The BEST Way to Coil and Store Extension Cords!
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- This video shows you the two best ways I have found to store and manage long extension cords - and I’ve been doing this for decades. Believe me, I have found a ton of ways that DON’T work so well - these two are the BEST!
Even better, in this video, I show you a cool new “invention,” well, okay, maybe invention is too strong a word, but it’s a clever little gadget you can make and use yourself to help you make storing your own extension cords much more efficient.
Here are some links to a video and some products mentioned in this video:
Dirt Farmer Jay’s video on “Best Way to Store an Extension Cord” :
• Best Way to Store an E...
Cable Cuffs: amzn.to/2Nr59yf
Extension Cord Reel: amzn.to/2uAYw5w
Background Music: Scandinavianz - Sunny Island courtesy of www.FreeMusicForVlogs.com
• (Free Music for Vlogs)...
I am a 73-year-old woman who was so frustrated trying to get a 100' cord on the exact reel you demonstrated. I thought that there must be a RUclips video on it. There you were! Excellent job, except I can't bend the hanger. I will try a 3-M tape hook. If that doesn't work, I will get someone else to bend a coat hanger for me. Thank you and bless you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much for sharing that, Margie. I've only got 2 years on you, so I'm right there as well. Sounds like you have a good plan for a good solution. Let me know how it goes. Take care,
I never thought of making a hook for the spool, but what I do is take the 2 ends and feed them through the bend of the cable, and draw them tight around the spool. The cord will still remain attached when you unroll it, and you don’t have to worry about the glue coming undone when the reel sits on a hot driveway.
I've been using this for years now, and no problems yet. But if what you're doing works, then keep on doing it!
This method leaves cord around the center of the spool though, doesn't it? I want to make sure I'm envisioning this method correctly.
I watched this this morning, it is fantastic idea, I'm going to use...Thank you...
Thanks for that! Since posting this video, and thanks to several commenters, I've found a better way to USE this gadget: FORGET THE WATER BUCKET (at 9:45+)! Lay BOTH ENDS of the cord on the ground beside your wall socket, then unreel the cord as you walk towards your work area. Go about halfway there, a bit more, and set the reel on the ground. Go back to the other ends, plug the plug into the wall, then carry the socket end of the cord to your work area. It works great! When done, reverse the process - carry the socket end of the cord to the wall plug, set it down, unplug the other end, walk back to the reel, then reel it back up as you walk towards the ends! This works super-well and I always use this method now.
2:00 "I've thought about extension cord storage for many years..." best line ever
Thanks, R. I remember storing a daisy-chained cord in the trunk of my car many years ago - it never tangled, but it was a big mess.
Smart old fellow with full of ideas 💡
Job well done 👍
Thanks so much! I just enjoy sharing what I've found out.
I've been using those plastic reels for years, I will adopt the double the cord method next time I use any of the extension cords
I don't remember the manufacturer of my reels although they have a plastic hook up till now had no clue how to effectively use it.
Thank you brother
Happy to share, and help where I can.
I just watched Farmer J's video before yours along with about 8 others and I have to agree his was the best. I have 2 of those round cord reels that I have hated since I bought them. I think i have a new purpose for them now, what a great idea! Thanks!
Excellent! So glad I could help. I may, however, need to do a followup to this video, because I've found a couple things that make this even better.
@@DavidsTutorials Anything right now will be a big improvement over the present. The good thing is, it's only held on by hot glue and will hopefully come loose easily. I'll subscribe and wait for your video.
Excellent idea, folding the cord and winding the folded end! I have a 100' cord, and a reel with a stand, so using the old method of extending the wall plug end out the side means I can only extend a short amount, and pretty much guaranties getting whacked a couple times when winding up the reel.
With this new method of folding the cord and winding that end, I'm going to like my cord reel a whole lot more than I do today!!
Thanks for your comment, Paul. And since making this video, I've discovered you start by plugging the cord into the wall, the carry the reel as you unwind BOTH ENDS, a bit more than halfway to where you want to work. Set down the reel, then go back and pick up the socket end and carry it to your work area. Re-wind it by doing the opposite. Much better than the way shown in the video. Let me know how it all works for you.
You made it look so easy. I messed up my first one… made it too wide. Second one was spot on.
Thanks
Great to hear!
Brilliant. I do have comparative story to share. Like you I purchased a drill over 51 years ago. My baby son had just been born 3 months before I returned from Vietnam and my release from active service from the Marines. He was in my arms in diapers when I made the purchase. 40 years later he comes over for a visit, asks Mom where's Pop? She tells him I'm out back working with my plug in all metal Sears-Roebuck drill.
"Hey Dad, there's a phone call for you."
