Best Way to Store an Extension Cord

[@SlingingLead]

Stuff like this is what makes the internet great.

[@surfingonmars8979]

And here I was wasting my time on porn!

[@SlingingLead]

If you want to learn how to do most anything some kind soul will have already filmed themselves doing it and posted it to KZbin. And hopefully KZbin won't have already deleted it for "violating community guidelines".

[@surfingonmars8979]

@@SlingingLead But proper storage of an extension cord constitutes a violation of TOS and denigrates minority groups who identify with the cord being stored.

[@SlingingLead]

@@surfingonmars8979 thank you for bringing my attention to my insensitivity. I will give myself 40 lashes.

[@surfingonmars8979]

@@SlingingLead My mom used to say, “40 lashes with a wet noodle!” LOL. I bet that somebody, somewhere could take offense at the lesson on storing an extension cord. I personally use the method I learned on the sets of various TV shows I worked on - I watched the electricians and asked how they did it. Worked for me, so would not use this other method, but it is pretty good

[@kathyteague829]

You crocheted your extension cord!😊 I’ve done it with yarn forever but never would have thought about an extension cord. Thank you!

[@nuthinbutlove]

😁

[@cliffgriffen623]

I agree with the fellow before me This is what makes the internet great. Thank you Farmer Jay. 72 years old retired mechanic I love these tips God bless

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Cliff, thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ

[@thebookwyrmsclaws]

Wow. I absolutely never thought I'd be this excited about winding a cord up.

[@jennylenesmith-drayton8677]

Me too

[@tomchaperon1081]

Me 3😂

[@RonnParsley]

Thanks Dirt Farmer Jay. 50 years ago I worked for my grandfather's mechanical contracting company as an apprentice pipe fitter. At the end of each work day, it was my job to wind up the extension cords and put them in the gang box. I learned the method you showed in your video where you make the 1st loop at the middle of the cord. Unfortunately, about 20 years ago I forgot how to do this method, and my cords have been a mess ever since. Thanks for the refresher course, Dirt Farmer Jay. U da man!

[@fslubin]

The first time I tried this, my migraines ended, I got a stupendous promotion, and I found a pot of gold under my bed. I can’t wait to put away my extension cord again!

[@leelyndjackson2263]

Lmao

[@PrincessbeholdHis]

😁👍

[@cherylfisher2707]

Lmao man!

[@StonemanRocks]

Ha Ha Ha! I think I might even coil mine up twice tomorrow!

[@declanbutler5876]

@@StonemanRocks same here😂😂🔌🔌

[@Martin-se3ij]

Having lived on a sailboat for many years I prefer to coil my extension cords like I would coil rope. You just have to feel the natural twist of wires within the cord and wrap it in equal loops hand to hand, not over your arm which throws in unnatural twists. As you feed it hand to hand your fingers easily twist out unnatural bends until you end up with a soft coil, not one that is trying to buck in all directions. This is easily hung up or stored in a box with other cords. It is a lot faster because you are coiling it at the same time as straightening it out. An attached length of string is simply tied in a bow to keep it together or, again attached, velcro cord fasteners. Each to his own. Never-the-less this was a well documented video.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Martin, well put. I enjoy hearing from our viewers and especially well said and explained procedures or approaches like what you've provided. Thanks for taking time to write! Best, DFJ

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

I have used this technique from extension cords to microphone and instrument cables to garden hoses. I've done the "over the arm" thing but usually when I'm in a hurry, otherwise I coil it and untwist it at the same time. I gotta say though, I've always been curious about how to do what Jay demonstrated. I'm going to try it next time, if I can remember how to do it. Lol

[@rolls_8798]

I think that might be a better method if you have proper storage, but if you are just throwing it in the back of a ute or especially need it to be 'self-contained' in a pile of other stuff, this is a much better method

[@MrJperrette]

Shut your ugly cake hole Martin. This Dirt Farming Superhero just saved my life! Just went head to head with a 200 footer and tamed that mighty beast with Jay's help. Struggled for years and dreaded the thought every time I had to mess with the mess of that extension cord. This video started by teaching me how to cut it in half immediately without ruining it from now on. (The war is half won at that point) Then, after a few twists, I'm able to treat that old cord like an old sock and throw it in a bin or hang it on a wall, which is really the only two real choices for old socks and now super long demon cables. So make your own own video if you want Martin and maybe you'll convince me of an even better way, but for right now I'm content having finally beaten that knotted up coil monster of nightmares. lol ;) Really appreciate it Jay!! Where should I send the flowers?

[@towermonkey5563]

Having coiled hundreds of extension cords on job sites, I use the around the arm technique whilst doing a twirl with the uncoiled cord to solve the twist. Works well and very fast up to about 50ft length, literally nothing faster. Simple rope loop to hold it and hang it at same time. Down side is it takes some practice to figure out how much twirling needs to be done to keep everything even. If you have a junction box on one end, gotta start there.

