Extension Cord Pro Tips

[@BioshockChicken]

I never thought I’d reach the point in my life where I become enthralled by a video about extension cords.

[@rapturebound197]

...ya...somebody's boring me...I think its me. ":-0

[@Reelaxing]

I think most of us share that same exact thought! lol...

[@mab1120]

It happens.

[@thetruebatman4632]

Here we are brother, teammates lol.

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbUaYWkisqeedk

[@jordanm7643]

I went into my Grandpa's garage one time and seen the extension cords stitched in the same way, I ask my father why Grandpa does them like that and he said "Old people have to much time on their hands". I do wrap them up the same way now. RIP Grandpa.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Nice 👍

[@MyBrothersKeeper101]

I have a very similar experience with my grandfather

[@MrSeaneboy]

Im now a grandfather with a young grandson...can't wait to teach him everything I know.

[@Tyrelguitarist]

That's a sad response from your dad for sure.

[@roseymalino9855]

@@Tyrelguitarist Yes, the father was an un-inquisitive son and a poor educator as a parent. He missed 2 chances to enlighten himself.

[@evanvanheukelom6689]

These "Basic" videos are some of the most valuable that you make. I love it. Thank you!

[@N.Cognito]

I enjoy all EC content, but for me the "basics" is what I look forward to most on this channel.

[@m.j.9627]

I was going to say the same thing. This is one of those simple methods that gives back repeatedly.

[@pistool1]

It is not a real workshop or work van if there are no tangled cables and other misc. mishmash around :D

[@tdurden9532]

This is advanced not basic. Basic is just coiling a circle

[@johneppstv]

Pro tips is not basic

[@declanlee6894]

Just wanna say that it was really refreshing when at just under 7 minutes you said two things and those two things were more wisdom instead of a half hearted plea for likes and subscribes. You sir are a national treasure so thanks for that.

[@jby257]

You have to plug the ends together to keep it charged.

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbUaYWkisqeedk

[@judsonkr]

I wondered how that worked. Thanks!

[@rhubarbpie2027]

Gotta keep them magical pixies contained in there, what for preserving the continuity.

[@pph1L]

Save the energy left inside the cord for later

[@javierenriquez1652]

Lol

[@jjpop24]

For those of us without a father or grandfather to learn from these videos are priceless

[@codylujan]

I'm a live sound tech and audio engineer. When you said, "use the sound guys' method" I almost shed a tear. Thank you for mentioning us. We are some of the most over-looked people in society.

[@MikinessAnalog]

I used to help with a live sound crew & one thing they said I was very good at was during sound checks when trying to get the most volume from the vocal mics without feedback, when it actually occurred I could tell them the approximate frequency so it could be reduced with EQ. The pot for vocals increased until feeding back with a different frequency, that frequency reduced and more level to the vocal pots. Repeat until satisfied.

[@riffedwood5597]

I see you sound man. As a former band leader, I see you, I appreciate you, and I would buy you a drink if you wanted one

[@MikinessAnalog]

@@riffedwood5597 You would be surprised by how many people think what they hear on on a video of live performances is what the audience hears. It isn't. One mix for the "house" and another goes to recording.

[@daveschmidt5713]

I can only imagine how often the "talent" shifts the blame to the techs.

[@MikinessAnalog]

@@daveschmidt5713 Even without any live audio reinforcement experience, you know a lot already LMAO Highly specific demands, like no red M&Ms backstage, not because they do not like red M&Ms, it is to see who actually reads the band's requirements.

[@databang]

Good to know such a novel concept, “you can’t tangle something that’s pre-tangled” -i like it! Might work well with some of my audio gear.

[@Jakeman90210]

Please do not do this to any nice audio cable. Over under your nice cables. That’s the way it is done in the pro audio world because it is the best way

[@techoverload]

@@Jakeman90210 I actually learned the "stitch" technique when I was in grade school 30+ years ago from a roadie for a band (Up With People) that used to tour schools in the early/mid 80s ....... Used it while I worked as an AV tech at the Don Cesar hotel on St Pete beach while in College and have used it my entire professional career as an engineer.

[@Jakeman90210]

Jeremy B I work for Clair Global audio. The largest live audio company in the world. We over under, and everyone I work with over unders. You would get yelled at if you “stitched” it . It’s not good for the memory of the cable, it won’t lay flat and it takes up more room in road cases.

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@Jakeman90210 Which is a fair point, but I use this stitch on my long headphone cables because I can leave the stitch in and the cord stays the same length.