"Oh hi Son. Do you know who's calling?"
"Yep. It's the Smithsonian in Washington. They want to know if they can have your drill now."
He has his Grandfather's sense of humor.
HA HA HA!! That's great, thanks for sharing!
YES, I've been doing it this way for years. Great to see Great MINDS hard at work! Great video too!
I appreciate that! GMTA!
I'm thinking of a way to make that hook in the spook make the curve a little more gentle and less stressful on the cord
Since making this video, I've found spools with the hook built in, and I've found some stick-on round nubs for the center of the spool. I need to try those out.
Cool idea. Thanks. You have great energy 😊👍👍👍
Thank you 😁
Still useful in 2020! Thanks for sharing wisdom!
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment. It seems one of my most consistently popular videos is from 2012 - and still very helpful to lots of folks - it's about how to create or delete section breaks in Word: ruclips.net/video/Xakl8G4T9p0/видео.html - so why is that still popular? Shrug - I guess lots of people need that info. Take care and stay safe.
Great! Thanks for making this extension cord coil video!
Happy to help! Take care.
Good video learned how to use the cord storage reel. Had no idea before the video. Thanks
Happy to help!
Thank you for this tutorial! This is my favorite video on the internet
Wow, Thanks, Maxfield! If you haven't read other comments, you should know I do NOT use the bucket of water any more. Instead, I put both ends (plugs) on the ground by the electrical outlet, then walk halfway to my work area, unreeling cable as I go. Then I put the reel on the ground, walk back to the plugs, plug one end into the outlet, then carry the other end to the work area. It works GREAT! When I'm done, I simply reverse the process. Take care.
Solves a couple of problems. I have the same reel. I found it works with two fifty footers joined as well. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for that, MrFMiller! Since posting this video, and thanks to several commenters, I've found a better way to USE this gadget: Lay BOTH ENDS of the cord on the ground beside your wall socket, then unreel the cord as you walk towards your work area. Go about halfway there, a bit more, and set the reel on the ground. Go back to the other ends, plug the plug into the wall, then carry the socket end of the cord to your work area. It works great! When done, reverse the process - carry the socket end of the cord to the wall plug, set it down, unplug the other end, walk back to the reel, then reel it back up as you walk towards the ends! This works super-well and I always use this method now. Oh, and how much cable you can put on any one reel also depends on how FAT the cable is - you can put much less 10-gauge cable than you can 16-gauge.
Great Idea. Would a cord doubled in half like this work too if the middle was laid in the reel with both cord ends wrapped around the coil once and then was pulled under and up through the center tightly and then reeled up, or is it the metal hook that you added needed to stop the totally unreeled reel from just spinning instead of coiling up the cord ends when reeling up the cord?
Thanks for your comment and question, Jim. It would probably be worth trying - if it works, then BOOM! Do it. If not, then you can go the metal hook route. Take care.
Definitely the second one is best. Love the double daisy chain but think ill start using this one.
The biggest challenge with the double daisy chain is it is such a mess to store in a utility room or the trunk of a car. At least this is more storable.
Good job and thanks for sharing the idea. If I am not wrong cord reels have been around for a few decades. Yet add-on's such as the one shown in this video clearly show how much thought was put into developing cord reels. Hope the design will change and newer versions provide this simple hook for easy cable management
When I made this video, I searched for a reel with a hook, but couldn't find one. I am pretty sure they are available now.
I use Tarp Tie Downs.. they are like bungee cords with the little black ball.. they work great to tie the cord together and then hang it up... I use them on equipment too...
That sounds like a great idea, Jason! I'll have to try some of those.
I have been trying to figure out how to use the hook in the real. You are ingenious!
thanks!
Lol...we figured this one out a few years ago...When you have to use it you set the reel half way to the furthest point you need it.. Super convenient!
Even better, I've discovered, is to begin unrolling BOTH ends right beside the plug, then unroll it halfway or a bit more to your work area. Then go back to the plug, plug in one end of the cord, carry the other end to the work area, and you're ready to go. To re-roll it, reverse the procedure. Works like a champ.
I love the way your mind works!
Thanks, Cheri! For this video, I took pieces of two other ideas, added my own thinking, and came up with something that makes me wish I had come up with this DECADES ago.
You are full of grand ideas!
Thanks for the comment, Jana. Since making this video, I've discovered the best way to USE this method is to lay BOTH ends of the cord on the ground near the wall plug, roll the cord off the reel as you walk about halfway to your work area, then go back and plug in the cord and carry the other end to your work area. Reverse the process to re-rll the cord. Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing this!
Happy to help.
I like the hook idea and doubling the cord. Thanks.
