The Den of Tools.. Thanks for sharing this Jeff. It is just what I have been needing. I agree 100%. I never leave my batteries charging over night or when I'm not in the garage. If I come in for a while I turn the chargers off. I also never leave things like flashlights on the charger. Once they are charged they come off the chargers. I know some companies say it is safe to leave their flashlight on the charger so you know they will be charged when you need but I still take them off the charger. That's why we have so many flashlights, right? Speaking of flashlights those Olight ones you showed are awesome.
Just what I've been needing. Those "wall warts" seem to always take 2 or 3 plug slots and this is the solution. I was going to redo my PC layout and this was perfect timing!
I totally agree. I've been using those mini-extension cords for at least a decade with no problems. That surge protector looks impressive. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
I have a few of this type of thing from years ago. One point about wire gauge is that you’re mostly using these with wall warts that aren’t generally that power hungry.
I have used theses shorties for years. They have become essential given the proliferation of wall warts. No concerns at all about their wire gauge. Their capacity is well within the power draw of the typical wall wart. Especially given their short length.
I have a ton of those short power cord extensions in black and white that I buy when they're on sale. I also make sure I buy the versions that are flat against the wall where the power cord comes outside ways so I can stick furniture right up against them. They always go on sale, and the flat against the wall version come in three packs. Finally another one of those options is I have some of those Philips power strips called the octopus I believe. That's very great if you have a lot of bulky wall warts.
Bought the short extension cords, thought I may not need them but perhaps someday... then I go to plug in my new "imported" bead driller and voila, discovered that the plug slips out of the extension cord multi outlet, loose and won't even stay in the cord. Then, I remembered the short extension cords. Plugged the bead driller into the cord and then the short cord into my multi outlet extension and it held strong! Great recommendation.
Love those little cords. Literally buy them by the dozen. Another thing I use are USB to barrel plug cables. So many 5v 1A power bricks out there. Got an anker USB 5 port power brick and those cables to replace a bunch of wall warts for computer accessories.
I got some of those pig tail cords years ago for the adapter problem, but i got a multicolor pack just not enough of them. So now that I'm out, I turned to cheap HF outlet strips plugged into the main strips and use it for wall warts. Guess I should really get more pig tails. I wanted one of those switched outlet strips for a server setup a few years so i could use a power-up.sequence but didn't look hard enough for one that was that affordable and the effort fizzled. Bear I'm sure you helped many become better power managers or you have at least sewn the seeds of change.
Another thought about the wire gauge: if you’re using these for warts; you’re going to be pushing what 3 amps, maybe 4 amps at the top end? There’s nothing to worry about using them for wall warts at all.
i use the same switched strip.. but the 12 plug version .. fun fact.. standard labels fit perfectly between the bottom of the plug and the frame.. especially the embossed type
I've been doing the same thing with the short power cords for quite a while. works awesome. I have not tried those power strips with the individual switches but have had my eye on them. Cool you have tried them. Have not been following your channel that long but it's been fun watching it the last month or two.
I watch tons of product reviews and I appreciate that you seem to give a fair assessment of the product, good and not so great. Its a great practice for you because it builds your credibility as I'm sure you know. Thanks
Being shorter does not mitigate the risk from being a smaller gauge. Resistance causes heat which further increases resistance potentially causing a runaway feedback loop, but the extra resistance from length would have no more heat per inch than a short cord of the same gauge. That means the cord doesn’t get any hotter from the resistance of increased length but the tool will get less voltage.
I have the Ryobi six port charger, this is the original version. I leave that plugged in all the time and by the looks of it, it cycles in tops off the batteries every several days. Very convenient. I wish they would release the version for the Hercules, I know they have one for the bauer.
I found this review exciting as I purchased a 3 pack of 6 inch power cords (packaging called them power dongles) about 15 years ago at a big box store and loved them. When I went back they no longer carried them and have been looking for more every since. I am terrible at getting the key words correct for Amazon search function to turn up what I want. The switchable power strip would be good for my charging station and my elaborate entertainment center however for my computer setup I would want one with USB ports also. I also plan to label the outlets so I am not constantly following cords back to turn on the right outlet. (maybe an opening for a label maker review?)
I have used those cords for a few years now and love them. I have the 8 inch ones and they are perfect for what I have plugged into my UPS behind my entertainment center. Which by the way a UPS is a useful but boring item that can save you a lot of money. If you get little power flickers during a storm or whatever. These will keep the juice going to it and not blow it up powering on and off. Then if you have an extended outage, you can just unplug the device while you wait it out. Bonus, you can run your wifi off this thing for a few hours while the power is out. I also have that exact power strip in my shop, it is great. Love your channel.
