I used this as a commercial diver to wrap umbilical lines (air, comms, camera, lights and safety line) and have used it obsessively for every cable or chord ever since. As far as I'm concerned this should be the first thing taught in trade school or on the job site! Thanks for spreadin' the word lads!
I too am an audio engineer and I appreciate you taking the time to teach a technique that is otherwise uncommon knowledge to better improve the longevity of your equipment and job site efficiency. It may not seem like much of a change but when the job requires running thousands of feet of cable, tangled messes are the absolute least of priorities when it comes to setting up.
Nice! I didn’t mention this in the video but both Jaime and I have side side businesses doing live sound as well. We used to be in the bands but now we just make the bands sound good :-).
What most don’t realize when they do ANY DIFFERENT than this is the wires inside the outer cover, twist and kink up‼️ The outer cover may look and roll ok for awhile but in time inside wires roll ruining cord maybe even breaking! Learned from GEORGIA POWER LINEMAN 40 years ago- Step Father‼️ If inside wires roll, some tie end to fixed object, wrap cord around waist as if repelling, facing tied end slowly back up keeping tension on cord, every 10’ or so apply half your body weight on part of tied end of cable, will have to slightly roll opposite way cord has been rolled in past, the farther you get from tied end the greater pressure on fixed end- 100’ cord takes a lot of pressure and don’t let cord get slack‼️ This straightens inside and outside cord extending it’s life‼️ Thank You Jaime for another great time and money saving instruction‼️
Was home last summer at my folks house. Helping my dad, 70+, put some tools and cords away. I'm 50+ and he STILL had to make sure I was rolling his cords the way he taught me when I was 5-8 years old.
give your dad a hug he taught you what he had to teach... I mean that seriously my dad was the same way.. just lost him 2 years ago... now I rely on everything he has taught me because he is no longer here to pull me aside like your dad did for you last summer... to make sure you're doing it right... he wants you to succeed .. go visit him.. go do some work for him on his place... be the son you should be.. buy him a $500 60" TV so he can watch the game.. and give him a hug
🤣 my dad taught me how to duck out on your family. I didn’t learn very well. 43 years of marriage and 2 happy kid-o’s later I’m still around. 🤣😉🤣 And learning everything from RUclips. Thanks Perkins, learned which is the top of full overlay cabinets. 😍
Well, I've spent a fair amount of money on really good cords, and a fair amount of time over the last 46 years rolling em up (over, over style) and have dealt with the having to do the twists along the way to ensure they stay smooth. and, believe it or not, I'm still using cords I bought in the 70's and they're jsut as good as they were when i bought them. BUT, I'm going to try the over under method because i've never ever thrown out a 100 foot cord and had it land fully flat like that. Just gets my giblets to learn from a whipper snapper, though (old guy grumble). Great video. Love your work and your work ethic. Keep em coming.
Great video! My dad taught me to roll up cords and hoses this way. I’ve tried a few other methods alone the way and always resort back to this. Works great! 👍
This is one of the most useful things I ever learned working in TV production. Cables have memory and the over under method makes the wires inside lay like they want to, not how you the wrapper thinks they should. Great stuff. Love all the videos! Keep them coming.
Been doing this for my air hoses and the “chain stitch” method for extension cords for a while. One trick I like to use is instead of using electrical tape, tie a small piece of rope onto the cable, you can then wrap it around once you’ve coiled up the cord and tie it like a shoelace (just like the tape), and you don’t have to use a piece of tape every time.
Great video. I saw this same technique in another video. Except they took 12 minutes to explain it. This was concise and you showed the technique within the first minute and 1/2.
This method wasn’t invented by the audio industry. This was first used by men using wire rope to build bridges and by sailors on large sailing ships long before electricity.
As an old broadcaster, I thank you for teaching this! Also, cables build up a “memory” of how they’ve been coiled. If you lay out a cable on the concrete on a hot day, then coil it up right, you can “train” it to coil up easier the right way.
I was an AV tech & now an electrician. I over-under people's chords all the time. ...if I don't like the person, I'll bring one end through the coil & out the opposite side ;) :D
Everyone I tell about your channel -I say it’s entertaining full of pro tips and tricks, funny, and insightful about building and design. Such a great channel
Also learned this technique from an old TV technician I was working with..funny to see how many people handling cables, lines and ropes for a living and not doing this with them.