[@bloop6812]

I'm 74 years old and always wanted to learn this method. Your right wrapping around your arms them throwing out when you want to use it takes 5 to 20 minutes to unravel with a hundred foot cord like I have thanks again😊

[@kerryjacobson5465]

Been doing this since I was in my early 20s! I'm 63 now, and still works for me! Thanks for showing this to those who didn't know!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Kerry Jacobson. We get our share of negative comments on this video so your validation by the years you have done this process, is quite refreshing and welcomed. Best to you, DFJ

[@davidwhitworth5931]

I had seen this method used back in the seventies, but never knew how or why it was done this way. Thanks so much for the education!

[@techguy9023]

My dad taught me that when I was a kid. He had several 100 ft cords hung up on his truck when he built cabinets.

[@Egalitarian-bt7kz]

Jay, you saved my day…I’ve seen this done by truck drivers and rope but, they went so fast I couldn’t pick it up. Now, with your guided and slower chain wrapping, I believe I got it, if not, I have your video as a reference. I’ll follow your example and practice until I get it perfect. A BIG thank you😊

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help. Check out our videos on other cord winding methods as well!

[@RobertSiwik1968]

I like the way he explains himself. Very definitive and speaks with confidence. Subscribed!

[@Katya5cat]

At the job I recently retired from, one of the guys tried this approach to cord management. I worked as a millwright in a steel mill's crane repair department. The gentleman insisted on knitting the cords as you described. It all looked good until we went to use them during very cold winter conditions. When the cords were put to use all the loops that were used to gather them up, imparted a myriad of trip and fall hazzards. We couldn't make the cords lay flat. This would be bad enough on the ground but we worked 125' or more up on the areas cranes travel in called runways. Even with harnesses it was too dangerous.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Yes, it doesn't work too well in cold weather. We will be doing an update on this video so we can share all the suggestions we've gotten over the years! Best, DFJ

[@MichaelMoore-rc7ch]

I worked construction 45 years running cords year round though jobsite and building obstacle courses, sometimes putting out and rapping up my cords 40 or more times a day . If I used this method I would have never gotten any work done dealing with the cords. Cords never get trained using this method.

[@Katya5cat]

@@MichaelMoore-rc7ch I always used long loops when I coil cords or hoses. Just takes a few seconds to uncoil each loop to avoid knots.

[@MichaelMoore-rc7ch]

My cord loops were the length of my out stretched arm getting shorter at the end of the Rapp .tied up with up with a Pease of solid core copper wire. The wire can also be used for tying the cord ends together so they don't get kicked or pulled apart.

[@yougonnaeatthat9889]

Tight coils can eventually break the fine wire strands, long loose coils will add longevity to the cords life. Was preached this from an electrician almost daily when he would find cords wrapped up by the night maintenance guys in tight coils. They had very little butt left once he would figure out who was the culprit. 😂

[@sscipo1]

Thanks Jay, We used to use this method in rock climbing and repelling since you could throw the entire rope off a cliff and have no worries that it would unravel without any problems. I also worked in the construction trades for years and my brother and I would always "roll up" our cords this way. Since we worked for ourselves we never had to worry about a boss losing his mind because we did it differently than everyone else. It sure made unraveling cords in the morning easier and quicker. By the way, it saves you time because while everyone else is trying to get all of their cords unraveled you're already working. It just takes a little practice to become very good at it.

[@robbywhite4291]

Ty very much DirtFarmer Jay! I'm 51 years old and my cousin told me about this method 20 years ago, but I wanted to continue to do it my way, which was the "WRONG WAY!" Old dogs can learn new tricks!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good stuff! Glad it helped. Keep watching and commenting Robby White. We are so thankful for our Dirt Farmer Jay family!

[@roylindsey7030]

Thanks Dirt Farmer Jay for showing me how to do this. My Grandfather was a carpenter and as soon as I saw your video I flashed back to see his cords bundled in his old wooden tool box. He died in '89 when I was barely out of high school and I never asked him how or why he did his cords this way. Now I know. Can't wait to get home and do my cords like this. Great video! :)

[@thegemgarden2757]

I was taught that cord wrangle back in 1982 working on a job site by an oldtimer security guard that served in the navy. Glad to see it being taught here great job

[@Iampalindrome]

Learned this in 78' while working for a master carpenter in a theater. My dad was a carpenter and I learned a lot from him, but all of the tricks I learned from doing theater carpentry I've found really helpful. We mostly used it for rope, but we also used it for electric cables suspended above a work table in the center of the shop.

[@guydavids9402]

My father taught me this over 40 years ago. Every cord I own looks like this today. Best ever!

