Extension cord wrapping & storage ideas

[JMSVIDEOPRODUCTIONS]

Use about 8 to 10, 50' extension cords twice a month on a job site. Paved parking lot doing a Television shoot to be precise. Just looking for some different ways folks coil or wrap their cords, and maybe some unique storage ideas. Pics are appreciated.

 

[FTWingRiders]

I have 4-120'ers, about 10-100'ers, 20-50'ers, and a **** load of 20-25' extension cords I use for my holiday displays...( yeah, I've got a big yard with too many lights from September thru December)..

I use the 5 dollar orange reels from HD, Lowes, Walmart.. etc. They work the best for me, doubling up for the shorter cords. I label both ends with the length and the reels with whats on that reel. I take the time to keep them organized and always start at the female end when wrapping them back up. Makes life a lot easier when I need just one, or if I'm going full decorating mode...LOL!!

 

[soj]

This, or this. Lots more examples/ideas on you tube.
jp

 

[OldNeons]

I used to use the ratcheting clamps available at big box stores, but got tired of either them breaking or me breaking them. I found my new favorite - WRAP-IT storage wraps - at SEMA a few years ago. Basically a nylon strap with Velcro closure - which you can buy at Menards, etc, or make yourself from a roll of Velcro. But these have a tab on the end for easier oenng, and most importantly, a heavy duty grommet to hang it on a hook,nail, or clip onto something. I also like to plug the male/female ends together to keep ends neat. Lastly, I put my initials, the conductor gauge and cable length on each connector for easy reference. Good luck.

 

[nadogail]

The person who invented the Cord Wheel deserves to be rich.

I use the green Velcro Tape I buy in rolls at the garden department of Target.

 

[78scotts]

I coil them up like normal and have some short pieces of rope with the ends tied together. I do the old bail twine knot. Or in other words go through the cord and then through 1 of loops on the rope. Then I just hang it from a nail. When I need it I just carry it by the rope to where I need it. I do the same with garden hose.

 

[MushCreek]

I have two 100' 10 gage monsters that are too bulky for cord reels. I finally took to coiling them in a round tote so I could deploy them in the AM without a big fight.

I have a question- Why do I always see contractor's cords ******* in a bunch of knots- sort of braided or something? And how the heck do they straighten them out?

 

[zcar751]

Get some milk crates and feed the mail plug through one handle, front the inside out, with about four feet of cord, secure it with a knot. Then start feeding the cord into the crate, the natural twists in the wire will cause it to coil in the crate as you feed the cord in. A crate will hold a hundred foot of 12 gauge cord and they are stack-able.
You can do the same thing with a 5gal bucket but you have to cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket to pull you male end through.

 

[Brick_Smart]

I am extremely fond of the "Under-Overhand" method. Picked it up from friends doing audio and theater type work. This method prevents the cord from getting excessively twisted. Works great on my 100' cord I use for the electric lawnmower and is fairly quick. A Velcro strap finishes things off for me.

 

[Cyberbear]

For most long cords there is a simple way of doubling them and a simple braid that allows for easy storage or deployment when needed. It's simple to do, but difficult to explain, but we used that method all during my time in the electrical trade. Perhaps do a youtube.com search for a video instruction.

 

[Matt M PA]

We use extension cords in video production, too. I wrap 'em around my elbow and wrist like a dog bone...wrap the last few feet around the center.

I tried the reels, etc...more agg than it's worth for me. I dump 'em all in a big duffel bag.

 

[Crusarius]

I believe that is called a contractors wrap also known as a daisy chain. works well. usually if done properly, and deployed properly does not get tangled. Takes up more space than a nice smooth coil but much more forgiving.

 

[Dirtydan69]

Looks like a good method. Probably easier then my coil it like a rope taking the twist out along the way. I'll try it. I double sided Velcro that comes in rolls for securing my cords. Invariably the guys lose them, quite often. I always keep a roll in the truck for replacement. Cut it to length depending on cord size.

 

[slow]

over under is the only way I coil cords, and it drives me nuts when people do it other methods. Learned from Audio/Video/Lighting as well.

 

[shortykorte]

Both are 100ft cords. The yellow cord on left is to big of gauge for the reel so I'll might move the orange cord over.

For my shorter cords I really like the ball bungee straps. http://m.harborfreight.com/4-piece-ball-stretch-cord-set-47302.html

 

[ScottsGT]

I am extremely fond of the "Under-Overhand" method. Picked it up from friends doing audio and theater type work. This method prevents the cord from getting excessively twisted. Works great on my 100' cord I use for the electric lawnmower and is fairly quick. A Velcro strap finishes things off for me.

What he said. If you are doing video production work, you should know this technique. It's the only way to keep from damaging triax or coax cables long term. ALL of your cables should be wrapped this way for consistency. I've been a TV Broadcast engineer for 26 years this March. Cables wrapped this way last forever with the exception of the terminations that get yanked off on occasions.
The larger you can make the loops, the better off you are.

We use extension cords in video production, too. I wrap 'em around my elbow and wrist like a dog bone...wrap the last few feet around the center.

I tried the reels, etc...more agg than it's worth for me. I dump 'em all in a big duffel bag.

Dude, you would be getting a blanket party for this where I work!

I will add, we also use reels on sets too. They are fool proof (to a point) and don't twist up the cables internally. Our only issue is sometimes the user gets in a hurry striking a set and winds them up at the speed of sound and that when the terminations get yanked off. Gets caught on some auditorium seats or the edge of a stairwell.

 

[Defender Chassis]

 

[jeffmoss26]

Over-under, there is no other way...especially since you are in video land.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

This is basically the way Ive always done mine,except I do it from oppisite end.
(not one of my cords in picture.)

 

[Dragfluid]

.

I have a question- Why do I always see contractor's cords ******* in a bunch of knots- sort of braided or something? And how the heck do they straighten them out?

Braiding? Ah yes, a refrigeration/electric motor/(or damn near anything else) repairman taught me that many moons ago around late 60's. He did it to his trouble light. When I got my own trouble light, I started doing it. Still use the method today on things that don't get used a lot. To use it, you just pull on it.

It's not good when someone who isn't familiar with what it is starts undoing it by trying to unbraid it the "other" way.
I learned a lot from that guy.
RIP Loran! Thanks for answering all my questions!

 

[FullRaceMerc]

I have a question- Why do I always see contractor's cords ******* in a bunch of knots- sort of braided or something? And how the heck do they straighten them out?

It's more of a crochet (Crow-Shay) type knot. Fold the cord over itself to form a loop at one end. Grab the cord nearby & pull a second loop thru the first (A regular slip knot). Grab the cord again & pull a third loop thru the second. And so on. With most cords it pays to lay it double or quadruple before starting. To undo, pull the tail at the end where you finished, & it undoes quickly. It's fast & easy, without twisting up the cord. A little bulky to store in tight spaces. If you have trouble tying it, ask your mom to show you how to crochet a chain.

This would be about to pull a third loop thru the second. Your arm & hand are placed where the hook is. Pull the cord thru, then reach thru the new loop & grab another.

 

[MushCreek]

Must be similar to ways I've seen truckers deal with extra tie-down strap, and I've seen it on circus tents, too.

 

[kylefitz]

I am extremely fond of the "Under-Overhand" method. Picked it up from friends doing audio and theater type work. This method prevents the cord from getting excessively twisted. Works great on my 100' cord I use for the electric lawnmower and is fairly quick. A Velcro strap finishes things off for me.

This with a loop of rope to secure it. I do like the Velcro idea it works well on my laptop charger.