Exactly the technique I learned from my audio guys. They know how to make their cables last, because those cables get abused like crazy! Especially on tour! And no band member is going to be happy with you if you break their cables and they can't do their warmups/set. Excellent content guys, keep up the amazing work!
Another sound guy here! We always roll over under, and here's a tip. When you do the under coil, passing the cable with the left hand, keep it in front of the right hand. This ways you never have to let go of the cable and you can do an entire cable really fast!
Been rolling cords since my first construction job with dad and uncle in 69 , I've rolled em , laced and looped , thought I had seen and covered them all.......well I've missed one boys! This Ole Dog doesn't mind new tricks. Can't be too proud in the building business, that's how you get left behind. I will certainly give this one my best shot , I expect that after a couple dozen times ,,,,I should have it down.
I never let anyone else wrap my cables. This is actually pretty common knowledge in the music world, it blows my mind construction folks don’t know about it.
I'd say 10+ years ago this was common knowledge but majority of trades other than electricians using wire are using battery operated not plug in tools. We use to have to wrap 3 to 4 hundred.ft extension cords multiple times back in the day
I've been telling carpenters this for years but they never listen to the plumber! I liken the method more to rolling up a laso rope..just an over hand twist of the wrist then roll..great vid 👍
That's pretty slick. I've always used a daisy chain knot (or chain sinnet, in rope work), a series of slip knots. As long as the cable isn't twisted to begin with, it won't be when pulled out. It never tangles, hangs nice, and you can pull out just what you need. It may be a bit harder to tie and deploy than the "over-under" but it seems more versatile. Thanks for the tip, though. Might come in handy for something else.
Great tip. found it on RUclips like 10 years ago, I wish I worked with people who care about details like you guys do. It shows in the results of everything you do.
I learned this same method when I was going to school for audio engineering. It really does take some practice, but once you get the hang of it your cables will roll out so much nicer.
I've been using a method (name unknown to me) that is easy to do, compact to store and fast when pulling the loops out for use. 1 drawback is the cord(s) can't be thrown out like this over/under method. SO going to try this at work!! Thanks dude
I learned this tech from an audio/video guy too, working on elementary school plays. He seldom loaned his cords to anyone. If you were lucky enough to borrow any of his gear, you had better return it over/under.
Hey Perkins Bros, that over under technique for coiling cords and hoses is pretty nifty. But, one could save the electrical tape by tying a quick fishermans or double overhand knot with the tail end, of the cord or hose, around the stacked cordage in hand. I’m a carpenter myself in the great state of Montana and experience hose and cord headaches on the daily. Thanks for posting cool and informative vids.
Thanks, I was missing the part where you keep each end of the cord on their respective sides. And thanks for encouraging us to keep trying till we're good at it, sounds silly but maybe I gave up too early on some cables :) If you have any tricks for heavy cables that get too heavy to handle, I'd love to hear them.
I’ve never tried the over/under technique. I am the over/ over kinda guy and it NEVER lays flat. Can’t wait to try it👍 you guys are awesome. Thanks for everything
get yourself some cable cuffs. I walked past them many times at home depot thinking waste of money but I broke down and bought some for my welder and plasma cutter cables, they are awesome
Late reply but came to say same. As somebody with just enough patience to get me through the day i don't need that one infuriating thing to put me over the edge. Different sizes,small enough for a 15'up to 100' foot lengths of 220v cable. Air lines it's a must.
For heavier gauge/longer leads and cables.. lay it on the ground in a figure 8 pattern.. stops the kinks in 3“+ power cable which is critical in high amp applications.
Been wrapping my lighting cables and power cords this way for 20 yrs. Funny thing is that I'm right handed which mean the coil is in my left hand and right is doing the work, isn't that what right handed means anyway. To me you coiled it as a lefty would.