[@kerrijacobi]

Guy Davids Ok, but he was using a 25 ft extension cord. I just did this with my 50 footer and it is now 5 feet long. How does that help me store it if it’s still 5 feet long? I hang my extension cords on a large hook in the garage. This will drag the ground. He needs to demonstrate this with every size extension cord including 100 footers. I rarely use short extension cords unless I’m stringing them together to make a longer one. Hey Guy David, why don’t you upload a video of you doing this and show me HOW/WHERE you store your cords after you have used this method. I really want to know b/c I DO like this method BUT the cord is still too long afterwards.

[@guydavids9402]

swamprat hint: how do you make a 100 ft length into a 25 ft length? For my 100 footers, I make the first “fold” of the cord. Then I fold that in half again. I pull 4 strands through the 4 strand loop. It works for me. It’s not difficult. I’ve never uploaded anything to KZbin. Don’t feel the need to now. Hope that helps.

[@LightbenderStudio]

Like others here have mentioned, my father also taught me this trick over 50 years ago. I haven't used it lately and your video has rekindled my interest in using it again. I had forgotten about plugging the two ends together first, so now I won't waste time remembering that when I start using this method again. Thanks, Jay!

[@mayasdaddy1]

I learned this trick 40 years ago, but I have long since forgotten how to do it! So now I have relearned it and hopefully I will remember now. Thanks!

[@todzilla09]

A small tip like this can save you hours over the course of a lifetime of tangles.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help! Best, DFJ

[@jamesgustin6449]

Thank you for your patient and clear explanation. Unlike others who have posted similar videos, I could actually follow your instructions, and duplicate your actions.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help. Best, DFJ

[@IamMimi_2017]

I am partially disabled & female with almost zero “handyman” type skills. In other words I struggle just hammering in a nail. I DID THIS! 25ft then 100ft cords! Omg’sh too simple & so much benefit! THANK YOU! Now I’m off to binge on the rest of your videos!

[@IBurnMetal]

Lisa Cooper this will ruin longer cables over time. It introduces a helix in the wire strands that overtwists the inner wires

[@Dwayne_Bearup]

@@IBurnMetal Growing up, my uncles always did this. I picked it up from them. I made decent side-money as a handyman for 7 years before starting my own handyman service 11 years ago. I always wrap my cords this way, never have had a problem. But I also don't buy cheap cords, nor do I leave them out in the weather for extended periods, and I never store heavy or sharp tools on top of my cords.

[@IBurnMetal]

Dwayne Bearup I cannot attest to what may or may not have worked for you, but I can say with 100% certainty, on two contracting crews I worked with all of the older cables were twisted up to the point that they looked like a corkscrew when they were laid out. All they ever did was the method shown in this videoto wind up their cords... A third crew refused to allow this method and only put their cords away using a 6 foot loop (3 foot tall when hanging). Not a single one of the cords was damaged not a single one of the cords had corkscrewed. No, this is not occasional use, they are wound and unwound daily. However, this type of use very clearly shows at a faster rate what you were doing to your cables when you wind them this way. It really has nothing to do with the method, electric cables cannot be wound that tight. Look how small the loops are when he’s finished. The exact same damage will happen if you wrap an extension cord around your forearm… Also something that he demonstrated…

[@Dwayne_Bearup]

@@IBurnMetal I can say only 2 things for certain. One is that none of my cords (all of which I tie in tighter loops than this, BTW) ever gets a permanent twist or bend in them. I untie them when needed and retie them when I'm done. No doubt there are a number of factors that account for the difference. If it mattered I could come up with a list. The second thing I can say for certain is that while I have never had a cord tied in this manner catch fire, I have experienced that from a cord wrapped around a reel. It was a 100' 12/3 cord, the spot my assistant was welding was 20' further from an outlet than my welder could reach, and he didn't have a 25' cord but didn't want to unreel all 100' of his, so...fire.

[@IBurnMetal]

🤷‍♂️

[@eternalfizzer]

I always use a figure-of-eight coil to keep the kinks out, but your way is way faster! I love that a series of half hitches solves it. (The right knot is the solution to most problems :-) I saw this years ago, forgot where I saw it and wished I'd practiced it. Glad I found you again! That'll extend the life of your cord too - less "work hardening" of the copper from bending it tightly. Thanks!

[@DiffEQ]

Horrible idea. No need to constantly put multiple tight coils into a cord. Worst thing for it.

[@sandybarbee8401]

@@DiffEQ . 10/4 You're putting MORE - TIGHTER bends in it . Besides , who among us is gonna live long enough to "WEAR OUT" an extension cord ???????

[@leehamgamereviews542]

I was doing this in the garage today and my wife said, “hey, I didn’t know you knew how to crochet”. So for all you guys doing this, just know you could crochet a scarf like nobodies business!

[@cugamer8862]

I've been chain braiding rope for years but I never thought of doing it with cord. This is amazing, I'll be doing this right away.

[@lindalowney1404]

This is exactly like crochet. If your cord was long enough you could make a blanket, lol.

[@bruceboettcher9977]

An electric blanket, eh?