[@mattbcameron]

@@Jakeman90210 yep we do similar. Or some cables loop, tape first loop and roll the rest into your hands. Depending on type of cable. But the tangled method would be a nightmare. I can see it working if you only have one or two cables maybe.

[@Recovering_Californian]

I've been coiling my cords the wrong way for over 20 years. Never realized it was ME that was putting a terrible twist into them. Never again!

[@pistool1]

There is no right or wrong way in this as Scott clearly mentioned in the beginning of the video. He just demonstrates the way he is used to do this and what applies best for him.

[@urwholefamilydied]

The twist comes from just going in circles around your forearm or whatever. There's a way to coil a cable where you go over and under. Hard to explain in text. edit: ahhhhh, just saw that he demonstrated it at 6:22 ... whoops hadn't gotten to that part yet.

[@xTheeCandyManx]

@@pistool1 No, there is definitely a wrong way. He says it at the end of the video. Wrapping the cord around your arm is the wrong way. Now the chain method and over-under each have their benefits. I prefer the over-under because it looks neater but I can definitely see what a pro like him would like about the chain method.

[@KOLD504]

I used to make sure I stretch the cord all of the way out, straight, and then make a loop in one hand and untwist the cord as I make a big circular loop and I give the cord a half twist or full twist as I make my loop so that the cord lays flat in the loop. As I wrap and untwist, whatever twist may be in the cord works itself out towards the end of the cord. It keeps the cord nice and straight with no twists when you are done rolling it up. it can be a pain in the ass and the cord starts to get a little heavy towards the end, but it does look neater and is a more compact finished product. However, I switched to this method for the speed of packing and unpacking. It’s also much easier on your arms to pick up your cords like this at the end of a long day.

[@Mogman150]

Coiling around your forearm breaks the wires in your cord prematurely.

[@tentons123]

Whenever I see a guy with suspenders I know I'm about to get lectured.

[@pf465]

Or some good advice.

[@tentons123]

@@pf465 yes dad

[@Arthur-kq7qr]

More like schooled. Lol

[@tentons123]

@@Arthur-kq7qr yes grampa

[@oneselmo]

CrankyApes Well, if you really must reinvent the wheel... don't listen!

[@austinpatrick2682]

The ONLY two reasons I'm not doing this already (after you taught us this last time) is that I neatly coil mine and know how to make a perfect beautiful coil that lays perfectly flat on the ground when you unroll it. And that to me is so extremely and oddly satisfying that it's worth being that much less efficient. The other reason is almost all my tools are battery so there's not much loss in production anyway for me. As a bonus, I ALWAYS hang my cords so they never tangle unless the wrong person unrolls it or it falls off the hook. Other than my weird satisfaction in having it my way, your way is far superior from a practical standpoint, hands down. If and when I build a house and have a real need to run cords day in and day out I'll be sure to implement your way.

[@denisohbrien]

problem with a coil in a cable on a reel or otherwise is its an inductor. put a heavy load on that cable and itll all melt together.

[@austinpatrick2682]

@@denisohbrien I'm not denying the method has its issues. That said, I don't use a cord often and I usually need the entire length anyway.

[@noyacat7269]

@@denisohbrien I totally agree with you......if it melts that is a big issue.

[@denisrhodes54]

Austin Patrick i usually need 10’ more than the entire length, good thing i have several short cords handy

[@454Casull]

Denis O'brien it might melt together under too heavy a demand but it won’t be because of its inductance

[@pete540Z]

I'm 61 and learned something new today. This is great. I was showing my wife my first attempt at this and said "You're crocheting."

[@Amberlynn_Reid]

im gay

[@pete540Z]

@@Amberlynn_Reid Do you want some kind of trophy because of this insignificant fact?

[@Amberlynn_Reid]

@@pete540Z Yes please

[@Amberlynn_Reid]

@@pete540Z Greetings Pete, I hope this message finds you well. I am just touching base and wondering when my trophy will be arriving? Thanks

[@LotsOfPaypa]

⁠@@Amberlynn_Reid Hey did you ever get your’e trophy?

[@ericmgodfrey]

Me before video: "How much is there to know about an extension cord?" Me watching video: "This is going to change my life."

[@PLAYAWORLDRecords]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbUaYWkisqeedk

[@paperaxes4192]

These are great, underrated and universal tips. I remember starting out working in film and how the sound guys wouldn't let anyone touch their cable. Then I learned the "over under roll" and practiced it until I found myself coiling vines before bagging them in the leaf bags at my parents. This skill got me promoted to where I learned how to carefully and silently reel out slack cable for 5-6 devices at once (camera power, audio cables, power for mobile lights, etc) working with principle crew (ten feet from the camera) and many great memories. Later, I made Sound, becoming both a Boom Operator and Field Audio Engineer. Don't underestimate how far mastering the basics can take you. And wear your earmuffs around loud noises. 😉

[@sebastianmarquez3014]

Yeah, I think your penultimate sentence underpins a lot of life :)

[@nbmrbluesky3688]

I work(ed) in the events industry and we coil most cable over under once you’ve been doing it for a while you get just as fast because it becomes a habbit and you dont even think about it.