Wow..pretty cool ! I want to mention another way I learned from setting up stage equipment with 100' stereo cables. I would do 2 coils on one side of the cable end and then 2 coils on the opposite side... repeating until wrapped. Twisting the cable in the direction each coil needed respectedly. The end you started with would actually wind up in the middle of the wound cable and when tossed "correctly" it would unravel the full length....and sometimes if you weren't careful, it would pull the end out of your other hand. I thought you were gonna mention making a "daisy chain"....which is actually a method used to save space when hung up....like in a contractor van.
I work in the film industry as a gaffer, (chief lighting technician), over under is meant for sensitive cable like xlr or dmx but over-over is the best for power cables. When you wrap a power cable just wrap it the same direction each time to maintain the “memory”. You can wrap these incredibly fast
As soon as you said over under I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I cant believe how many people do not use this. I learned this in my time as an AV installer also. Maybe its an AV industry thing. You know it's done right because if you throw it, it will uncoil with no knots. If you have knots, you did it wrong.
When wires (cables) hoses are made by machines , the machines turn clockwise making the items. I have for the last 40 yrs. coiled by wires and hoses by coiling clockwise, letting the loose end twist and turn. Extenison cords to 50/100amp cables, with no kinks!!! Also wipe off as I coil.
I already put a thumb up ; but since i come back to this video to check again how to do it right => a +1 comment to present again my appreciation for your video! Thanks :)
When you are done the under over method plug the two ends in ( air hose works too ) when you are ready to use them unplug the ends and you're good to go. No need for electrical tape! Just a tip :P
If you add a twist with your fingers as youre coiling you can take out some of the “assholes” as well. That’s when the cord gets all twisted and doesn’t want to coil properly. The technical term for this type of coil is the “French coil”.
I used this as a commercial diver to wrap umbilical lines (air, comms, camera, lights and safety line) and have used it obsessively for every cable or chord ever since. As far as I'm concerned this should be the first thing taught in trade school or on the job site! Thanks for spreadin' the word lads!
I too am an audio engineer and I appreciate you taking the time to teach a technique that is otherwise uncommon knowledge to better improve the longevity of your equipment and job site efficiency. It may not seem like much of a change but when the job requires running thousands of feet of cable, tangled messes are the absolute least of priorities when it comes to setting up.
Nice! I didn’t mention this in the video but both Jaime and I have side side businesses doing live sound as well. We used to be in the bands but now we just make the bands sound good :-).
What most don’t realize when they do ANY DIFFERENT than this is the wires inside the outer cover, twist and kink up‼️ The outer cover may look and roll ok for awhile but in time inside wires roll ruining cord maybe even breaking!
Learned from GEORGIA POWER LINEMAN 40 years ago- Step Father‼️
If inside wires roll, some tie end to fixed object, wrap cord around waist as if repelling, facing tied end slowly back up keeping tension on cord, every 10’ or so apply half your body weight on part of tied end of cable, will have to slightly roll opposite way cord has been rolled in past, the farther you get from tied end the greater pressure on fixed end- 100’ cord takes a lot of pressure and don’t let cord get slack‼️ This straightens inside and outside cord extending it’s life‼️
Thank You Jaime for another great time and money saving instruction‼️
Was home last summer at my folks house. Helping my dad, 70+, put some tools and cords away. I'm 50+ and he STILL had to make sure I was rolling his cords the way he taught me when I was 5-8 years old.
That's awesome
give your dad a hug he taught you what he had to teach... I mean that seriously my dad was the same way.. just lost him 2 years ago... now I rely on everything he has taught me because he is no longer here to pull me aside like your dad did for you last summer... to make sure you're doing it right... he wants you to succeed .. go visit him.. go do some work for him on his place... be the son you should be.. buy him a $500 60" TV so he can watch the game.. and give him a hug
Zippy TheChicken: GOD Blessings for Yall!
🤣 my dad taught me how to duck out on your family. I didn’t learn very well. 43 years of marriage and 2 happy kid-o’s later I’m still around. 🤣😉🤣 And learning everything from RUclips. Thanks Perkins, learned which is the top of full overlay cabinets. 😍
They never give up telling us kids how to do things right. Then stand right there and watch.
Ah ha!! Saw a guy on a job site do this once. Showed me how really quickly and I've long since lost that brain cell.