You know where I see this really shining?... For those tool racks with integrated power strips for power tools. The wall-warts for the battery charging stations will fill those strips up fast, but this will keep you charging multiple batteries at once.
Just today I nipped off the left edge of 2 regular plugs, to fit next to tiny (but not tiny enough) USB-C PD bricks, on a surge strip. Short cords are one way to go, but I bought a 10 pack of GE cube taps and a pack of 5 "1 to 3" tan molded taps like the orange ones, just more presentable. I wouldn't rule out "squidding" with short cords additionally, but prefer to keep things solid. If I want a cord squid, I'll buy a cord squid and plug it into one outlet on the surge strip.
Been using these things for years, greatly helpful. I have found another variation that I prefer, it has 2 spaces to plug something in. One on the end of the short cord and an additional plug directly into the back of the primary plug. Monoprice sells a good version directly or through Amazon.
I've used this trick for years, old AV guy, my current favorite use is on my Milwaukee tower lights. The plug is almost impossible to get to so I keep one of these always plugged in just in case I need to move from battery to wall power. Great suggestion! :)
These are great, you can get them in different lengths and different colors. I also suggest the actual power cords as well that you can get in 1' and 3' for your computer and like devices.
I bought a 3 pack (different brand) years ago that are about 4 inches long, and I love them. And really, that's about as long as you need. And yes, we're talking only about electrical extension cords. Shine On! P.S. I liked the content for the hearing impaired in the last couple minutes. And Jeff, you are one handsome dude.
I got a bunch of these over 10 years ago because I was spurred on by trying to run my Sega Genesis Tower of Power (with the CD and 32X) that used three GIGANTIC wall-warts. It was impossible to fit those 3 even on a power strip, so I discovered the mini-extensions!
Great idea. I take all my batteries out of the equipment im dont use a lot and hook them up to trickle charges on a power strip on a bench. And as you said you lose several plugs plugging one in. Im ordering some
That 16 GA is fine most everything we use, unless you are running granddads right angle Skill saw. That little bit of cable does restrict the allowable safe current. And to be clear each of those outlets on that strip my be rated 15A, but you can't pull 15A from all of them at the same time. At the church pot luck invariably some one will plug 4 or 5 crock pots into a power strip and then run a 2 wire extension cord to the outlet. 5 minutes later someone asks either why are these all off? Or do you smell plastic burning? I've used the short cords in computer racks for that very reason, some supporting devices come with wall warts that take 3 spots out of your carefully calculated and ordered power management. They are great! Good vid bear.
I see you're using Kasa remote power switches. Kasa also makes power strips that have on/off switches for each outlet and you can control the outlets your phone. The larger strip also has a couple of USB charge ports.
Speaking of spontaneous battery charger fires, do you have any recommendations for auto-off timmers? I'm bad about leaving batteries plugged in, especially with a kid that has a small mowing business and would love to get something. But, of course, want to make sure it's reliable.
A few years ago, I was in the back room but heard all kinds of commotion out front. I opened to door and saw the garage across the street ablaze. Truly frightening scene that all the photos and videos cannot transmit the sense of seeing something like that in real time. It turns out the fire was caused from charging the batteries in a pink electric kiddie car they had for their daughter. Absolutely no fault of the parents, fault of the batteries. Fortunately, this was around dinner time so it was noticed and fire department extinguished it quickly before it spread to other structures. Garage was a total loss but they hadn't parked their cars yet.
I Never Leave Chargers Pluged In When I'm Not Using Them Cause I'm Very Safety Contious & Becide My Folks Pounded Safety In My Head. & I'm Glad They Did.
Just my 2 cents. Over 30 yr master electrician, here. The powerstrip ya mentioned each recep is 15 amps, with the main cord size I'd venture to say it's still a max of about 15 amp per strip. The short cords with being 16 awg(maybe) the max load is 10 amps. One problem with cheap cords is they may not have a UL listing. Which ultimately it could use substandard wire or not gauged properly or inconsisntencies. I really dont know about the fires from batteries being charged. If these cases were so rampant I'd venture to say there would have been plenty of lawsuits at this point. I just think it may be a quick generic thing FD's may use as cause. Ultimately could have been faulty wiring, the spontaneously combusting chemichal laden rags in the trash with paper and saw dust...who knows.
Imagine if someone were to just make a power strip with appropriate plug spacing OR make an octopus extension cord with on/off switches on each receptacle end.
