need a non-permanent low viz solution for adding outlets

[k1rodeoboater]

I have a grand total of 2 outlets my garage (one on wall, one on ceiling 18ft up), and I want/need more outlets. To further make things difficult it's a rental and the owner said no to me doing any upgrades of any sort without hiring a professional and me paying for it without any sort of reimbursement or discount on my rent. So now I need a non-permanent low viz solution to get some more outlets. One wall is exposed studs the other 2 are finished (didn't want any on that side anyways).

So far my only idea has been to use my 100ft 10ga drop cord plugged into an external outlet on the side of the house and placing some screws into the studs to hang a power strip off of. Not pretty, but it works and it's free since I have all the stuff already. Anyone know of any better solutions aside from that or telling me to move (just moved in 2 months ago)?

I did consider just doing it and ripping it out when I leave, but i"m not sure it's worth the time/investment and potential backlash. I still can't believe the owner said no to me landscaping and re-soding or re-seeding (it all died) the backyard for them so long as they cover the costs of materials. I drew up a plan, with rendering and cost sheet (used to be a landscaper), and even sent them a portfolio of my previous jobs with photos showing before and after install, 1 year later, and 5 years later.

Seems kinda crazy to turn down improvements that will increase the value of a home when it only costs them materials...but what do I know, I'm just a stupid renter .

<edit> Just need 120v, don't have anything that requires 240v in the garage nor will I till I own a home...which will be when I get out of the military...whenever that is.

 

[astroracer]

Keep an eye out for the green lite drop cords and outdoor outlets/extension cords to go on sale. Buy a couple of those and just plug them into the old outlet. Real cheap and easy to move when the time comes.
Mark

 

[CNGsaves]

Time to NOT be a renter !! Go find yourself a short-sale or foreclosure and start putting money back into your own pocket !!

 

[vartz04]

Just surface mount some boxes and Conduit. Paint it black or brown so it doesn't stand out. When you move out take it down.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So far my only idea has been to use my 100ft 10ga drop cord plugged into an external outlet on the side of the house and placing some screws into the studs to hang a power strip off of. Not pretty, but it works and it's free since I have all the stuff already.

So what are you waiting for ?

 

[k1rodeoboater]

Time to NOT be a renter !! Go find yourself a short-sale or foreclosure and start putting money back into your own pocket !!

If not renting right now was an option I wouldn't be. I had 1 week to move my wife, all our stuff from CA to CO, and find her a place to live before needing to be in TX...and she's 6 months pregnant so leaving her to do it by herself wasn't an option like in times past. We're going to start looking at possibly buying a place in 6-9 months depending on if I decide to stay in the Army or get out.

So what are you waiting for ?

I dunno...other ideas. I didn't think about surface mounted conduit over the stud wall. Leaves about as much of a mark as my original idea, albeit at a higher cost, but I could wire it into the box and undo it when I leave.

 

[Alchymist]

Wiremold. Held in place by clips, clips mount with single screw. Remove when done.

Start with this:
http://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/product-wiremold_steel_raceway_starter_box-300926--10051

add as needed:
http://www.wiremoldproducts.com/cat...sid=DD00F7ED4234AF1466D809496211BE8A&pid=1228

 

[6768rogues]

Please move here and rent from my son. He will pay for materials for every improvement you propose. Since I retired I help maintain his many rental properties and I would like to have a tenant who would actually do something other than destroy things.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

Please move here and rent from my son. He will pay for materials for every improvement you propose. Since I retired I help maintain his many rental properties and I would like to have a tenant who would actually do something other than destroy things.

If you didn't live in NY I'd take you up on that offer. The gun laws are enough to keep me away...that and the only Army base there is only an hour and change away from my Mother-in-Law which is just to close for me and my wife's mental sanity LOL. Just kidding she's really a great lady.

Every place I've lived in I left it better than when I moved in. The first place my wife and I lived at I regraded and reseeded the entire yard, redid most of the landscaping, rewired and replaced most of the light fixtures outside (more for security than anything, but most weren't functional), fixed the nail pops/drywall cracks and repainted the majority of the interior, and I replaced all the single pane windows in the house to save the homeowner a ton of money.

When I had to break my lease because I got short notice orders to the west coast he was really bummed. When we did the final walk through he gave me my entire security deposit back plus the previous 2 months rent as a thank you, I was shocked to say the least and thanked him profusely.

 

[rsanter]

Install a retractable drop cord.
I use that for the majority of stuff I do when plugging in something for spot use

Bob

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ This x 2. Add one of those plug-in expanders that takes up your 2 plugins of an outlet and gives you 6. Here's one from Home Depot for $10.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-6-Out...u=203851301&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969

Then use one of those 6 to run up wall for your hanging retractable trouble light with a plug in (see Craftsman in link for $24). Do same on other side of garage and you'll be set until you have to move.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-inca...1x000001&kpid=03473942000&kispla=03473942000P

Good luck saving your pennies and settling in. Moving is expensive so I know your pain. Since you're handy with fixing, someday you'll get your own place.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Take several handy boxes, mount and wire up on a long 1x4 board, attach a flexible plug and cord, mount on studs with screws. Space boxes as you desire.