1 of 3 - DIY EXTENSION CORDS: Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck

I always keep an eye out for great prices of extension cords whenever I visit Home Depot. If there is a sale, you can save a lot of money if you buy a 50 foot cord extension cord verses buying the electrical cord by the foot.
In this video series I modifying a 50 ft extension cord into 3 versatile electrical shop cord systems.

[@AskWoodMan]

It is such an easy mistake to make. I have bought the wrong plug more than once. It is confusing standing in the electrical isle with all the choices. I finally realized if I get the outlet first I then find the plug and just stick it into the outlet at the store to keep from messing up. I have to say though, the US electrical system is really very user friendly and thought out.

[@AskWoodMan]

No just a 20amp 110. they have that one sideways prong to keep from putting them into a 15amp outlet.

[@AskWoodMan]

Absolutely you can use it with your computer. That 12 gauge wire is some serious stuff. I would still add a surge protector to protect your computer either at the wall or at the end of the extension cord.

[@AskWoodMan]

Oh that is such good idea. I had never thought about splitting them. Must split duplex. Allan

[@AskWoodMan]

Wow I thought I got a good per foot price, but yours is fantastic. Routering through that cord would have spiced up the video. That is about as exciting as my videos get.

[@JayBates]

I do the exact same thing. Good cords are a lot cheaper than 12-2 wire and a lot easier to handle. I was actually going to do a video on the same thing for my router table. Good job and well explained. I sometimes like to break the connection on the duplex, wire the top one direct, and put a switch in the bottom one.

[@blainetrenton9941]

You prolly dont care but does any of you know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my login password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@musajeremiah9328]

@Blaine Trenton Instablaster ;)

[@blainetrenton9941]

@Musa Jeremiah Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@blainetrenton9941]

@Musa Jeremiah it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@musajeremiah9328]

@Blaine Trenton You are welcome :D

[@AskWoodMan]

Standard household outlets are 15 amp. 20 just gives you the opportunity to run a 15-16 amp tools like big routers to their limit without flipping breakers. I also have a welder that is 18amps so I need 20 amp service for that too. There are a lot of commercial places that require 20 amp outlets for all 110 outlets. You will notice the 15 plugs fit 20 amp outlets but not the other way around.

[@queencitysirens8755]

Great Video! Your best bet is to buy either commercial or even industrial grade switches/duplexes when building setup like this. Such as Leviton's Prefered grade devices, which are shown in the video.

[@jkshoals]

I was trying to figure this type of extension with an on/off switch. You showed up in the nick of time. I already have purchased to equipment for that box.

[@2001pontiacta]

I have a cheap drop light(cheap as in it doesn't have a 110outlet on the handle) can I cut the bulb part off and turn it into a single extension cord?? Thanks

[@victorlopez2143]

Just what I was looking for. Build my own extension cords with 12/3 wire..

[@ishkode71]

do up a GFCI cord set I did one I like it for the outdoor work.

[@AskWoodMan]

Thanks a lot. I like making these videos. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a positive comment. Keep in touch. Allan

[@brucetomb6484]

I know where green goes but I don’t know if the black goes to the bigger one or the white one goes on the bigger one

[@AskWoodMan]

That is what 20 amp 110v plugs look like.

[@toology86]

I have been watching your shows for a long time my good man and i love em. You should get your own tv show, thanks again!

[@nel6211]

I've been doing this for years. One thing I do is use permanent marker and write the length of the cord on the wire near the plug, It helps when you have many of these.

[@rchopp]

My dad use to have those gang boxes all over the job site, I acquired a few of them after he retired and lets just say some could be classified as antiques..lol

[@nielssen9]

Thanks for this. Those cables are really thick and stiff! The extension cords I always see down here are some white ones and they are flimsy. Also, is it okay to connect 2 appliances in those double outlets?

[@MrWFCJR]

Nice - just split up a 75 foot "workforce" 12 gauge cord into three cords as you suggested. Bought the cord for $19.00 - $.25 a foot - not bad. Saw the router/cable faux pas and was on the edge of my seat - how would you spell that.....bzzzzzzzzzttttt-pop.

[@ranz9688]

Good video! Do you mind letting me know what exactly the metal boxes used to hold outlets are called?

[@AskWoodMan]

Surface mounted metal conduit boxes.

[@ranz9688]

Thanks,Sir! I am heading to lowes to find those babies.

[@logandavidson2132]

I love your videos I'm a cord freak

[@AskWoodMan]

I have a series coming up you may be interested in. I have only single phase power in my shop. But I am in the process of replacing the screaming commutator motor on my Hitachi bandsaw with a 3 phase 3hp motor converting the single phase to 3 phase with an electronic frequency drive inverter. The new motor sounds like a kitten sleeping. I have to weld up a new motor holder too. Thanks for watching. Allan

[@johnmichaelumali8059]

hey guys what do you call those metal boxes

[@molten_software]

+john michael umali those are conduit gang boxes

[@michaelbarr2325]

Hey Wood Man. What gauge wire are you using for each of the first 3 rigs you made?

[@AskWoodMan]

12

[@michaelbarr2325]

Thank you!

[@nklapproth]

you realize in a construction application or any time u have on the job electrical cords on a construction site molded ends on ur extension cord are the only code approved extension cords there are also repair ends are not water proof

[@AskWoodMan]

I am in a shop and not on a construction site.

[@ve5psl]

since when has any construction site followed every code rule (other than building/electrical/plumbing codes)

[@reapersremorse]

+AskWoodMan im looking to make a powerstrip with around 5 or more duplex's or more on the one strip, i havent been able to find extra large boxes, this cord would be used for a pc and other things close to it. planning to use a 12 gauge extension cord to build this powerstrip. with 20 amp outlets. i would ultimately make 2 of these extension cords because i have alot of my plugable items in 1 corner of my bedroom/office. what would you do in this situation? i do not sets of 3 or 4 duplexes, i need atleast 5 or 6 on one cord.

[@nickcavanaugh9586]

@@reapersremorse get an extension cord and a surge protector strip