⚠Nearly All Power strips are Not made to handle 15a even for 1 output very likely including one shown here. Many with breaker often trips below 15a. Their made for light load like the wall warts and chargers. Higher loads can fail as crack solder joints, burn contacts, etc "eat" the insides of most power strips and related power distribution thing that plug into main plug on a wall. I've see many "strips" burn out because of this but thankfully most didn't burn thru the case of them.
Where are my comments from my brothers with 7 shop tools, 2 fans, a space heater, a compressor and a dust management system running off one power strip plugged into a 15 amp circuit?
The Den of Tools.. Thanks for sharing this Jeff. It is just what I have been needing. I agree 100%. I never leave my batteries charging over night or when I'm not in the garage. If I come in for a while I turn the chargers off. I also never leave things like flashlights on the charger. Once they are charged they come off the chargers. I know some companies say it is safe to leave their flashlight on the charger so you know they will be charged when you need but I still take them off the charger. That's why we have so many flashlights, right? Speaking of flashlights those Olight ones you showed are awesome.
I’ve been using these in the IT world for 15+ years. They are great!
I love those pig tails. I use to buy them by the half dozen from Microcenter back in the day.
Remember the “Squid?” It’s a power strip where each receptacle is at the end of a short length of cord.
Just what I've been needing. Those "wall warts" seem to always take 2 or 3 plug slots and this is the solution. I was going to redo my PC layout and this was perfect timing!
I totally agree. I've been using those mini-extension cords for at least a decade with no problems. That surge protector looks impressive. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
I have a few of this type of thing from years ago. One point about wire gauge is that you’re mostly using these with wall warts that aren’t generally that power hungry.
Been using these for years - I always keep some spares on hand.
I have used theses shorties for years. They have become essential given the proliferation of wall warts. No concerns at all about their wire gauge. Their capacity is well within the power draw of the typical wall wart. Especially given their short length.
I have a ton of those short power cord extensions in black and white that I buy when they're on sale. I also make sure I buy the versions that are flat against the wall where the power cord comes outside ways so I can stick furniture right up against them. They always go on sale, and the flat against the wall version come in three packs. Finally another one of those options is I have some of those Philips power strips called the octopus I believe. That's very great if you have a lot of bulky wall warts.
Red has finally sold out to Big Cord. 🤣
Bought the short extension cords, thought I may not need them but perhaps someday... then I go to plug in my new "imported" bead driller and voila, discovered that the plug slips out of the extension cord multi outlet, loose and won't even stay in the cord. Then, I remembered the short extension cords. Plugged the bead driller into the cord and then the short cord into my multi outlet extension and it held strong! Great recommendation.
Love those little cords. Literally buy them by the dozen.
Another thing I use are USB to barrel plug cables. So many 5v 1A power bricks out there. Got an anker USB 5 port power brick and those cables to replace a bunch of wall warts for computer accessories.
I got some of those pig tail cords years ago for the adapter problem, but i got a multicolor pack just not enough of them.
So now that I'm out, I turned to cheap HF outlet strips plugged into the main strips and use it for wall warts. Guess I should really get more pig tails.
I wanted one of those switched outlet strips for a server setup a few years so i could use a power-up.sequence but didn't look hard enough for one that was that affordable and the effort fizzled.
Bear I'm sure you helped many become better power managers or you have at least sewn the seeds of change.
I agree I have been using these shorties for years. They have helped me for all my wall wart woes.
I do IT and have used these on PDUs. Also, you can get a double version (plugs into one outlet and splits to two). They're great!
Not all great ideas are are big ones. But this fixes a lot of issues we just deal with. Thanks for the great solution.
Another thought about the wire gauge: if you’re using these for warts; you’re going to be pushing what 3 amps, maybe 4 amps at the top end? There’s nothing to worry about using them for wall warts at all.
My order came over night and already I have 3 open outlets on my power strip. It's a brilliant solution.
This is a Great Channel No Cussing very family friendly I Appreciate That 🤙
Another, “I didn’t know I needed this” kinda product.
Thank you brother! 🙌
i use the same switched strip.. but the 12 plug version .. fun fact.. standard labels fit perfectly between the bottom of the plug and the frame.. especially the embossed type
I used them to link HF LED lights in my shop. Perfect solution!
I've been doing the same thing with the short power cords for quite a while. works awesome. I have not tried those power strips with the individual switches but have had my eye on them. Cool you have tried them. Have not been following your channel that long but it's been fun watching it the last month or two.
Great solution to annoying problem. I would also recommend cable labels to make it easier to identify which plug is for each device
I watch tons of product reviews and I appreciate that you seem to give a fair assessment of the product, good and not so great. Its a great practice for you because it builds your credibility as I'm sure you know. Thanks
been using those for years with all big hunking power bricks!!!
