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiCq7vx-PHwAhVFFVkFHSn8Aj4Q9aACegQIARBN&adurl=

or

Amazon.com: 8 Pack Heavy Duty Large 13 Inch Extension Cord Storage Extendable Cable Strap Loop Hanger Organizer for Cable, Hose, Power Cord, and Rope: Home Audio & Theater

Buy 8 Pack Heavy Duty Large 13 Inch Extension Cord Storage Extendable Cable Strap Loop Hanger Organizer for Cable, Hose, Power Cord, and Rope: Cable Straps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I had one of those plastic. It broke. Then I just made a slightly larger one out of 4 pieces of scrap wood glued and joined together. " H "shape with an extra cross member. At the time it was faster, easier and cheaper to just make it out of the wood I had in the scrap bin, than to go to the store for another one. Now, with the price of wood it wouldn't be cheaper for sure.

 

[sick467]

I made a Cord Hanger (<---see link to photo) that is made of 2x4's and plastic grab handles cut in half. A long 2x4, then a medium one, then a short one all screwed together with a handle screwed to each one. This way you can hang 3 cords in the same wall space and it keeps them separated. Should you need to hang another, it can go on a hook that is already being used and the cord hanging above it keeps it separated from the one behind it. I think I can get 7cords on this one hanger given the one hanging on the 2x4's and not a handle hook. Sorry for the fuzzy close up...

 

[nbpt100]

AS you can see from all of the good ideas, It depends on whether you are going to travel with it in your truck or it is exclusively for home use. Some of the plastic ones are cheaper than others. the best ones I bought as Home Depot over 12 years ago and paid about 1 buck each for them. Red colored plastic. they snap togeather and stay in place well , even with a heavy chord in them. I have not seen them in years. The newer ones are not as good. The Orange ones I see at Lowes and Home depot are cheaper and do not work as well. The are ok for shorter chords, but sometimes you have to struggle to snap them securely in the groove.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Wow, thanks so much!!!!!

 

[DwightS]

I have a commonly used 50’ and a 25’ that I wrap up in the double up chain style mentioned above. I store them both in an old milk crate under my workbench. Easy for anyone to find but also out of sight.

 

[samss]

My dad used to make a 3/4" PVC frame to wrap extension cords and rope for storage and transport.
Kinda like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-ft-16-3-Extension-Cord-Reel-Storage-Wrap-YLCR-9/301035624

 

[bonneyman]

I found this trick in a handymans books and tried it and liked it.
Take a small plastic bucket with a handle and drill a hole in the side near the bottom. Just large enough to snake the plug end of the cord through it. Then drop the cord into the bucket with a circular motion. You've got a handle to pick it up and take it to the jobsite, it holds the cord in a neat fashion, and any length cord will fit in it depending on how big a bucket you start with.

Like this:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/82612974403616389/

 

[jonesg]

heres a very nifty method. 82nd airborne parachute method,
no gadgets needed.