Thanks, Ann Maria. I saw a video on daisy-chaining extension cords, and remembered I had done that 30 years ago ... then I thought, "I bet I can think up a better way." And came up with this technique. And you know, the 5 times I've used it since I made the video, I have wondered, "Why didn't I do this SOONER!?!?"
Thank you for the great video!!!
My pleasure!
Dave..... Good thoughts :) May the Lord Bless you for taking the time to share your wisdom.... Is now passed on to me...Thank you and Shalom...
Thanks for your comment, and your blessing. It is gratifying to know I can reach out to so many people here, and perhaps help some.
Great video! I run a fencing and landscaping business and i'm constantly dealing with unruly extension cords. I'll grab me one of these at my local hardware store. Just one idea; for the weight you could make a little bracket that's fastened around all your outdoor power points that holds the plug in, then you don't have to worry about filling up buckets of water 😊
Thanks, and good idea. The bucket of water was the first thing I thought of when I was making the video. After the second use, what I found to do that was better was to start at the wall socket, then unroll BOTH cords as I walked toward my work area; put down the reel, then go back and get the socket and take it to where I want to work. IT WORKS GREAT! To reel it up, just reverse the procedure.
@@DavidsTutorials Oh yea i guess that works fine too 😊👍
I use Dirt Farmer Jay’s method of looping my cords. I put a hook at all my outside outlets as you mentioned. Then I hook the electric cord to the hook and it also acts as a strain relief for the plug... I used a plastic zip tie and use some keyring circles for your car keys and zipped tied it to the cord and slide it over the hook... Then I pull the cord as I walk away... :-)
LLAP
Nicely done! great video...
Thanks, David! Happy to help. Take are.
Great idea, I'll use it! Thanks
Glad to hear it, Garry. But don't use that water bucket technique. Instead, start by the wall plug, lay BOTH ends of the cord on the floor/ground, then unreel as you walk halfway or a bit more towards your work area, then set the reel down. Go back and plug one end into the wall, and carry the socket end to your work area. MUCH safer that way. Do the reverse to reel it back up.
I like those reels- I think they are relatively foolproof and they solve most problems related to long cords. Your dragging the reel across the concrete works but it would be caught up on concrete joints and curbs and grass and a million other things. When I used mine I just went to the point where I was going to use the end of the cord and started unrolling as I walked back to the wall plug. Your idea of rolling up from the middle point of the cord helps a lot because that is half the coiling. Your reel looks better than the one that I had which eventually self destructed, I need to get a new one. Instead of hot glue I think you could have connected your hook through one or both sides of the reel.
You're absolutely right, Andrew. And since making this video, I discovered that if I started unrolling BOTH ends of the cord from right beside the wall plug, then walked just over halfway to my work area while unrolling, then put the reel on the ground, go back and plug in the plug, pick up the other end of the cord and walk to the work areas, that seemed to be the best way. I looked at putting a screw into the reel hub, but the hand-hold-slide in the center would have got hung up on it, so I had to go with hot glue. Thanks for your comment!
Great video brother God bless thank you
I know this is a couple years old, but I thought just putting your hand through the loop at the reel and grabbing the cord making a lasso large enough to go over the reel and making sure the tension is the correct direction for winding up. Kinda like you have a loop in the end of a yoyo string and you make a lasso for your finger. No hook no tape, just a lasso.
Thanks for the thought, but when I tried that, it kept slipping. Hence the hook. Have you tried it this way? How did you get it to stop slipping?
I agree. I tried the Daisy Chain but it took up to much room. I now use the methods that are shown.
Exactly, kermitefrog64. The daisy chain works great - but what do you DO WITH THE THING once you've done the daisy chain? Aye, there's the rub. I've found improvements to this, and I guess I need to make a follow-on vid, eh?
The orange cord wonder fix is a rally good idea.
Glad you think so.
I have one of those. I don't need a hook, though. I folded the cord in half, like you did. Keep the cord doubled and put the halfway point on the reel, hold it in place with your hand, then wind the doubled cord around the reel one turn, until it reaches that halfway loop. Pull the ends through the inside of the halfway loop and go back the other way. That created its own hook. You can then wind the cord up as you normally did. You lose about 1 foot of useable length, but it's fast and easy. No tools needed, and no hangers get harmed in the process.
I thought of that, but I didn't want the hassle of getting near the end of the un-reeling and losing the attachment to the reel. That would be a royal pain.
I just used this gadget again 2 days ago to run electricity out to my fence (replacing a fence board), and I was delighted at how well it worked. I used to be reluctant to get out the electric cords because of the hassle of coiling them up again for storage, but with this gadget, it's a piece of cake! No more hassle! YEAH!