Thanks guys!! Always enjoy
👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸
Yep, learned this in audio school a few years back and it changed my life. Wrap all my instrument cables, extenstion cords and air hoses this way now
Well, I've spent a fair amount of money on really good cords, and a fair amount of time over the last 46 years rolling em up (over, over style) and have dealt with the having to do the twists along the way to ensure they stay smooth. and, believe it or not, I'm still using cords I bought in the 70's and they're jsut as good as they were when i bought them. BUT, I'm going to try the over under method because i've never ever thrown out a 100 foot cord and had it land fully flat like that. Just gets my giblets to learn from a whipper snapper, though (old guy grumble). Great video. Love your work and your work ethic. Keep em coming.
I got a couple a 70s cords too !! Use them everyday. Now i gotta retrain myself to the over under method
As always...great tip! I hope people coming up in the trades watch you guys...will make their lives so much more productive......and happy!!! ❤👍😀
Great video! My dad taught me to roll up cords and hoses this way. I’ve tried a few other methods alone the way and always resort back to this. Works great! 👍
This is one of the most useful things I ever learned working in TV production. Cables have memory and the over under method makes the wires inside lay like they want to, not how you the wrapper thinks they should. Great stuff. Love all the videos! Keep them coming.
Been doing this for my air hoses and the “chain stitch” method for extension cords for a while. One trick I like to use is instead of using electrical tape, tie a small piece of rope onto the cable, you can then wrap it around once you’ve coiled up the cord and tie it like a shoelace (just like the tape), and you don’t have to use a piece of tape every time.
This has pretty much changed my work life, thanks guys!
I'm a fairly new builder and I live all the tricks I learn from you all. Thank you!
Great video. I saw this same technique in another video. Except they took 12 minutes to explain it. This was concise and you showed the technique within the first minute and 1/2.
Learnt this as a kid nearly 30 years ago lol. Best method u will find for cables, rope etc.
As an audio engineer I had to watch this...lol we've been doing this for many many years... glad you had an audio guy as a neighbor! 👍
This method wasn’t invented by the audio industry. This was first used by men using wire rope to build bridges and by sailors on large sailing ships long before electricity.
I have watched other videos on the over-under, and I have never gotten it right. Thank you so much for explaining it clearly! I finally get it!
I've been looking for this for 60 years!
As an old broadcaster, I thank you for teaching this!
Also, cables build up a “memory” of how they’ve been coiled. If you lay out a cable on the concrete on a hot day, then coil it up right, you can “train” it to coil up easier the right way.
Yes, warm sun makes em relax.
I was an AV tech & now an electrician. I over-under people's chords all the time. ...if I don't like the person, I'll bring one end through the coil & out the opposite side ;) :D
You taught me something youngster. And you did it with a smile. Gotta Love it.
I'm 61 yrs old. Been fighting cords all my life. Tried everything but still had to fight. I watched this and tried it last week. It's amazing. Thanks.
Best video on RUclips that explains this method, and it really works and it's fun! Thanks guys!
Young guy with old school technology ,, I love it !!!
YEP!!! It works like a charm. Thanks Jaime.
I have always done the elbow wrap, I see now that I've annoyed countless coworkers. Thanks Perkins!
Everyone I tell about your channel -I say it’s entertaining full of pro tips and tricks, funny, and insightful about building and design. Such a great channel
Thanks for the fantastic tip. This will sure elevate future frustrations. Take care Jaime.
Also learned this technique from an old TV technician I was working with..funny to see how many people handling cables, lines and ropes for a living and not doing this with them.
I’m an old guy. I found this very interesting, I’m going to try this with my air hose. So many things are obvious to some but new ideas for others!
Exactly the technique I learned from my audio guys. They know how to make their cables last, because those cables get abused like crazy! Especially on tour! And no band member is going to be happy with you if you break their cables and they can't do their warmups/set.
Excellent content guys, keep up the amazing work!
Thank you . This is why I tell people about your channel . Plenty of great information .
Another sound guy here! We always roll over under, and here's a tip. When you do the under coil, passing the cable with the left hand, keep it in front of the right hand. This ways you never have to let go of the cable and you can do an entire cable really fast!