[@FishFind3000]

Yep works much better and looks way cleaner.

[@Sjackson2369]

Do the same thing with my air hose. Works great. Can throw the whole air hose out from my toolbox

[@EnnTomi1]

That’s actually the most correct method. The chain method only works for short cable like in video

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Yeah, I gave a reply that we called it Theater Wrap.

[@bobt9948]

@@FishFind3000 it might look cleaner, but having the ready end ready is much better with a "daisy chain" at least from a carpenter's point of view. The other advantage with a daisy chain is that both ends are free to roll and therefore you don't twist the cord permanently and damage it.

[@Petzlglyph]

when I lived/worked in a warm climate I used the chain method. when I started working in colder climates I found the the cord sheaths would crack off from the tight bending of the cords when near frozen. I switched to the (I call it) folding (over-under) method that I learned in the movie industry and have cords that are 30 years old and still in use. One addition I add is a short length of pull tape (@2') clove hitched around the plug end of the cord for: 1 tie off the coil (minimize tangle), 2. tie plugged end off at source, 3. tie 2 cords together. 2 and 3 help to minimize pulling off those expensive lit ends and save time. Agree on the lit ends, trouble shooting power issues are instantaneous! I've seen and given serious tongue lashings to newbies who, thinking they are helping, pick up and start the arm wrap of someone else's cord! Excellent Vids!!!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I use both methods, the chain stitch on the traveling cords, the roadie wrap on the cords that live in my VERY small workshop. The 12 gauge cord is the way to go. Recently working on a job site I had someone using one of my tools (not the best situation, long story) my big rotary hammer drill. I told them to use my extension cord, not the cord they had. They could not understand why? I had to explain it to them. They were of the opinion that it was crazy spending the kind of money I did on extension cords. I might pay $200 for a good 12 gauge extension cord, but I'm running very expensive tools at the end of them, their $25 cords are just a joke and they will burn up your tools, I've seen it happen. Cheers from Tokyo! Stu

[@jfbeam]

Or pop breakers all over the place. My preference is 10 or 8. Yes, they're costly. And yes, they're quite heavy. (esp @ 50, 100, and 150ft) We lucked up with the RV... it came with a long (50+ft) 6AWG extension, plus whatever is on the electric spool.

[@thetruebatman4632]

I hadn’t ever even considered that.

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@FritzDWhite The best quality is one with thick strands. The best flexibility is one with thin strands. The best cord for YOU is the one with the thickest strands you can still work with. (And make sure you get the right gauge. Longer cords need to be higher gauge to make up the difference from the internal resistance. For much the same reason Christmas Light strings can be run in a single 50' stretch end to end, or in 20 25' stretches in parallel. Distance is the killer of available amps. My standard extension cords are 14 for 25', 12 for 50', 10 for 100-150', battery for anything over 150'. (Seriously. The shorter your extension cord runs, the better. I use a wheeled toolbox with batteries and a monster inverter if I can't get a battery-operated tool somewhere. And that has a 25' 10AWG cable wired straight to the output in case I need to use the tool up in the rafters and can't take the battery box with me)

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@FritzDWhite For the majority, I use Husky. But for the custom-length one in my battery bank, I actually custom-made that one from raw 4-strand 10AWG industrial cable (It has a >30A throughput capability, so it has 2 circuits on it that Y at the inverter)

[@indikadeepal]

Lower gauge cords are safer because they prevents fires. The cord will heat up and burn if the load draws more than whats rated on the cord. Extension cords can never damage tools!

[@bradkosh3804]

As a fourth generation general contractor with over 30 years experience, I wish I could be as articulate in teaching these hard earned skills as well as the Essential Craftsman! Well done.

[@joelthronburg9809]

Everyone who watched this video just learned how to crochet. Enjoy your new skill!

[@kareem8533]

My mother knows everything about how to crochet, so maybe I should have asked her how to weld aswell?

[@jamesogorman3287]

Does that mean I can take apart one end of the daisy chain and shorten the four foot sleeves of that ugly sweater Grandma made me?

[@Nathankinamorh]

Nan' will be proud.

[@kareem8533]

I'm braggin' now. Once in the 60's I actually "knitted" a sock. With the angle and everything. It took a long time, so I never did the other one.