Being shorter does not mitigate the risk from being a smaller gauge. Resistance causes heat which further increases resistance potentially causing a runaway feedback loop, but the extra resistance from length would have no more heat per inch than a short cord of the same gauge. That means the cord doesn’t get any hotter from the resistance of increased length but the tool will get less voltage.
They make a variant with a right angle nema 5-15 plug also. Very handy behind furniture.
I have the Ryobi six port charger, this is the original version. I leave that plugged in all the time and by the looks of it, it cycles in tops off the batteries every several days. Very convenient. I wish they would release the version for the Hercules, I know they have one for the bauer.
I found this review exciting as I purchased a 3 pack of 6 inch power cords (packaging called them power dongles) about 15 years ago at a big box store and loved them. When I went back they no longer carried them and have been looking for more every since. I am terrible at getting the key words correct for Amazon search function to turn up what I want. The switchable power strip would be good for my charging station and my elaborate entertainment center however for my computer setup I would want one with USB ports also. I also plan to label the outlets so I am not constantly following cords back to turn on the right outlet. (maybe an opening for a label maker review?)
I have used those cords for a few years now and love them. I have the 8 inch ones and they are perfect for what I have plugged into my UPS behind my entertainment center. Which by the way a UPS is a useful but boring item that can save you a lot of money. If you get little power flickers during a storm or whatever. These will keep the juice going to it and not blow it up powering on and off. Then if you have an extended outage, you can just unplug the device while you wait it out. Bonus, you can run your wifi off this thing for a few hours while the power is out.
I also have that exact power strip in my shop, it is great.
Love your channel.
You know where I see this really shining?... For those tool racks with integrated power strips for power tools. The wall-warts for the battery charging stations will fill those strips up fast, but this will keep you charging multiple batteries at once.
Just today I nipped off the left edge of 2 regular plugs, to fit next to tiny (but not tiny enough) USB-C PD bricks, on a surge strip. Short cords are one way to go, but I bought a 10 pack of GE cube taps and a pack of 5 "1 to 3" tan molded taps like the orange ones, just more presentable. I wouldn't rule out "squidding" with short cords additionally, but prefer to keep things solid. If I want a cord squid, I'll buy a cord squid and plug it into one outlet on the surge strip.
LOVE those stubby extension cords! They're really handy for power strips.
There are also short Y adapters - one plug to 2 or 4 outlets. Keep total power draw in mind, of course.
Been using these things for years, greatly helpful. I have found another variation that I prefer, it has 2 spaces to plug something in. One on the end of the short cord and an additional plug directly into the back of the primary plug. Monoprice sells a good version directly or through Amazon.
Been using 4" ones for years. Great idea!
Use them all time. The right angle ones are even better in an office environment.
I've used this trick for years, old AV guy, my current favorite use is on my Milwaukee tower lights. The plug is almost impossible to get to so I keep one of these always plugged in just in case I need to move from battery to wall power. Great suggestion! :)
Been using these for years. Absolute life saver!!!
These are great, you can get them in different lengths and different colors. I also suggest the actual power cords as well that you can get in 1' and 3' for your computer and like devices.
I bought a 3 pack (different brand) years ago that are about 4 inches long, and I love them. And really, that's about as long as you need. And yes, we're talking only about electrical extension cords.
Shine On!
P.S. I liked the content for the hearing impaired in the last couple minutes. And Jeff, you are one handsome dude.
I got a bunch of these over 10 years ago because I was spurred on by trying to run my Sega Genesis Tower of Power (with the CD and 32X) that used three GIGANTIC wall-warts. It was impossible to fit those 3 even on a power strip, so I discovered the mini-extensions!
Great idea. I take all my batteries out of the equipment im dont use a lot and hook them up to trickle charges on a power strip on a bench. And as you said you lose several plugs plugging one in. Im ordering some
OMG I bought a bunch of these years ago and forgot I had them. These things are great.
Simple solutions are often the best.
That 16 GA is fine most everything we use, unless you are running granddads right angle Skill saw. That little bit of cable does restrict the allowable safe current. And to be clear each of those outlets on that strip my be rated 15A, but you can't pull 15A from all of them at the same time. At the church pot luck invariably some one will plug 4 or 5 crock pots into a power strip and then run a 2 wire extension cord to the outlet. 5 minutes later someone asks either why are these all off? Or do you smell plastic burning? I've used the short cords in computer racks for that very reason, some supporting devices come with wall warts that take 3 spots out of your carefully calculated and ordered power management. They are great! Good vid bear.
Please tell me more about the smart outlet !
Kasa smart plugs. 15A rated and connect to wifi. Can also be used with Alexa and Google Home.