[@gosteelers8322]

Thanks Jay for this "AWESOME" tip on storing electrical cords. I've been winding my electrical cords wrong, all along, for 45 years as demonstrated here after watching your video. I guess its NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN as they say.

[@tehpimpmasta]

I’ve been doing this for several years, after learning it from my old boss. Great technique! Appreciate you sharing this!

[@a9ball1]

Back in 1980 I was a senior in high school and worked for a live theater. The head carpenter showed me how to do this and we used it all the time. Since then I had forgotten how to wind it and I can't believe I just found it again. Thanks so much.

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

Glad someone put this on KZbin. I'm 41 now, learned this when I was 15, installing landfill liners. We only used 100' cords. Same thing when I was in commercial roofing. Thanks for teaching people.

[@stevelopez372]

jason carter Amen, I’m 64 and I learned this when I was 15 years old, yea 1970, a carpenters gopher, Lol.

[@melisascoggins5645]

I have been around construction, carpenters, for over 30 years and YOU of all people in the world FINALLY taught me how to do this! Thank you! My 2021 is starting off to a great start! (By the way my 1st time doing this was with a 50 ft cord that's been in a bundled mess 😬)

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Wow, thanks! Glad I could help! Best, DFJ

[@markmarkyyy5632]

I was a union painter here in Hawaii for about 25 yrs. and was taught this method by someone somewhere at sometime while in the trades. Also., paint sprayers can have lines that are over a 150 feet long and that line is almost never removed from the sprayer once it is attached and there is a very simple but completely unknown way (by most non pros) to wind the hose so that it also does not get tangled up when stretching it out. And believe me, untangling a spray line is a LOT more difficult than an extension cord.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

These are some great insights! Thanks for sharing this. Best, DFJ

[@ollieox9181]

I've seen this but not how it's done. Handy info. Thanks for posting.

[@sachsmike]

Someone did this to a cord at work and I had no idea how to un or re-do it. Added 15 min to the job. Now, I know, thanks for showing it.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help! It's easy to start unwinding the wrong end as well and end up with a mess. Now that you know the secret, you can look at the loops and know where to begin. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ

[@MtnMoss]

TOTALLY helpful, thank you!! It took me getting SOO pissed off from my 100’ cord being in a total knot AFTER wrapping it around my arm and palm like you described first🤦🏼‍♀️, to inspire me to search for this magical way to wrap a cord. Now I can only hope to show off my skillz in front of any hard working man!

[@geraldmaschmann5576]

Use the over/under method. Roadies and audio visual guys use it to roll up hundreds of feet of cable with no tangles, no twists, and no kinks. This method will introduce permanent kinks into your cord.

[@MtnMoss]

@@geraldmaschmann5576 can you demonstrate that method? So far this one has not shown signs of permanent kinks.

[@1mollymom]

@@MtnMoss DirtFarmer Jay has a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHOUl5R6iZylmsU

[@hardrock1826]

I have a hundred foot 12 gauge extension that I store coiled in a big bucket that's the same color as the extension cord. Easy to carry around and always ready to use, as the two working ends I have made easily accessible and I can just pull them out and put into use. The bucket has a secure, strong handle and can be hung up out of the way. My cord is easy to find, is safe from harm or getting dirty.

[@peachesschnapps2590]

Cord goals 👏 🏅

[@richhoops2413]

Probably less likely to get stolen too. Nice job.

[@ceciliamatos3288]

Good idea as well

[@ceciliamatos3288]

Thanks-this video came just in time for me and was a big help! ♥️

[@shadowhawk1st]

Taught this years ago as a carpenter's helper. This IS the best way to wrap a cord. People laugh at me when I do this but are amazed when they do it themselves. I DARE anyone to tangle the cord when this is done correctly. It is like crochet

[@mikelikesbacon5693]

This has been in my feed for years. Today’s the day.

[@tbradtbrad]

Me too! Lol, I sat down determined to watch and learn this... Now, I just have to go back watch the part I missed while I was commenting, LOL

[@MariaRodriguez-xq4bk]

😂😂😂

[@paulferguson3419]

I just had to like this comment !!!!!

[@NASTYVEGASNATE]

Haha thinking the same thing.

[@Justicejamesb]

Thanks for this video! I used to do this all the time when I was a framer, but that was 10+ years ago and I just couldn't remember, but with your help I got it again! Thanks!

[@davegray7206]

I've been doing that loop, without doubling the cord in half, for about 30 years. That is a pretty good improvement. It's the first time I've seen anyone else outside my company, where I learned it, has used that loop-knot. Well done.

[@da324]

@@tywyeth1680 Loose loops don't hurt anything, I've done this for decades and had no issues, but I'm always willing to learn something better. How do you do it?