Here's an even easier version of your method: Instead of holding the "halfway point on the reel" just make a loop (without the reel), then place the loop over the reel and pull.
That is a very good idea thanks for sharing.
Happy to help, and thanks for your comment.
I didn't read all the comments but I wonder if hot gluing a clip on the reel will hold up as well as the Fastcap version of the same thing. If it does it is definitly a better option.
Sorry, I don't know what "Fastcap" is, but would be willing to try it. However, I CAN tell you that nearly two years after making this video (as I write this), the hook is still firmly in place and working perfectly.
@@DavidsTutorials FastCap is a company that sells a little molder button that you use the supplied adhesive to stick a little button on to that style cord reel. It's called the reel it in. Does the same thing and is only $5 ish dollars.
Very nice job! Thanks
Thank you too!
Thanks for this video. I'm going to make a reel with a hook now. Instead of the bucket, maybe you should just mount a little kleat on the wall next to your outlet to tie off to.
Thanks for the comment, youtubewillyman. Since making this video, I've discovered the best way to USE this method is to lay BOTH ends of the cord on the ground near the wall plug, roll the cord off the reel as you walk about halfway to your work area, then go back and plug in the cord and carry the other end to your work area. Reverse the process to re-rll the cord. Enjoy!
Youve changed my life i roll up my 100 ft cable on a winder but until i watched your video i was always getting it knotted up. Unfortunately my boyfriend broke the knob to the reel. Oh i forgot of u did im doing this with one hand i have Cerebral Palsy on right leg and hand. Your are so great i can picture u in Mister Rogers Neighborhood Handyman David 😀😁 i so appreciate your videos. Have a great xmas time. And new year.
Wow, thanks so much for your nice comment Ic M! Fortunately, those reel things aren't all that expensive, so maybe get another? So sorry to hear you are afflicted with cerebral palsy, but I admire you greatly for just getting out there and doing things anyway. It is so easy for people to get down about things -- I have tried to teach my kids that life isn't about what happens TO us - it's about how we react to what happens to us. Have a wonderful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Excellent. I have a heavy 100 footer I'll be rolling up using this method---Thanks a million!
Might need TWO hooks on the reel hub for something that heavy - you also don't want to bend it too sharply in the middle, so maybe two hooks would help with that?
Cool idea instead of making the hook I laid the folded cord and ran two layers of duct tape over the fold to the reel. Really like your inspiration
Thanks for the comment, Skip. I thought about doing that, and it probably works just fine. But I wanted something that if I ran out to the full length of the cord wouldn't matter if it pulled off the reel. After you use the duct tape thing several times, let me know how well it holds up.
Hi Dave, Great Idea and well done!
I learned Dirt Farmer Jay’s way of storing my cords more than 50 years ago from a old house painter I worked for when I was 22.
I lived in Nashville Tenn. then and he hired me one day and I must say the hole job was a learning experience... LOL
Here is a cool trick, He taught me...
Say you need to paint your house white and you need 20 gal of latex white paint. Your supplier only brings 15 gals. What do you do? Easy!
You had 5 gal of light brown latex paint left from a job a few weeks ago right? Right!
So how does this solve the problem you ask? Easy!
You mix all the paint together is a big drum and put it back in the gallon buckets. Yep you guessed it, it has a brown tent in the bucket and when you start to repaint the white house it has this brown tint too.
I said to Bob, it will be brown. He said no it will not. I said how's that? He said when the whole house is down and the paint dries the sun will help to bleach out the brown tent. I said bull crap... lol
Damn if he wasn't right! After we got the house done, and after it sit over night it was as white as the neighbors house was... True Story!
Damndest thing I ever seen! There was other things but this one is the best! : -)
LLAP
That's a great story, Bruce! Thanks for sharing! I never would have expected such a thing to be true, but you just cannot argue with the wisdom of years of experience.
@@DavidsTutorials If memory serves, he was in his 50s then.
Your welcome. I love sharing the story.. LLAP
Hey Dave Great Video, can I suggest doubling up the cord, make a square knot loop and pass the ends through the loop.
And use that instead of a hook 🙂👍
Thanks, RobMan422. Do you mean put the look around the reel hub? What would keep it from simply turning and slipping around the reel?
David's Tutorials Once you wind up some cord on the reel, the tension and weight of the cord would keep the loop from slipping on the inside of the reel. Like spooling fishing line onto a fishing reel - you don’t have to tie it off when you start, just wrap line around the end of it.
Did the glue hold up? I figured it would be too weak to hold a hook in place with some typo pull on it.