Been rolling cords since my first construction job with dad and uncle in 69 , I've rolled em , laced and looped , thought I had seen and covered them all.......well I've missed one boys! This Ole Dog doesn't mind new tricks. Can't be too proud in the building business, that's how you get left behind. I will certainly give this one my best shot , I expect that after a couple dozen times ,,,,I should have it down.
I started using reels to wind my cords as I was tired of fighting with the over, over method. I’ll give this a shot!
This method changed my life.
I never let anyone else wrap my cables. This is actually pretty common knowledge in the music world, it blows my mind construction folks don’t know about it.
I'd say 10+ years ago this was common knowledge but majority of trades other than electricians using wire are using battery operated not plug in tools. We use to have to wrap 3 to 4 hundred.ft extension cords multiple times back in the day
I've been telling carpenters this for years but they never listen to the plumber! I liken the method more to rolling up a laso rope..just an over hand twist of the wrist then roll..great vid 👍
HOLY SMOKES, THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! Once again, thank you Jamie.
Ah ...... The simple little things in life!
I love this channel. 👍
That's pretty slick. I've always used a daisy chain knot (or chain sinnet, in rope work), a series of slip knots. As long as the cable isn't twisted to begin with, it won't be when pulled out. It never tangles, hangs nice, and you can pull out just what you need. It may be a bit harder to tie and deploy than the "over-under" but it seems more versatile. Thanks for the tip, though. Might come in handy for something else.
Great tip. found it on RUclips like 10 years ago, I wish I worked with people who care about details like you guys do. It shows in the results of everything you do.
Thanks for this life changing tip.
Congrats on 100K subscribers! I really enjoy watching you and your team.
I learned this same method when I was going to school for audio engineering. It really does take some practice, but once you get the hang of it your cables will roll out so much nicer.
I've been using a method (name unknown to me) that is easy to do, compact to store and fast when pulling the loops out for use. 1 drawback is the cord(s) can't be thrown out like this over/under method. SO going to try this at work!! Thanks dude
Contractor's wrap, probably.
Just this simple tips makes your videos great! Thanks 🙂
I learned this tech from an audio/video guy too, working on elementary school plays.
He seldom loaned his cords to anyone. If you were lucky enough to borrow any of his gear, you had better return it over/under.
Hey Perkins Bros, that over under technique for coiling cords and hoses is pretty nifty. But, one could save the electrical tape by tying a quick fishermans or double overhand knot with the tail end, of the cord or hose, around the stacked cordage in hand. I’m a carpenter myself in the great state of Montana and experience hose and cord headaches on the daily. Thanks for posting cool and informative vids.
Thanks, I was missing the part where you keep each end of the cord on their respective sides. And thanks for encouraging us to keep trying till we're good at it, sounds silly but maybe I gave up too early on some cables :) If you have any tricks for heavy cables that get too heavy to handle, I'd love to hear them.
Simple Hana, let someone else roll them
Lay them on the ground, into a figure 8 pattern... 🤙🏼
I’ve never tried the over/under technique. I am the over/ over kinda guy and it NEVER lays flat. Can’t wait to try it👍 you guys are awesome. Thanks for everything
get yourself some cable cuffs. I walked past them many times at home depot thinking waste of money but I broke down and bought some for my welder and plasma cutter cables, they are awesome
Late reply but came to say same. As somebody with just enough patience to get me through the day i don't need that one infuriating thing to put me over the edge. Different sizes,small enough for a 15'up to 100' foot lengths of 220v cable.
Air lines it's a must.
good tip. I'm 60, and never heard of this. thanks !
You bet!
As an audio guy for over 30 years I can tell you that this the very first thing I was taught.....100% correct
For heavier gauge/longer leads and cables.. lay it on the ground in a figure 8 pattern.. stops the kinks in 3“+ power cable which is critical in high amp applications.
Cool, thanks!
Been wrapping my lighting cables and power cords this way for 20 yrs. Funny thing is that I'm right handed which mean the coil is in my left hand and right is doing the work, isn't that what right handed means anyway. To me you coiled it as a lefty would.
I'm a righty, I hold the bundled with my right hand, coil with my left.