[@VTXCageSC]

I was taught this method while in the Army and everyone used it that I know of. But, after decades, I'd forgotten just how to get started. Thanks for the refresher, the talk through, the repeats and the explanation of the whys concerning the hows. That's proper instruction!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Cage SC - first, thanks for your service to our country as a member of the U.S. Army. I'm glad that we were able to provide a reminder and to get you started again! Thanks for the kind works as well pertaining to our training approach. We strive to strike a balance between information, technique, skill and entertainment - edutainment if you will! Thanks for the endorsement. The best to you and yours - DFJ

[@elleryqueen79]

I was about to spend $99 on a retractable extension cord in a housing. You just saved me tons. Thank you!

[@tk-zb6br]

Been lacing my cords for 40 years. Taught by an old carpenter. You're right it is far and away the best way.

[@jackloss919]

I h

[@KX4UL]

Excellent! I always wondered when I saw a cord wound that way just exactly how was it done. I had been using the over under method, but your way is much easier and faster. Thanks Jay!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting KX4UL Ham Radio. Best, DFJ

[@plainnpretty]

Couldn’t have said it better myself thanks

[@dennisnsharleneparker9797]

Hmm, wonder if this works with LMR400 LOL.

[@bulshtbnd]

My dad taught me this trick when I was 8 years old. I'm 57 now. I call it the "Daisy Chain". Though I think it more resembles a half clove-hitch knot.

[@jackhewitt7902]

Odin2062 I just discovered this I don’t know if it has an official name I just refer to it as the chain method also I don’t why but this seems to never been used here in the uk.

[@myname604]

Same here. In fact it was like a mortal sin to do it any other way when I was a kid and back when I was a young man a 100 foot 12 gauge cord was like $30 bucks, now they are $300 bucks, they were likely only 15 bucks when I was a kid. But when every dollar represents time from your life so you learn to appreciate that and make things last for as much of your lifetime as humanly possible. For that reason I think thieves and government employees should all be hanged for murder. For that, I would donate my cords as hanging rope.

[@robertamiller3309]

You being a old head, you know actually how to do it! I'm a single lady and have struggled with that cord for years! I love you! Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help!

[@CHEECHMUN]

We need people like you to teach the younger generation. They mostly know nothing.

[@alc2371]

My pops used to work in residential framing he's been doing this cord move for 50 years now, works great some guys don't like it

[@coldspring-uu8lv]

I am 68 years old, this is the best tip I've heard for dealing with these damn Extension chords!!!! (Never too late to learn)

[@bmwbaker]

Called a daisy chain. Don’t know why. Carpenter here and I’ve been doing this for 50 years. Thanks for sharing.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

That's exactly where I learned it Rick Baker. I was an trim carpenter in my early working days. Best to you, DFJ

[@steve1000]

A friend showed me this a few years ago. I may be exaggerating a little, but it was life changing.

[@CJDe-kx8of]

One of the things construction, carpenter and electrician guys learn to do and teach their helpers. I was shown to do this maybe 35 or so years ago.

[@bigtasty8401]

And it should have gone out of style then. In all honesty, it probably did. For the last fifteen years I've only seen one old carpenter do it and it was out of sheer boredom.

[@CJDe-kx8of]

Big Tasty ... There reasons for this cord storage method; protecting the integrity of cords and no tangle use are two. Since my learning this technique at age 22 yrs. many have asked to be taught including my sons, daughter, in-laws, grandchildren, 26 years of Army Buddies and my late husband. I’m now age 66-1/2 yrs. and still teach the neighborhood kids and others who see my short, compact 100-200 foot cords and want to learn to do. If you think things old go out of style and/or become obsolete, have outlasted their usefulness and are a waste of time, just remember you’ll be ‘there’ soon enough too.

[@mattgordon3437]

Thank you brother! I’ve been doing it wrong for years. Extremely helpful! 😊

[@cchairez1947]

Jay, I thought I a good way store the cord until I saw your practical video! Thanks! I just love the practical method!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tmangamingx]

Thanks a million Jay! I remember my Dad rolling up the extension cords like that. I am 57 now, this technique has evaded me for years. I just simply forgot how to do it. You reminded me of the way he did it. That means a lot to me to know how to do this again. Thank you so much!

[@barrysmith5516]

My dad taught me this technique for cords years ago. Once you practice it several times, you can really wind up a 100 foot cord in less than a minute by just pulling each loop through, one after another until you get to the end. The only drawback is the thicker and stiffer the cord, the more it really works out your forearms. Good exercise though. This also works really well for long wires too.

[@martinoamello3017]

Ah HA! Therein lies the problem for me. All my cords are heavy duty and 100 feet or longer and unfortunately I just ain't getting any younger. LOL

[@jensredshoes]

He just crocheted that thing! Genius man.

[@MJ-qt4dm]

you aare gorgeous!

[@myname604]

That was from back before feminism ruined the relationship between men and women. United we stand, divided we fall. Time to get back to the old ways.

[@iiusemods812]

Riggers use this method this is old it's been around already for years

[@iiusemods812]

Jensredshoes?

[@jes1413]

That's what I was gonna say!