It is actually still holding just fine, several years after I made the video. I bought a knob/button that fits the curvature of the reel hub, thinking to put it on there when the glue gave way, but so far, it's still holding. Take care.
Hey thanks .
Glad to help!
Sweet! Thanks.
You're welcome! Happy to share!
And again … why didn’t I think of that?
Thanks!!!
And I wish I'd thought of this YEARS ago! Oh, well.
Wow, great hack
Happy to help! Take care.
Just excellent video and process. Thank you for sharing...
My pleasure! I'm planning a follow-up to this with a better method for unreeling and reeling back. Dunno when I can get to it - but it's in the plan!
Nice idea. I have read somewhere though that a tightly rolled power cord will loose somewhere around two-thirds (2/3) of it wattage potential when the cord is rolled up verses when unrolled into a straight line... What s your thoughts on this...? Greg
I have been coiling and rolling extension cords now for more than 50 years, and have never noticed anything like this, nor have I read any scientific research that proves this. I would be interested in seeing the results of some studies on this. However, in that the biggest thing I use extension cords for is a lawn implement or power tool, I'm not sure I would notice any loss, or even care, as long as the tool still worked. Thanks for the comment, Greg.
I hope this message finds you well. This method saved my sanity! Thanks a million!
Thanks for sharing that, Pratt 2007. It's gratifying to know when a vid I make helps someone out.
Thanks, David. Good advice!
Thanks, Trish! Even shorter comments like this make a difference to a RUclips channel, and besides that, I appreciate your feedback.
Not to be a troll, but the video you reference and the wrap you use in the cable-cuff method and the reel method all -destroy- the conductors inside the cord and create memory where the conductors twist inside of the sheath. If you have a 100' cord, start in the middle of the cord and use the over/under wrap method with ~5-6' long loops. Wrap one half and then turn the coil 180 and wrap the other half onto the 'back'', now the 'front' of the coil. Use your cable-cuff or a length of paracord or a velcro cable tie to secure it with the two ends hanging -loose- down below the coil (it's no fun to accidentally pass an end through the coil... one overhand-knot for every two loops.) Also, the 'hook' in the reel is pulling your cord into a tiny-diameter bight which will also destroy the conductors.
Thanks for your comments, Christian, but I have used that cable cuff method for more than three decades on three different extension cords, and if that method destroys the conductors, I have seen no sign of it. Of course, maybe after another 30 years, there may be some detectable signs of conductor destruction. By "no signs" I mean that the cables still work just fine, and when I run my hands over them immediately after use, there is no heat detectable. You might consider making your own video of this, showing both your recommended method AND the physics and electrical engineering principles behind what you say here.
@@DavidsTutorials Thank's for your reply friend. It's not a matter of 'heat'. It's a matter of any time you put twist on a multi-conductor core within a braided shield and/or plastic outer sheath, they will relieve the tension of the twist by the core slipping inside of the covering. Not only does the cable develop a memory (because of the internal twist), but the twist puts stress on the the core elements. Add to that, any time you create a tight bend/bight in a cable, just as happens with a bow in archery, the portion on the inside of the bend (the belly) is compressed while the portion of the cable on the outside of the bend (the back) is being stretched.
It's less important with a $50 heavy-duty extention cord than it is with a $2,000 multi-channel/multi-pin snake cable where when you lose one channel in forty you've lost it forever because there's no way to repair it.
Look at the damage done (look close) cdn.instructables.com/FR5/9OCX/H1ERN65Y/FR59OCXH1ERN65Y.LARGE.jpg
Ok, so this is an instruction page to fix something low-value like an extension cord (cringe). www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Rescue-an-Over-Twisted-Power-Cord/ This may remove the twist, but the damage, the stretching, the weakening is done for all that it 'looks' better. To a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail.
These principles are true of your no-core water hoses or your pneumatic-tool air-hoses, and your sheath+core power extension cords, computer cables, audio and lighting cables.
Here are some tutorials that address...
ruclips.net/video/uy3axdxDdKs/видео.html
nofilmschool.com/2012/07/beginners-guide-wrapping-wrangling-cables-professional-way
www.behindthemixer.com/the-most-frightening-article-ive-ever-read-the-chain-sinnet/
ruclips.net/video/MziOBf60Kn0/видео.html
See about 40 seconds in: ruclips.net/video/ITng5JV_qis/видео.html
Thanks for all that, Christian. It sounds like you've paid a lot of attention to this.
@@DavidsTutorials Aye. I snapped a couple of photos last night of exemplars: www.dropbox.com/s/71wr8ojxk9a41ap/2019-09-19%2019.40.10.jpg?dl=0
www.dropbox.com/s/9h3lpe7du3ou781/2019-09-19%2019.34.02.jpg?dl=0
Wow! Great tip. Thanks very much.