Great solution! I just ordered a 10 pack
I already discovered these and I love em.
I see you're using Kasa remote power switches. Kasa also makes power strips that have on/off switches for each outlet and you can control the outlets your phone. The larger strip also has a couple of USB charge ports.
Definitely a useful product. And quite the trailer on this video! 😂
Sold these a lot when I worked for local electronics chain in Oregon 20 years ago.
I've used these for years in exactly the same manner as you.
I have some of those its great when the outlet is just inches away
Sometimes I use a multi-headed extension. Turns one plug into 3, 4, or 5.
I figured that out a long time ago. Good info. Thanks
These will make great Christmas gifts
Great find, Jeff. Thank you. 😀😀❤❤
Been using pigtails like that for years. I've even made my own on occasion.
Harbor freight needs to come out with a Hercules six port charger, not just one for the Bauer.
Speaking of spontaneous battery charger fires, do you have any recommendations for auto-off timmers?
I'm bad about leaving batteries plugged in, especially with a kid that has a small mowing business and would love to get something. But, of course, want to make sure it's reliable.
I have some of those that are single plug at one end then three pigtails for plugging in bricks
A few years ago, I was in the back room but heard all kinds of commotion out front. I opened to door and saw the garage across the street ablaze. Truly frightening scene that all the photos and videos cannot transmit the sense of seeing something like that in real time. It turns out the fire was caused from charging the batteries in a pink electric kiddie car they had for their daughter. Absolutely no fault of the parents, fault of the batteries. Fortunately, this was around dinner time so it was noticed and fire department extinguished it quickly before it spread to other structures. Garage was a total loss but they hadn't parked their cars yet.
Not quite sure what the last 3 1/2 minutes is about.
Good video, I've been using them for years.
I think he's checking to see how his camera focuses on the wee extension cord, but forgot to edit it out.
yep, lol, Trying to fix it now.
I Never Leave Chargers Pluged In
When I'm Not Using Them Cause
I'm Very Safety Contious
& Becide My Folks Pounded Safety
In My Head. & I'm Glad They Did.
I have been using those for years.
These little things are genious! I need them!
3:40 you’re going to get a lot of e-mails from wives mad at you for telling their husbands that.
Just my 2 cents. Over 30 yr master electrician, here. The powerstrip ya mentioned each recep is 15 amps, with the main cord size I'd venture to say it's still a max of about 15 amp per strip. The short cords with being 16 awg(maybe) the max load is 10 amps. One problem with cheap cords is they may not have a UL listing. Which ultimately it could use substandard wire or not gauged properly or inconsisntencies. I really dont know about the fires from batteries being charged. If these cases were so rampant I'd venture to say there would have been plenty of lawsuits at this point. I just think it may be a quick generic thing FD's may use as cause. Ultimately could have been faulty wiring, the spontaneously combusting chemichal laden rags in the trash with paper and saw dust...who knows.
VERY useful tip, thanks!
Do they make a right angle mini extension?
I'm surprised harbor freight doesn't sell them short cords, I don't recall ever seeing any there or any where else I shop for stuff like that
I would get the 14AWG instead of the 16AWG that your link goes to.
Great idea 💡. Thanks
that is a great idea thanks
Damn you Ben Franklin !🔥
Excellent idea.
Absolutely love them!!
Great idea! 👍
Great thanks
great idea thx
Imagine if someone were to just make a power strip with appropriate plug spacing OR make an octopus extension cord with on/off switches on each receptacle end.
6' long with 12 switched outlets for the work bench.
Navy Electricians called these “pigtails”.
⚠Nearly All Power strips are Not made to handle 15a even for 1 output very likely including one shown here. Many with breaker often trips below 15a. Their made for light load like the wall warts and chargers. Higher loads can fail as crack solder joints, burn contacts, etc "eat" the insides of most power strips and related power distribution thing that plug into main plug on a wall. I've see many "strips" burn out because of this but thankfully most didn't burn thru the case of them.
A diy POWERSQUID
a lot of the buly transformers devices are low amperage anyway, so 16 awg is usually fine.
I've been doing that foe a while!
I've been making them my self for years. But at the price they are selling the pre-made cords DIY is no longer cost affective.
been using those for probably 10-15 years now....
good stuff. boring? not really. I"m a nerd, so it's all good. 🙂
So that’s what those are for. I have a place that gives me free electronic stuff. I get these all the time.
Where are my comments from my brothers with 7 shop tools, 2 fans, a space heater, a compressor and a dust management system running off one power strip plugged into a 15 amp circuit?
I saw the bear behind you
🎉🎉
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Top comment! Lol