[@davidboswell5485]

I just wrapped a 100 footer. It took 45 minutes just to straighten it out. Now it’s hanging up nicely. Thank you brother

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help David Boswell Best to you and your family, DFJ

[@jackhewitt7902]

Greetings from the UK I’ve never heard of this method it’s so easy! I just tried it on one of my 80 foot rubber cords it’s so much easier!.

[@haroldlightfoot1382]

i have used this method for the last 40 years on long electric cords and for rope. it works great.

[@wfmcfp1]

I was taught this method as a High School kid working on a framing crew during the summers (1972, 73, 74). We always put cords away like this. We could then just toss them all in our big cord box on the truck. The next morning at the job site, they'd come out very easy, never be tangled up, and were readied for work without any untangling. Great way to roll cords.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks so much for posting always have had problem with extension cords

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to help jim wortham. Keep watching and commenting. Best to you, DFJ

[@davidwise1302]

In high school and college I worked construction with my father, a master carpenter. That is the way that he taught me and that we always used. I don't know whether he had learned it growing up in the trades or in the Sea Bees (WWII).

[@myname604]

My grandfather (Norwegian), learned it in the Waffen SS. My grandmother (also Norwegian) taught it to people. I think the concept came from Norway. The Germans were clever but they would never think of such a thing. They had too innocent a mind set to think in abstract concepts. I think the US adopted it from Europe when they joined the commies and warmongering bankers and evil murderous Churchill to attack our civilian populations.

[@rauldemoura2417]

Dang Jay!... I wish I knew about this method years ago! I could have saved myself a lot of aggravation through the years. You can bet I’ll be using this method from here on !

[@bric7298]

Firefighters and Rescue squads store all their webbing the same way. Quickly releases the length and both working ends are in your hand. Nice video, never thought of using it for electrical cords.

[@annecardosalifeweightcoach1350]

Hi Jay, I've got to share this with ya, as soon as I saw you, I got choked up because you reminded me of a younger version of my Dad. He passed a few years ago, but taught me so very much throughout my life about everything. We worked on cars together, home improvements, sports, adventures, and so on. I was always his helper/assistant. I've really missed having that amazing knowledge in my life to call at any time when needed. As a married Mom of teenagers, I even called him at 1:00am and he answered the phone right away. My teenage son and I had run up to an am/pm to get some snacks and for some crazy reason the horn on the car started blasting and I couldn't get it to stop. I knew my Dad would know exactly how to help. I told my son lets call Papa he will know what to do. I told him the problem and he suggested doing a couple things getting in and out of the car using the key and sure enough, the car stopped within 20 seconds. So what I'm saying is, that I am so excited to have you to look to for answering my misc questions. My husband can fix pretty much anything having to do with wood and much more he's a carpenter. But now I also have you to turn to for my questions too. Thanks for putting yourself out in the world to help others. Anne Cardosa PS Here's my first question for ya. Do you have a video on how to take a chandelier that was made for hard wiring into a ceiling and change the wiring to make it a plug-in instead? I want to add a super long cord and run it, across the ceiling, down the wall, and plug it into a wall? I live in an apartment and can't hard wire any lighting but want upscale lighting. Any advice you could give me would be AMAZING. Thanks again!

[@julimunro399]

When I was a kid my dad was a carpenter and I could never figure out how he would make his extension cords behave the way you just showed us... thanks Jay, that'll sure coming in handy!

[@Rottingboards]

My dad was a plumber and showed me how to do this but I forgot and he died. This was also a great video of remembrance for me. Have a great day Juli.

[@zackfair914]

Same. Its a mountain climbers trick. Who have really long ropes and don't need a mess when climbing.

[@orlando564755490]

I never learned how to do it until today that am 40, LOL that really suck, thanks Mr you are awesome.

[@gtaylor2770]

I've seen contractors do this with their cords, and I never knew how they did it. Thanks!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching!

[@myname604]

I make a point to teach this to people at every opportunity. I am glad to see somebody made a video about this. I am a firm believer that the market place should be reduced to a NEED basis only and people should not be wasting stuff by ruining it and buying new every 6 months to a year. The more we reduce the better, and that's not to sound like a liberals concept of conservatism, its just common sense. So I hope you help teach this to others as well. And thanks DirtFarmerJay for this little production, it will help to make a huge impact for all of us especially in these times that our communist governments are stealing all our money and trying to force a cashless society on us.

[@robinjohnson9611]

I had forgotten how to store these extension cords.. thank you for the refresher! *have been using this method for years!*

[@Onlyasking-b3s]

Thank you. That Figure 8 is no guarantee. After battling mine for 30 minutes I came in and looked you up. I did it once threw it out and undid it and did it again it works perfect. Thank you so much

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help!

[@kodieh3604]

The way you showed the first loop w yo face thru it, helpped me learn, cheers thanks man!

