Tangled Extension Cords

[alpha]

Here's one way to keep extension cords from being tangled:

http://videos.komando.com/2009/08/24...tension-cords/

[sparkeyjames]

Simple ease and free. I love that. Seems as though every time I went to use a hand rolled up extension cord I would wind up untangling it. Thanks to this I think those days may be over.

[LarryG]

When I lived in Alaska, virtually every contractor (most of whom were "imports" from the west coast) knew this trick. I learned it when I was working as a framer, some 35 years ago, and I still use it. Since moving south in 1978 this is the first time I've seen it otherwise. It works every bit as well as the video makes it appear to work.

[cabinetman]

That is a good method. Good for rope too. We did that in the Army 40 years ago.
.

[crokett]

I learned that trick for stowing kites and kite lines. I started using it to stow the tube tails as well. Now I use it on my extension cords. The only problem is you have to remember the way you started the loops when it is time to unravel it to use it.

[iceman61]

It's good for air hoses also, as long as you don't have those cheap, stiff orange ones. I hate those.

[TB Roye]

I finially learned how to do it, will try in later this morning on my cords. Good way to start off the morning.


Tom

[JR]

As larryg says, that is a very common technique around here. Unfortunately, I can't seem to unlearn this somewhat more complicated movie-industry method.

JR

[LCHIEN]

The method linked to by JR works better on xmas light strings than does the daisy chain method linked by Alpha!

I sort of figured out JR's method on my own many years ago and I seldom have tangles with my extension cords. Probably also works better on really stiff cords and air hoses. Only trouble is when the diameter of the accumulated wraps becomes too large to hold in your hand.

[Mr__Bill]

As larryg says, that is a very common technique around here. Unfortunately, I can't seem to unlearn this somewhat more complicated movie-industry method.

JR

Not so sure it's more complicated, once you have it down it's almost second nature to do and leaves a much neater coil. Works for garden hoses too, just build the coil on the ground and w hen you need the hose you can just pull it out. This method works best for things that don't like to be coiled too tight and that shouldn't have kinks in it, like coax or the orange air lines.

Bill, that's my opinion and I'll stick to it until I change my mind.

[cabinetman]

Only trouble is when the diameter of the accumulated wraps becomes too large to hold in your hand.

Some of us are blessed with big appendages (like hands frinstance)
.

[Santa Clarita Len]

I have been using this method for over 30 years, and you only need to pull out the needed amount of cable instead of the whole thing.

[sscherin]

reverse coil method "the movie industry standard" as said before.
I worked at a TV station for 7 years.. It becomes a habit and it works so well.

You can quite literally hold the end of the extension cord, throw the bundle and have it lay out without any tangles.. If you held the right end

Good for garden hoses and air hoses too.

[crokett]

I use the method in JR's link for my air hoses and garden hoses. I figured it out on my own. It works well. I use the other method for my extension cords.

[Tom Slick]

...
You can quite literally hold the end of the extension cord, throw the bundle and have it lay out without any tangles.. If you held the right end

Good for garden hoses and air hoses too.

I was going to post exactly the same thing, although I learned it in the music industry.
you don't end up with wavy curly cords this way either.