Extension cords - How do you wrap them?

peter halle

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We have had discussions here about extension cords and wrapping.  Here is a video I saw via Tools of the Trade that shows a different method for your consideration:



Peter
 
I just wrap them round my hand if they're small like the plug-it cords or like a lasso if they're longer. I know there's talk about caring for them and not breaking them internally, but I carry spares so if one breaks it's not going to stop work and they're cheap enough that I'd rather shell out a few £££ every now and then when they do break than expend brain power/energy on worrying about pedantically wrapping them in some convoluted method.

That said in over 30 years I don't think I've ever had a cord ever fail on me internally due to improper winding. Any wear and tear is more obviously external and from abrasion through use, being stepped on, caught in doors, run over, etc.
 
The method in this video is more complicated than what I do
but the cord is also much longer and the methods appears to work fine.

I use the overhand-underhand method.
(search for a video, it's too hard to explain)
The over-under results in a zigzag rather than a twisted line.

My favorite advantage is that you can hold one end and sling the coil and it will pay out in a zigzag line without getting hung when the typical twist can't untwist fast enough.

Through experience the loop size can be adjusted so the ends can connect.
 
I use plastic reels, the kind with a crank handle.  Work a lot better for me than hand wrapping.  I have some wall mount reels my son gave me that I need to try in the stop.  I have a tendency to leave cords all over the floor in the shop. 
 
15M HD cords are about all I use loose. I loop them palm to bicep around my arm (about 20 turns) and then half twist the coil and drop it into 1 side of a large systainer toolbox.

Anything bigger is on a coil.
 
I am a rockclimber / abseiler / canyoner, and the method in the video is what many of us do with outdoor ropes, often in excess of 50 metres. It is very good for remaining tangle free (essential for abseiling), even when you tie one end off and throw the coil over the edge.

Some points of difference:
1) for the hand holding the coil, keep it tight against your waist. Although this results in shorter loops, when the coil gets heavier and heavier, you will not need to keep lifting it and/or the loops won't get shorter as you inadvertently don't stretch out as much. You could also use this method in this Youtube video -

2) For the final tie off also see the last section of the video from 2:09

Having said all this, I prefer using the over-under method for most extension cords unless they are really long.
 
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