I still use this now, every time I get out the cord.
Thanks for the video. I think a piece of velcro strap/tape would work a little cleaner than the hook.
That's a great idea. You'd still have to fasten it to the hub. Probably with glue?
Right glue would work.
Great tip thanks
I just used this thing again today, and it worked GREAT!
i like it!!!
I'm still using this. Works great!
Teach me some more stuff! I love it
Thanks for the comment! I have a big list of things I want to make videos on - and it's really interesting - for any given video, some people will think it's the best thing they've ever seen, and others will say it's so stupid. Go figure.
Genius! I have all the stuff! Going to assemble it tonight!
Great, T Dive. Hope it works well for you.
Great idea! TFS👌
Thanks for watching! Stay safe!
Awesome video,great production!!!! New mic definitely sounds better.
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for that, Todd. I now have an even better mic, but have to carry the recorder around with me, then sync to the video in post-processing. That's a wired mic/recorder, about the size of ... two hot dogs? The one used in this video was a wireless version.
What mic did you use? Works great. Thank you for this good idea.
Thanks for the comment. The mic was a Kimafun 2.4G Wireless lavalier mic, here: amzn.to/358or7i . I have been contacted by this company because they'd like me to try out their two-mic wireless system, which I think might be great for interviews, or two people in the video. That may be showing up in one of my videos soon.
Sir, you are an amazing man!
Thanks, Swordman. Obviously you have very good judgement. (Grin!)
Very Smart!!!
Thanks, Paul! An improvement I discovered after posting this video is this: Start by the wall outlet, put BOTH ends of the cord on the floor, then unwind (both ends) as you walk halfway to your work area, then set down the reel. Go back to the other end, plug in the plug, pick up the socket end, and walk to where you will work. When finished, reverse the process. It is oh so much easier that way! (No bucket of water or anything else!) Take care!
Cable cuff to attach to tool great, however the method of coiling cable over the shoulder will result in twisting the cable each coil and eventual reduction in the longevity of the cable.
I suggest you use over/under coiling to avoid that.
Yes, you're right about that. However, you can avoid that by giving a half-twist to each loop, then it coils smoothly and unrolls smoothly. Even better, though, is to use a reel like this.
Fellow Mississippian here. Noticed the Hallmark cleaners on the clothes hanger =)
Grin! Amazing what small things can give us away, hm?
Buy a cord with a stripe thet runs parallel. Grab an arms length and pull it towards you. Put it in your other hand and continue this process while keeping the line (stripe) straight.
That's a good suggestion, Red. Thanks!
Yes larks head. Good point on taking up length of cord but it is such a minimal subtraction it has not been an issue for me.
Thanks for that.
PR0BLEM SOLVED,like this kind of video-thanks.
So glad! Thanks so much for your comment.
Thank you! You are adorable! Fill your bucket with big rocks to avoid electrocution risks ; )
That's true, and a good tip. THANKS, Mary! But since making this video, I've discovered an even BETTER way. I will probably make a follow-on video about that in the next month or so.
Why didn’t I think of starting my cord from the middle on my orange winding one. 👋🏼👍🏼
Don't feel bad - it took me DECADES to think of it.
Always interesting learning how other people's minds work. I dislike the fabricated hook for multiple reasons. You wasted a good wire coat hanger but more importantly I think that wire could abrade the cord sheathing. You could have made a loop (byte) and passed the ends through. In my experience that hot glue won't hold up through temp changes. The sun will melt it or cold temps will separate it from the plastic. Definitely don't like dealing with that water around electricity. What I do to keep plugs from pulling out is make a loop and wedge the loop behind the outlet box or conduit or what have you. I couldn't see your outlet so can't be more specific but there's always a niche available.
Thanks for all that info, Rosey. I appreciate your feedback. I can only say that the hook glued to the reel has been working beautifully in the many years since making this video. It has not separated, and has not caused any harm to the electric cord. By the way, a "byte" is a computer term; a "bight" is a loop in a rope, line, or cord - just FYI. I do NOT use water any more. Instead, I put both plugs on the ground, then walk halfway to my work area, unreeling the cable as I go. I put the reel on the ground, walk back to the plugs, plug one end into the socket, and carry the other end to the work area. That works great! When I'm done, I reverse the process. Take care.
The 14-inch plastic CORDWHEEL (brand name) I bought at Walmart for about $7 comes with a molded-in hook at the center of the reel, which would serve exactly the same purpose. I've always wondered what the hell that hook was for and now I know.
It worked great on a 100-foot 12/3 cord, which pretty well filled the reel. A 100-foot 10/3 would be too much.