[@peteranon8455]

@@kareem8533 It's quite ironically like painting... you just kinda move that puddle back and forth real smooth... you can google "beautiful welds."

[@cathleen537]

Hey Scott,. I'm a 64 year old female living alone and I just found your channel. Looks like I've got some videos to watch!

[@DrGooseDuckman]

I just stood up (alone) and applauded... with tears in my eyes. God bless you sir. You are doing Gods work.

[@nicholasricchiuto8923]

Scott, thank you for the wonderful video. I just did 100 reps to get this valuable life skill down pat. Definitely mark the center, keep your hands loose, pay attention on the first loop and keep it clean. If you are ending up with two and three loops on the end you attached to the truck, you’ve essentially tied a series of overhand knots. One loop at the end, hooked around a fixed object and the whole thing comes apart! I owe you a debt of gratitude. You’re the man. Keep up the amazing content.

[@bloodbushcraft2467]

That lit end is gold, there's been many times I've plugged into a dead outlit and because of it I knew to switch outlets. Instead of spending timing seeing if it was my cord or tool that was dead

[@palco22]

After countless years using the best extension cords money can buy and never ever stopping to think things out, this is fantastic ! At the beginning I said 'Ok what's this video about ?' then interest kicked in then my eyes lite up ! This video is among the more intelligent ones on KZbin. Thanks once again ! .........and mason jean said it ! I never thought I’d reach the point in my life where I become enthralled by a video about extension cords.

[@tikemanski3548]

I saw my 11th Grade Building construction teacher do this and had him teach me on the job site. After graduating I could never get the hang of it. You made this look so easy and I'm now confident I could daisy chain a mile long extension cord. Thank you for a great video and what fantastic quality. Thanks again, have a nice day!

[@trenttell5597]

Just tried it. This is GENIOUS!! I am 32 years old and this may be the single greatest thing I have learned to date. So simple yet functional. THANK YOU!!

[@FWtravels]

This is genius, This will forever change how I wrap up extension cords. I’ve been struggling for many years with putting them away neatly only to find them a tangled mess when I go to use them next. Thank you sir for your great contributions to society.

[@ATONAL6173]

0:47 ."...grab any corner, pull it out, get a black eye from it whipping out at your dome... " Sorry, a little lol for me as I've been whipped a few times, usually begging for it, being in a hurry, getting cocky and yanking and here you are just gently unloading it and you just about get clocked. I don't take pleasure in others' pain, but it just made me smile and wanted to give you some algorithm love and maybe a smile too through commiserating with you. :) Thanks for all you're teaching, friend.

[@ramosel]

This was like I found Mr. Peabody's "Way Back" machine. I've said before... although you and I are roughly the same age, you remind me of my dad, appearance and manner. He had this same discussion with me 50 some years ago in front of a house we were building in Georgia. Now I have a video of that evening on Taylor St. in 1967... thank you, thanks Nate! And thanks Dad, I've been doing it this way since. OK, so we didn't talk about the lights in the ends of the cords.

[@johnb7889]

First try, I don’t know how but I just tied it in knots. Second try, half good, half knots. Third, fourth, fifth and from now on, all good! You have just changed my life for the better in one small way, and I’m the same age as you are! Thanks!

[@Tjamesknight]

Watching EC is the best way to start the day!

[@marvinlusk7303]

You have just sold me on 12ga wiring, for I have been a 16g Cheap Bastard my whole life. I am changed, thank you. And I shall seek the lighted ends cords as much as possible, because yes, they DO say so much just with that lil light on or off. Thank you. -Marvin

[@Thfeyhvfdetyhbvcd]

Excellent demo! I’ve been doing this for years but never thought of taping the center or using a larks head to start it.

[@scott555]

I have been puzzling over this my entire life, and I am a persnickety pain in the ass about cord/cable management. This is the first time anyone came close to making the case for it. I'm sold.

[@patrickmurphy3759]

I like the roadie wrap for tossing capabilities with shorter cables

[@xoxo2008oxox]

We called this Theater Wrap, so when we were hanging lights, or setting mics or equipment lines, we could toss and it would be untangled. Wrapping up was always "Round, then twist In, then round, then twist in..."

[@DriveCarToBar]

@@xoxo2008oxox stagehand here. We call this the over-under. And if I opened a cable trunk and found that chain stitch method, a stream of profanity that would make a prisoner blush would flow forth and I would take a picture and then grab the nearest guy walking by so it could ruin his day too.