[@jeffreylonigro1382]

been doing this for years. It’s easier to reach through the hole, grab ad pull. If you do it correctly, it’s fast. And there’s a way to unfurl the whole thing in one toss.

[@jesserodriguez2769]

That is the way to do it I learned that when I started doing construction work,I was just a young pup.

[@61lastchild]

If you gather the cord like a lariat, and give it a slight twirl with the fingers, to counter the twisting, you get a nice circle of cord, or rope. That over time is "trained" to form this circle. And it hangs nicely...and the cord lays flat on the ground with no kinks. Learned this from a rock n roll band roadie.

[@stagesixx]

61lastchild Yes, on film sets and stages we coil cords and if you do it right, it deploys nicely. That around the elbow thing is rookie shit. I can coil a 100 foot mic cable that will run right out if it’s been tied up tight enough.

[@robertbunnell5045]

easiest fastest bestest way

[@Petzlglyph]

Yup I have cords that are more than 40 years old, that I have always stored that way, still in great condition, deploy even in freezing weather. I call it folding the cord.

[@Flat_3_6]

Agreed. A/V tech for 10 years I do the same. I had to wrap hoses and cords this way when I was younger or my dad would strangle me with them

[@extraordinaryactsofglass3743]

So glad someone here is doing it right. It's common sense. Are cords sold in knots? No. They are sold in roll. The twist roll is the only right way. For anyone that's ever had a cheaper Cord in 25° F. Weather knows why these chain knots are a bad idea

[@Fingerprintguy]

Ever since I saw this video I've been knotting my cords just like this. What an improvement.

[@Wolfproductions100]

Mate !! been rolling cords for twenty five years, and I love to learn new things ( even at my age lol )Thx i'm gonna try this ..

[@johnschroeder3072]

You've clearly been coiling cables wrong to 25 years as this video shows one of the worst ways to coil a cable

[@zachredner8]

I learned that method of cord winding, many years ago when I was actively playing in a band. And having to set up, break down and transport sound equipment.

[@fjeepers]

I learned this about four years ago. Never looked back. My 200 footer never gets tangled now!

[@SirFency]

I love this. I have had multiple people show me this over the years and I always forget how to do it. I'm going to watch this then go practice when I get near my cords so I wont forget again. I spend more time untangling 100 footers then recoiling them than it takes to to the task at hand sometimes. Thanks.

[@josephdowell707]

Contractors have used this method for over 20 yrs that I know of. It saves them set up and and tear down time which means more time actually doing the job. Remember contractors typically get paid a set amount per job. So they have to save time wherever and however they can. We typically called it daisy chain. Another term is Contractor's Wrap

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks, Joseph! Great insights. Indeed, this is a quick way to both stow and deploy cordage on the job. One thing I really like about this approach is how "non-fussy" the stowed cords are. You can put a whole batch of them together, laid on top of each other, or hung together, and they don't get intertwined. Once you know which end to pull from, simple! Contractor's wrap - I like it. Best, DFJ

[@jopac4742]

As an apprentice carpenter this what I did for 2 hours after everyone else left for the day. I've never did cords any other way. It's easy to unroll them even at 100ft cords

[@prunga308]

I was taught this over 40 years ago by a studio electrician. The braiding get real and faster with practice until it becomes second nature. Here's a trick I use, since 99% of cables are yellow or orange, when I find the middle of the cable I mark it with a black marker. Saves time from starting at the plug end and going to the middle.

[@StonemanRocks]

i am also a union worker and your so called studio electrician is a moron

[@Dontpanic4242]

great idea. gunna do this next time i coil it

[@drumzyful]

Thanks, I've been struggling with cords for 50 years, no more!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to help!

[@mtnride4930]

We stored our electrical cords like this when I was first in the Fire Dept. in 77, I always thought it was pretty stupid and it was. We switched to reels about 40 years ago way better.

[@chris8383]

I watched this video a long time ago and finally had to chance to apply the technique. It works like a charm. Just wanted to say Thanks!

[@ffryan]

This is also referred to as a "daisy chain". This works very well with not just extension cords but ropes, webbing, and so on. Great vid Farmer Jay!

[@kaylinbrenay8163]

That's what I've always called it.

[@Stewbular]

I was taught it as a California framers knot

[@StonemanRocks]

Gayzi chain maybe!

[@slowfox532]

This is genius! Omg...I did it wrong for the past 50 years. Now I will do it right. Thanks and greetings from Germany.

[@marc.lepage]

This way is OK but audio engineers generally coil cords with a sort of over/under to compensate for the twisting, it is quick and easy.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Marc Lepage, you are correct. I use that method as well and will be featuring it in an upcoming video. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ

[@dzfh98]

Indeed, It also make the cables lay flat (non trip hazzard) on stage. Your method does not do that.

[@marc.lepage]

@@dzfh98 Good point, I forgot about that but it's important.

[@subliminalsmash]

@@dzfh98 He's storing a cord, not taking it on tour...

