It can be tempting to gather up your extension cord and toss it away after you are done with it,to deal with it when you next need it. However, it is always a good idea to properly wrap the extension cord before storing it. In this way, when you take it out to use again, you don’t have to waste time taking out knots and tangles. Also, properly storing extension cords increases their lifespan. Read below to find out some brilliant, time-saving extension cord storage ideas.
The Over-Under Method
The over-under method is one of the most popular ways to wrap extension cords. It works with the natural curves of a cord, allowing the cord to be rest tension-free. Cords stored through this method uncoil very quickly and easily.
For storing your cords using the over-under method, follow the steps below:
Pick up one end of the cord in your left hand. Now run your right hand along the length of the cord until your arms are spread wide. Your right hand should be facing downwards, and your left hand should be facing upwards. In this way, your thumbs will be pointing in the same direction. Now, holding the cord, bring your right hand to your left hand such that the cord forms a natural loop. If the cord starts to twist, take out the twist by twirling the cord around.
With your right hand, pick up the tail of the cord and hold it such that your hand faces upward so that both of your thumbs point in opposite directions. Turn your right hand over so that your right palm faces downwards, and the cord makes a loop in your right hand. Combined with the loop in your left hand, you have created the figure eight. Transfer this loop to your left hand.
With your right hand facing downwards, pull out the tail of the chord and transfer it over into your left hand. Keep on repeating these steps, by winding over for one loop and winding under for the second loop until you have wound the whole cord. You can leave one armful of the cord at the end, wrap it twice or thrice around the cords you have made, thread it through the top part of the cord, and pull it tight. In this way, your cord will be secured.
The Contractor’s Wrap
This is a method of storing extension cords that not only keeps cords from tangling but also makes them look really neat and presentable. It is used most often by contractors, which gives it its name. This method also takes significantly less time in wrapping the cord because you start off by doubling up the cord. In the end, the looped-up cord can be hung on a wall.
To wrap your cords using this method, follow the instructions below.
Firstly, connect the male and female ends of the extension cord. Then move along the cord to the middle and hold the middle of the cord at a distance of 6’’ from the base of the loop such that your hand is facing outwards, and the loop is pointing upwards. Now point the loop end downwards by rotating your hand such that the palm faces you.
Holding the loop tightly with one hand, push the tail cords through the loop. This will give you your first loop. Now hold onto the loop with one hand and reach into the loop from the other hand to pull in the tail cords. Pull the tail cords such that it is at the distance of 6’’ above the first loop. The second loop is created. Repeat this process until the entire cord has been looped into a chain.
The Chain-Link Method
You will need some practice to master this method, but it will ultimately help you organize your cord effectively and make it easy to transport it. Although it is not as good a way of preventing twists in the cord as the over-under method, it is still a pretty good way of storing your cords.
Follow the steps given below to store your cords using the chain-link method.
Fold the cord in half, find the middle point of your extension cord, and then tie an overhand knot. The first loop is made. Reach through this loop to grab a short section of the double extension cord and pull it up to make another loop. Hold on to the newly created loop and reach through it to pull up some more of the extension cord. Repeat this process until a complete chain is formed.
The Around-the-Arm Coil
Even if this is the first time you are looking for extension cord storage ideas, the chances are that you are already familiar with this method. This is a commonly used method to wrap a cord because it is quick and easy. However, it causes damage to the cords, results in tangles, and makes the cord harder to use the next time.
The method is quite straightforward. You hold one end of the cord in your hand and pull it tightly around the elbow of that same arm, and then repeat the process by tightly coiling the cord around your elbow. When the cord nears the end, you take the coil off your arm and wrap the last part of the cord around the whole coil.
Though this method is pretty simple, it works a lot of stress into the cord and makes it very difficult to use the cord when you need it next, because the cord has been worked into tight curves. A much better alternative to the around-the-arm coil is the over-under method. The method might take you a few tries to learn but it is beneficial in the long run as it does not damage the cord.
Conclusion
There are various ways to wrap extension cords so that it is easy to store them. However, it is important that you adopt that method of storing cordswhich helps protect the cord for a longer period.