Thanks for all this great information, Harry. It's all good to know.
I found the device online. It's made in Australia and comes in black, yellow, and green, but I could not find it on either WalMart.com or on Amazon. I'll have to keep looking.
😊😁👍
Careful , if you do not fully unroll that cord before using it you will create an inductive loop, this will create a magnetic current in the least , but if there is sufficient load on the cable will create significant heat and damage the cable
That's a good thing to keep in mind. Thanks for that.
Use a long zip tie to connect the cord to the reel.
Thanks for that thought, Bobby, but what would keep it from simply slipping around the hub?
@@DavidsTutorials Friction. You would have to pull the zip tie pretty tight. If that was not enough, a bit of super glue along it's length would hold the zip tie in place.
Brilliant!
So did you do this? How'd it work for you?
I bought a 56V battery powered leaf blower. No cord to fuss with!
That should work. But there's still the noise to contend with - both for you and your neighbors. And charging. And dead batteries to replace. Too much hassle and $$ for me.
Dave GREAT idea, BUT I wouldn't do the glue crap, I would extend the ends of the hook through a hole on each side of the real that you would drill where the hanger wire could fit in.
That should work, too. However, seems like it might be a bit loose - but even if it is, so what, right? The main point is to simply get the hook to stay in place while you get the cable started on the reel. Long as it does that, GREAT!
IF the hook metal diameter is large enough / or stiff enough & it's legs are long enough to where the hook would not pull back INTO the real it should not be a problem, maybe flatten or brad out BOTH ends of the wire hook where it can't pull back in, any way I will have to try it.
Really appreciate this but I had to keep hitting >> to get to the useful part
Yes, I know what you mean. However, different people learn in different ways, so I either have to accommodate them all or leave some scratching their heads.
I’ll try it
Great! Since making the video, I've found it works best for me if I unreel BOTH cords from the wall socket halfway to my work area, then go back and get the socket end of the cord and take it to the work area. When done, I pull the socket end of the cord back to beside the wall socket, and that makes the reel-up super easy.
They stole your idea! The reel I bought a year ago already has a hook cast into the spool. You better patent your next hack!👍
Glad you found that - should make your "cord life" easier!
You definitely have some great ideas and I just subscribed to your channel 👍 I have a question and it's just out of curiosity, why a corded leaf blower? Thanks for the helpful videos, look forward to checking out more.
Thanks for this, Jim. And to answer your question, I have a corded leaf blower because (a) it was on sale and I got a great price; (b) I have had very frustrating hassles with small engines in the past; (c) it never runs out of gas; (d) it is much quieter than a gas leaf blower; and (e) It has lasted more than 20 years with no problems. I can't say that about any small engine yard machine I've ever had. This is also why my main string trimmer is also electric. Now, with a truly EASY way to put away extension cords, I am even more pleased with the electric gadgets.
@@DavidsTutorials hi David thanks for replying 👍well I can't argue any of those points haha. I'm definatly into getting a good price for a quality product. I still have all my corded machines and they all still work just fine. I guess I just got sick of the cords, but you definitely got me thinking! Thanks for your quality videos! I'm always open to new ideas . You got me thinking and that good 👍
@@jimstafford3419 Good deal, Jim. The oldest electric gadget I have is a Black and Decker electric hedge trimmer I bought in ... 1977! Good grief! And it still works great! I think the price on that thing was about $10 at the time. (Its condition is probably helped by the fact it sat unused for a couple decades when I had nothing to use it on ... )
Thanks for the video. I watched this looking for the best way to use the spool. Found the already existing molded hook in my spool (later edition??) and wondered what it was for. Didn't read ALL the comments, but thought I'd add that I wrapped a short piece of electrical tape around the 50' mark so I could easily find center it whenever I used the whole cord out of the spool.
That's a great idea, Jim! And yes, I think your spool is a later version. Some time in the next month, I plan to have another follow-on video out about the best way to use the cord once it's on the spool. Stay tuned!
They also sell these reels with hooks on them for under 10 bucks for people who haven't bought one without the hook already.
Really!? I didn't know that. I'm going to have to go look for them.
Yeah here's the one I have it was a few dollars more because it had a little stand attached but check out the video in the listing with the photos
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYDKO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Had so. I have trouble with the plastic reel I had I threw it away. Wish I had seen this video before making that decision.
Fortunately, these reels are not expensive. I think there's a link to one on Amazon in the description?
Curious why you sped up the making of the hook?
I sped up the making of the hook as a judgement call - balancing showing it all vs. taking up too much of a viewer's time. No matter which way I go, it would not suit everyone, so I just do the best I can. Thanks for commenting.