[@MaxPowerElectric]

@@DriveCarToBar Studio lighting tech here, we do clockwise over-over for everything except data cable. For most stranded wire cables it helps to preserve the memory of the copper strands and puts less mechanical wear on them from constant twisting in opposite directions that you'd get from an over-under wrap. For data cables that have twisted pair conductors I've heard that an over-over wrap can increase the capacitance between them which can distort the signal from a square wave to a sawtooth wave...though I'm not an expert and have no idea how that actually happens, so don't take my word for it.

[@skizzik121]

@@xoxo2008oxox i like roadie wrap better just because its an alliteration

[@ricardobecerril1783]

Your amazing, 20 plus years of working on a site and finally someone smart enough to teach me how to do it properly , much thanks. Your the best.

[@livebeautyfull]

He’s my KZbin dad. He teaches everything my real-life dad did; except he doesn’t whip me with the cord for not paying attention.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

My dad would say "why do you want me to teach you do i have to do everything" some dads are awesome

[@inyaface07]

HAHAHAHA!!!

[@MrTIMETODIE1]

With whining like that I can see why you got whipped

[@tmcgrath]

That's almost exactly what I've told people when directing them to this channel. Only it was grandad.

[@A6RXN]

🤣🤣🤣 yup!

[@vincentamorosi5665]

I was shown this method 50 yrs ago but forget how to do it and have struggled with cords ever since! Thanks for getting me back on the right track!!!

[@kennethlasseter9264]

Great video! I always use this method for my cords! Another useful tip if you fly a lot, always carry an extension cord with you! In the unfortunate event the plane goes down, hold on tight to one end of the cord and toss the other end out: it'll hang up on something!

[@JoeyRetro]

I work in a TV studio and the overworked, underpaid method is the safest method to use when coiling up fibre optic cables for our cameras. The extension cord method is just like how bags of rice are stitched. I've learned something new today. Thanks!

[@trueKorvus]

"Overworked, underpaid" is how I coil my garden hose. Best lesson I ever learnt from my audio engineering background ^_^

[@rigobertoperdomo5385]

THE BEST WAY for a garden hose, funny that I learned that from being an Audio Tech... lol

[@sonicclang]

I've been doing the over/under approach for probably 10 years. When I first discovered it, I swear it changed my life. I used to be in a band and setting up and tearing down all the cables was such a chore when I twisted each loop in the same direction. The over/under approach is so much fun for me! I show it to everyone I can. I showed it to a neighbor when I saw him struggling to coil up a hose in his front yard. He was very thankful. I would use the chain method, but I prefer to have my cords/hoses stored a little flatter.

[@kevinschmidt9082]

Over-under is the best. This chain BS is better for webbing or something else besides electrical cable. Over-under has all of the advantages of a chain, plus none of the downsides.

[@boolboolbool6255]

My boss taught me this a few years ago and it was life changing

[@mrdikasun]

As a sound guy, I totally appreciate the Over Under method you demonstrated later in this video. Another advantage is that you can choose the end you want somewhere, and throw it in that direction. The cable will get there with no tangles at all as long as you properly coiled it! Neat!

[@hexpulatwork]

"what could I possibly be doing wrong with my extension cord.." OH?... well damn the twisting of the cord is something I never knew about. I figured that was just normal cord behavior. I also like the "over worked, Under paid"

[@johnsrabe]

Thanks for the shout-out to us sound guys. That over/under is not only important for keeping mike cords flat and untangled, but, actors - if you know how to do it - you will gain the instant respect of the techs. It’s also super good for water hoses.

[@dtemp132]

What Scott's describing at the end is voltage drop. First of all, in any situation where enough electrical current is going over a too-thin cable to cause appreciable voltage drop, that lost voltage is going towards heating up the cord. If it gets hot enough it could weaken the insulation or cause a fire. Second, like he said, you're making the equipment run at a lower voltage than it was designed, which in the base case will lower it's performance, and possibly shorten its life. All extension cords brought to a job site should be at least 12AWG for durability. 12AWG is fine up to 100 feet for loads of 12 amps or less. If you need to use all 15 amps, 12AWG is borderline and 10AWG is better for 100', and 150-200' should always be 10AWG unless you only use it for puny devices like cordless tool battery chargers.

[@jwagnermail]

Yes, thanks for the clear explanation of the issues with under gauged extension cords. This will bite people who think a cheap 14 G cord works, so they try to save some money. But in the long run, the burnt up tools will exceed the cost of a 12 G cord. If there is a fire, it will be many times the cost of the right cord.

[@TheDarthJesus]

With the smaller 25' cords, it's really not going to make much of a difference.