Switched to all battery power tools problem solved best thing i ever did saves lots of time not playing with cords
mike T we are mostly battery as well… But still always need a couple heavy duty cords for things like a tablesaw, compressor, and usually a chopsaw
I have made it my mission in life over the last 25 years to teach over/under to as many as possible.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Every audio pro I've met has sworn by this.
Mind. Blown.
Wow..pretty cool !
I want to mention another way I learned from setting up stage equipment with 100' stereo cables.
I would do 2 coils on one side of the cable end and then 2 coils on the opposite side... repeating until wrapped. Twisting the cable in the direction each coil needed respectedly.
The end you started with would actually wind up in the middle of the wound cable and when tossed "correctly" it would unravel the full length....and sometimes if you weren't careful, it would pull the end out of your other hand.
I thought you were gonna mention making a "daisy chain"....which is actually a method used to save space when hung up....like in a contractor van.
Thanks, this drives me nuts!
Wow, that is an eye opener. Thank you!
Used to do this method but switched to the crochet style loop thing as I can pull apart as much as I need as I use it.
So so so awesome! 💥
Thanks guys cant wait to try this out.
I work in the film industry as a gaffer, (chief lighting technician), over under is meant for sensitive cable like xlr or dmx but over-over is the best for power cables. When you wrap a power cable just wrap it the same direction each time to maintain the “memory”. You can wrap these incredibly fast
As soon as you said over under I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I cant believe how many people do not use this. I learned this in my time as an AV installer also. Maybe its an AV industry thing. You know it's done right because if you throw it, it will uncoil with no knots. If you have knots, you did it wrong.
Awesome, thanks for the tip guys !
Imma try this w my new air hose…hope it works!
Learned this in college, have used it ever since.
I've heard it called a "linesman's coil" too.
Most excellent.
Like everyone else in comments, this has changed my life.
Thanks for sharing. Most folks "discover" this technique naturally but it takes years, ha!
I also learned that working for bands as a kid! Still preach it along with the daisy chain at times.
I used to do the daisy chain. Moved to VA and caught hell for it. They call it a California Roll. I guess they've not had much time at a sushi bar.
@@f.demascio1857 where you at? In Virginia we call everything California style if it's different than normal stuff. Don't know why
Man, that's brilliant. Great tip!! 👍🇺🇸
When wires (cables) hoses are made by machines , the machines turn clockwise making the items. I have for the last 40 yrs.
coiled by wires and hoses by coiling clockwise, letting the loose end twist and turn. Extenison cords to 50/100amp cables, with
no kinks!!! Also wipe off as I coil.
Well this is simply amazing
Now do that at -20. That’s my issues with my 12/2 50 footers. Working outside. Great vid, very helpful
Great tip. Thanks!
I already put a thumb up ; but since i come back to this video to check again how to do it right => a +1 comment to present again my appreciation for your video! Thanks :)
Going to the garage right now to try this! :-)
Been rolling up things my life, always fighting the twist. You can bet your ass I'm practicing the over under lol.
I too learned this from AV guys. It's the only way I roll just about anything now.... air hoses, etc.
WOW I need to do that, it’s awesome
Been doing this for years now, kinked up some of the thinner cords but the thicker ones are still fine.
When you are done the under over method plug the two ends in ( air hose works too ) when you are ready to use them unplug the ends and you're good to go. No need for electrical tape! Just a tip :P
Thanks. Prefer the daisy chain method. Works great.
Beautiful!!!! thank you. . .
NAILED IT!
Love this channel
I use this same method but I plug the ends together first. Saves some time, also..........I’m left handed
I surely subscribe cause I learn thank u fr. Philippines
Its the little things that make a big difference, thanks
Been an "Over Over" guy for 30+ years 🤦🏽♂️
Well thats better than a twist it around your elbow guy !
How I do audio cables. Rhodies have been doing this for eons. It’s the best method.
I will start trying this.
If you add a twist with your fingers as youre coiling you can take out some of the “assholes” as well. That’s when the cord gets all twisted and doesn’t want to coil properly. The technical term for this type of coil is the “French coil”.
Thank you for sharing 👍