[@jerrycrone3813]

I've tried explaining this method for yrs and hardly any one understands

[@davedbaveda]

The other way to do cord so it does not rwist is the "over/ under" method where the cord has a reverse twist every second loop. That method also makes it easy to ensure all loops are uniform in size and when the cord is thrown out like you saw at the start of the video, there is no birds next. With practice, over/ under is also very fast.

[@gretagoode2965]

Thank you so much!!!!! You have no idea how much easier you've made my life.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Happy to help!

[@axlehop4943]

worked for master electrician for years, never knew this. WELL done, good technique, good NO BS video. Praise be ye!

[@mattwilson218]

axlehop Your Master should have taught you correctly. I am a master electrician and there is a reason to coil a cord correctly. One reason is that cords are manufactured with a “right handed coil” onto the spool. This means that the cord will have a natural coiling position when it’s coiled properly and this will be without tight bends or knots. Thus creating zero hot spots in the copper conductor. I have cords on my van that I’ve used for more than 20 years. There is no chance of tying knots or just bundling your cords and expecting the cords to last when you treat them like this video suggests. Roofers do this kind of knot thing because they are uneducated and too cheap to buy the proper cord or strain reliefs for their application. Lesson is: learn to do it properly and your cords will last a long time and will be safer for you to use.

[@TheComputec]

I was always taught to completely unroll any extension cord as a coiled power lead gets hot and may speed up the deterioration of the insulating sheaths. A loose knotted set of loops like this would be less dangerous (potentially) than being wound in a tight coil like an extension reel but there is still some heat induction going on. In my experience there is a more obvious reason to fully uncoil a cable. You mentioned that creating your loop allows you to stuff it into your shelves and it will still come out tidy... You are right, but what about if the cable has been damaged... caught on a nail, rubbed up against a jigsaw blade while it is on the shelf etc Feeding an extension cord out fully between your thumb and forefinger allows you to feel for any breaks in the outer sheath I like your knot idea, but i'd say it is safer to recommend fully unravelling Just my opinion

[@Bbender690]

TheComputec you my friend are a certified d-bag

[@ronb6182]

No there is truth to what you said. I never use a cord with coils in them. Straight is best when using heavy duty cords. If you have to use a space heater which I don't recommend but there are exceptions, there should not be any coils in the cord that will really have a heat build up. I don't recommend using a cord for space heaters unless it's number 12 with good plugs on both ends. I do use cords when I want to start with the first outlet on a daisy chain usually the first outlet is behind furniture. Not the best thing but all the rest of the outlets don't heat up if I start with the first outlet.

[@johnsmith-qe2fd]

Safety guys (rolling my 👀)

[@ronb6182]

Safety before convenience!

[@maxi-me]

Thanks for the share. I came up in the construction industry learning this method; it works great, but with one caveat. If you live in the gulf coast "sun belt" don't do this on a long cord you plan on dragging across the jobsite. After the cord bakes in your truck or gangbox a few weeks, it effectivally becomes like a phone cord spiral. Then when you drag it out it hangs up on every rebar, pipe stub and survey stake within a 30 mile radius. If you live above the 32nd parallel it's probably ok.

[@marklashway]

Great. I like the throw it on the floor... thanks I'll use this.

[@jacquelinedavison4765]

one thing to fix that is to find a warm asphalt driveway, stretch it out in a straight line. then hold it down with weight and the heat will remove the cords 'memory'

[@maxi-me]

@OBServe Garage lol thanks I needed a laugh

[@aaronkapustinsky6062]

No man our cords freeze solid up here. The end result is the same

[@bobanderson1727]

I've watched a bunch of people with videos on how to store their extension cords. I think these guys probably haven't watched your video on this topic; probably because they already KNOW how to store an extension cord (or so they think). I've NEVER seen anyone do it like you do, DirtFarmer Jay. You've got the right way to do it, and you've explained it thoroughly and clearly. Thanks for making these videos. I'm still having trouble storing my extension cord as quickly as you did in the video. 🤔

[@marrcohh4634]

My dad taught me the elbow wrap and I use it to this day. Now it’s my turn to teach him something too 👍 Thanks a lot Dirt Farmer Jay 💯

[@AllenDAtkinson]

The elbow wrap method ruins your cords.

[@myname604]

@@AllenDAtkinson Absolutely. My oldest cord that hasn't been stolen yet is over 30 years old and not a break or twist anywhere in it, its a 100 foot cord.

[@keith9340]

Worst possible way to wrap a cord

[@MassDynamic]

this. this is the type of content youtube should have more of. teaching people better ways of doing something, anything.

[@nothankyou5524]

Well, isn't KZbin where you found it?

[@condorX2]

This feel like a magic show with a happy ending.

[@bluzzjazz]

I worked with my older cousin framing houses during the summer. I remember him showing me how to do this but had forgotten how. Glad I ran across this, I've been an around the arm in a circle guy.