[@scrambler350]

I cringe when people bust out a 16 or 18ga extension cord and laugh at them when they want me to hook something like my vacuum pump up with that wimpy cord....12ga minimum - preferably a 10ga.

[@dingotechaus]

Yep. The double whammy here is the voltage drop is worse on longer runs - so you actually want the more expensive-per-meter cord for the longer run. You can get away with thinner cords for short runs, but for long runs don't cheap out.

[@Nick-tp1gp]

By learning this VERY SIMPLE trick, it has provided me with respect from a lot of contractors that are from other trades, that I've worked alongside with on large jobsites. I'm from a younger generation, and the one generation we all know that gets a bad rap these days; and it's fun to entertain onlookers' reactions when they see my cord. I often first hear, "I feel bad for the guy who has to untangle that power cord." *Note that I have a 100' cord, so it's a very large and nasty-looking pile when bundled up on the ground*. Once I look at that person and tell them with a straight face that it's all done on purpose, I confiedently show them why and get a massively positive response EVERYTIME. They often say, "An old school guy must have taught you that." In respect EC, I tell them "an old school guy sure did." Thanks EC. When on-site I'm sort of a quiet fellow, and this trick has eliminated many of the repetitive barriers I've continuously had to overcome; which is having to prove to workers of other trades that I can "hang," because they don't know who I am or have never worked with me before.

[@HillbillyRednecking]

I like buying 12/3 SJOOW cable by the foot and making my own extension cords, SJOOW is especially suitable for cold weather

[@oneselmo]

Pat Pikulski We called that stuff "cabtire". Don't know why. One of my first jobs as an apprentice was to make up a 10ft, 25ft and 50ft extension. Nobody wanted to use battery operated tools because of the crappy NiCad chemistry. The latest lithium batteries are way better by far.

[@thomasbrusky3297]

@@oneselmo We did the same in our machine shop. Then there was the time I had a rookie put one together from parts. He absentmindedly assembled it with two male ends and brought it to show me. I asked him to hold one male end in his hand and faked plugging the other into the receptacle.......he quickly realized the error of his ways. a “learning experience” I trust he will not forget.

[@mudderD]

In the skydiving world, we call that a daisy chain. As soon as you land, wrap your lines up as shown. Keeps them from knotting up until you’re ready to pack your chute. I love this channel

[@longlimboy]

This is a sure sign of someone who’s got some experiential knowledge, once I figured out how to do this it completely changes my desire to use corded tools

[@longlimboy]

Colby Mason what is the loop method?

@@longlimboy make 3ft loops,and use that way,no knots and if you plug the ends together, the won't get tangled up.

[@kylesmith9048]

I remember learning to coil like that when I was a kid, vividly. It was dusk and my dad and I were in the boat about to head home after skiing/wakeboarding that day. I was bringing in the rope and it was one of those “hold the flashlight here!!” moments everyone has with their dad. He threw the rope back into the lake and then taught me, I was surprised that was possible and happy to have learned. It was great to learn because almost every day after that, all I had to do was attach the end to the boat and then throw the handle far out into the lake and we were good to go! The time and hassle saved was great, mainly because as we all know, dads don’t like waiting.

[@Puckerupbuttercup261]

I just cannot give “This Gentleman”, “Scott?” enough accolades for the INVALUABLE information he takes the time to provide us with. With the recent advent of good battery-operated circular saws that can actually support a framer, I still have a very strong appreciation for corded tools. This man has “been there and done that” and I can’t fully express my appreciation for the sharing of his knowledge and experience. Thank you Sir! Please keep sharing; I eat it up!!!

[@vertonmccaulou5]

It works on air hoses too

[@m1935]

I've been doing this for 20 years, from the plug end. Thanks for straightening me out!

[@greatitbroke]

Used to do that all the time and I forgot how cause it had been so long. LOL. Yes and even for at home if I need a cord its a 12 gauge minimum. I have seen what a cheap cord can do to a power tool. Great Video.

[@domineech]

I had someone show me a cord wrapped up in chain stitch once and it was great but he never showed me how to do it. Thank you for teaching me something I've wondered about for over a decade.

[@AnExPor]

I LOLed at the "recent innovation" of a light at the end of a cord. I got an extension cord as a birthday present from my uncle 30+ years ago that had a small neon tube in the end. It is till the only cord I own with a power indicator at the end.

[@Handyman247llc]

Well long ago I watched a handyman teach me to stitch my electrical cords and I have been doing it that way ever since. Thank you for showing me how to store my cords quickly and efficiently. Your a great lifelong Mentor.