I need to roll up 50 feet of 10/3 generator cord. The bucket of water just made me realize that UNwinding it from a reel could be a challenge.
Thanks for your comment. Since posting this video, and thanks to several commenters, I've found a better way to USE this gadget: FORGET THE WATER BUCKET (at 9:45+)! Lay BOTH ENDS of the cord on the ground beside your wall socket, then unreel the cord as you walk towards your work area. Go about halfway there, a bit more, and set the reel on the ground. Go back to the other ends, plug the plug into the wall, then carry the socket end of the cord to your work area. It works great! When done, reverse the process - carry the socket end of the cord to the wall plug, set it down, unplug the other end, walk back to the reel, then reel it back up as you walk towards the ends! This works super-well and I always use this method now.
@@DavidsTutorials what I decided to try is a "Cordpro XL" donut thing. I guess my cord is technically a 10/4 and it weighs almost 16 pounds. Not something I want to tangle and I also want it to be fairly easy for my wife to deploy. Just plug in the cord then pull the other end while the Cordpro glides/drags on the ground. Supposedly it doesn't put much tension on the plugged in end. We will see! Rolling it up is a different story. For thinner cords, I'd probably go with the reel and your method.
Great tutorial! What I’ve learned:Edit out the license plate from your final video... it compromises your privacy.
Thanks, Ret, and a good point. However, both those vehicles are leased from the company and returned more than a year ago, and any license plate trace would only come back to the leasing company. But it's definitely something to keep in mind for the future.
Ooooo, even better. Yes! We need a tutorial on leasing cars!
@@Ret2090 I sure wish I could make a tutorial on leasing cars. However, I cannot recommend that. Even Dave Ramsey says leasing cars is a losing proposition, except for two lease programs, one of which is what we have and is only for employees of the car manufacturer. Because my wife worked for the manufacturer, we are eligible for a leasing program that (by actual analysis) costs less than owning a car. Too bad we can't make this more widely available.
mine is on a stand and doesnt work for the //not a piece of cake// should not have to drag it along...easier to just use it without a winder ????im going back to winding it up after the job is done and throwing in a box
Understand - we have to figure out what works best for us. After making this video, I found the best thing was to unwind a few feet of both ends, lay it on the ground beside the electrical outlet, then unwind as I walked a bit more than halfway to the work location, then lay down the reel. Walk back to the plugs, plug in one end, and carry the other end to the work location. Reverse the process to re-wind the cable. Much easier, and yes, a piece of cake.
11:19 UH Ohh! Disaster! You're not going any further! Best way is just to unreel the whole thing that way any crosses in the winding come out at the same time without restricting the operation. It also prevents all that grinding of the reel across whatever you are near. Sooner or later the reel would get stuck on something anyway AND you avoid any issue with heat build up in a large coil of cable!
John, you're absolutely right! I discovered this AFTER making the video - the best way to use this method is to start beside the wall socket, then unreel by hand as you walk a bit more than halfway to your usage location. Then set the reel down, walk back to the ends of the cable, plug in the plug, then carry the other end to where you're going to use it. To re-coil the cable, first carry the socket end back to the other end, then go pick up the reel and reel it all in.
Wow! I know he said water and electricity don’t go well with each other...but OH MY!!!! I suggest using something else heavy WITHOUT WATER!!!
I agree with that, but since making the video, I've found an even BETTER way! Start at the electrical outlet, and unreel BOTH ends of the cord as you walk towards your work area. Go just past halfway, then set the reel down. Next, go back to the outlet, plug in the cord, then pick up the other end and walk to your work area. PRESTO! No water, and you have just the right amount of cord. To reel it up, reverse the process.
I have a reel that I've had for 30 years that has a hook molded into it, so not an original idea.
Nope. But I couldn't buy one of those when I made this.
Why in the world did you show the hardest part in time lapse speed? For the life of me I can’t get my wire hanger hooks to look anything even remotely close to you example! I’m on my third wire coat hanger and I think I’m about to throw in the towel!
The "hardest part" is simply bending what's needed to get the shape you want. Essentially, you just want a hook, and lots of wire beside the reel to serve as a larger glue point.
Or you can just buy Fastcap Reel-it-in that was posted 2 years before this video using exactly this concept
I found one of those after making this video. I was waiting for my gadget to come undone, but so far, it hasn't.
👍🙂
Thanks for the comment, Sharon. Since making this video, I've discovered the best way to USE this method is to lay BOTH ends of the cord on the ground near the wall plug, roll the cord off the reel as you walk about halfway to your work area, then go back and plug in the cord and carry the other end to your work area. Reverse the process to re-rll the cord. Enjoy!