[@s4n714g000]

I imagined a musician at the end of a show going "over-worked, under-paid" as he put away his cords lol

[@Captdimitri]

Events lighting guy here. These days it's "Your job doesn't exist, no pay."

[@Heartofadracky]

To be quite honest, most musicians I see don't have the capacity to coil their cables properly. It's really a technician thing, and even then I've met a lot of dillholes in my field that can't be bothered.

[@fprintf]

@@Heartofadracky Agreed. I spent some time with a friend's new deal of a Craigslist purchase of a PA system and the cords were so unbelievably twisted that I think he's going to lose some of that bargain rebuying cords. I couldn't get them to lay flat or over-under coil or even stitch together for the life of me. Musicians sometimes suck.

[@stoutlager6325]

@@Captdimitri Indeed.

[@skizzik121]

@@okymek mmmmm prevailing wage gives me a semi hard on lol. sorry to be so crude but damn the checks are so insane i have to check im not the one actually breaking a law!

[@mattheweburns]

My grandpa always did this and his children - including my dad - detested it! Every time we went to his place or the lake place they would always fight with the extension cords and complain “why does he have to nut them up like this…“ However, I saw how interesting of a phenomenon this is tried it and it is absolutely to my liking much more efficient than even a spool. That said when I do use a spoon a tournament starting from the middle of my links of cord! What is the point of unraveling and untangling an entire length of cord if you only need 3 feet… Now my dad and uncles are impressed when I can make sense out of BBs “tangle” of cord lol! Thanks for the videos! PS: the hardest part to learn is the last not to tie if you start pulling from the beginning and it is not right you absolutely will have a tangle. Cheers!!

[@MrLookatmyhat]

I tried this once and thought I was hotshot. Did the whole thing underhanded and had to pull out 100 feet of cord piece by piece! I went back to over worked and underpaid. Gotta say though, any serious hobby craftsman should have 12 gauge cord for their shop tools. Its a solid investment that adds value to all of your tools. I justify it like STP oil additive. I don't know if it does anything, it might not do anything at all, but it sure makes me feel better.

[@mattyoung1321]

STP? I think you spelled LUCAS wrong 😂

[@MrLookatmyhat]

@@mattyoung1321 nope. Grandpa used STP oil treatment every time he changed his oil. I won't go to anything else because it makes me think of him and my dad.

[@mattyoung1321]

Respect man! I do some stuff for the same reasons!

[@btenny511]

Without a doubt the most excellently done video I have ever seen on KZbin. Clear and very helpful and not a wasted word.

[@XPStartupSound]

4:10 "You think you're ready to go to work, well your KNOT" lol

[@redsresearch]

Trying to understand how I'm getting the knot cant see what hes doing idk if it's my phone or

[@brucesanborn7484]

Oh man,I've been doing the " bad" thing all my life so at 70 yrs. old the next time I take the 75 ft. cord out I will do the technique you displayed! Never to old to learn, Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎

[@ADBBuild]

I learned the "over-worked, under-paid" method in high school and it was probably the most useful thing I learned.

[@dankissinger1969]

True leadership and being a team player is sharing the knowledge that someone has no matter how big or small something is and that's why I appreciate you Scott thank you.

[@bobstroud9118]

Well, I gotta admit, my OCD keeps me from throwing a daisy chain cord on the “wherever “. I even have a tiny bungee cord to wrap around a beautiful coil. I do get compliments on my garage organizing! N.E.OH Bob

[@seanperdue232]

GREAT video, despite the couple of unexpected glitches. (I'm glad you kept them in the video. It shows authenticity and transparency which equates to trust.) Thanks for the tips.

[@iiiiiiii3359]

I work in the sound industry and have wrapped many XLR cables. From my experience, I'd say the "over worked, under paid" technique works just as well as the classic over the arm wrap. Whats important is that you twist the cable with your fingers as you wrap. You should be able to feel where the cable twists as you go.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

It works better than the arm wrap, as he demonstrated! I rolled too many instrument and mic cables over the arm before I learned the over and under, what a difference it makes!

[@MichaelPK67]

Your channel has some really good tips. I've been in the medical field for 27 years and have used the "over/under" method my entire career. I have taught many new people that technique. Pull from the end and the wires come out straight and flat--not at all tangled. I also use that technique for my extension cords and hoses at home. Not one of them has even the slightest twist.

[@ChrisTripp]

My dad taught me how to do this when I was a kid. But I forgot how until randomly finding this vid. Thanks.

[@MotorcycleMan1962]

I've been doing this for 15-20 years. But I start at one end and do the links in a single file instead of the middle doubling up. After reviewing your method, I've decided it is a lot better than what I've been doing. Thanks for this information.

[@Bman-xc9fp]

This is where the KZbin rabbit hole begins.

[@oneselmo]

Bman 0221 But it's strange how you usually end up watching a cat video...🐈

[@beachbumblog]

You're totally right on that wrap around the elbow job, I used to do that until I learned too. It almost always causes bad tangles too when taking it out. Second fun fact I learned from the fire department - there is a correlation between electrical fires from extension cords and them being overly twisted. It can weaken the wire and insulation causing potential shorts. If you have one that is super twisted - throw it away and get a new one. It works just fine to do a quick cowboy rope like the 2nd technique if you do not need to transport it. If you do though, a quick hitch with some rope or any kind of tie works. The daisy chain has some great advantages, but the thing I hate is you have to find something to hold it and walk it out. Cowboy rope style you can toss it and it flys out just fine. For running around though, going to try the daisy stitch and see if I like it.

[@truenorth7754]

Initially, my OCD couldn't wrap my head around this. In short order, my OCD couldn't live without it

[@mkultramann1798]

His voice is therapy. The Guy is simply AWSOME!

[@erikandersen4811]

I thoroughly agree!

[@JohnDaker_singer]

I find that cord reels work really well for me.

[@rleeAZ]

When heavily loaded electrically and only partially deployed induction will cause heating in the coiled cord. Enough load on the circuit and it can melt and degrade the insulation.

[@JohnDaker_singer]

@@rleeAZ I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the info.

[@ZenoErwt]

Why buy a reel when this works :) and indeed.. Always need to roll out the entire length of a reel..

[@rleeAZ]

@@JohnDaker_singer I learned that lesson the hard way... had 75 of 100' very neatly and tightly coiled up and was running an electric chain saw from a less than adequate 14 ga cord. Had a "What's that smell?" moment.

[@EricLane3D]

if you don't want the whole cord out in a mess, coil it in a figure 8 on the ground. this will cancel out most of the induction. i used to work in film and we had those big 250' 6awg cords running a 10KW light. some new guy decided to coil the excess cord, not just on the ground, but also around a C-stand. after several hours of filming, the C-stand got so hot you couldn't touch it and the cord was toast. we found it because the breaker had eventually tripped with the ever increasing resistive load. it was lucky there was no fire or injury.

[@nobody-ly9ef]

Learned this valuable method when I was just a youngster from my grandma of all people, and I've been using it ever since.

[@chevyon37s]

I’ve always heard you can tell how a worker gets paid by how they keep their extension cords.... a guy with neat cords gets paid while they do daily clean up. A guy with messy cords doesn’t get paid for daily clean up and spends time on the clock the next day untangling his cord.

[@wesmccullough8176]

being neat and tidy tradesman has nothing to do with how much you get paid. It's got everything to do with how much pride you have in you work and gear.

[@chevyon37s]

@@wesmccullough8176 you misunderstood my comment and apparently didn’t read the last half of it explaining it. I said how they get paid. Not how much they get paid.

[@wesmccullough8176]

@@chevyon37s No. I read it perfectly. 'doesn’t get paid for daily clean up' - There is not a single job on the planet that does not get paid for cleanup. All tasks require cleanup and all job costings include cleanup. Therefore, everyone gets paid to clean up however some people are lazy and have no pride in their site or gear...

[@todddimple4063]

@@wesmccullough8176 I bet you are a hoot at all the parties...

[@kayakmaniac1972]

I have always avoided linking up my cords, and I have thought of bucket storage systems...but after watching this I am going to try linking them for a bit and see what difference it makes to my day. Thank you.

[@kerrykoontz3299]

In the army, that's how we used to run ropes on the bridges when I was in the engineers. Made then springy.

[@bradbonnema5979]

I really appreciate the comment about going to a heavier gauge cord! Well worth it to even the weekend diy person.

[@92xl]

Been storing my extension cords like this for 40 years, my dad was an electrician.

[@cheynebest7028]

I love looking in the eyes of someone who has never seen this before as I do it.... then truly blow their mind shortly after when Ive wrapped, un wound and wrapped my cord before theyre done theirs!

[@knotbumper]

"Over worked/under paid" always start with the female end, that way when you pay out the cord, you start with the male end, plug it in and have all the extra cord at your work area. I was taught that over 45 years ago and It has worked for me ever since. Cords are like spaghetti everyone has their favorite way of coiling or eating said respective subjects.

[@sktech76]

This may be the best 8 minutes I’ve watched on KZbin lately! Thanks for the great tips!

[@totallyfrozen]

I’ve used that technique. ROOKIE MISTAKE TIP: it’s not a rope ladder. Well, if you want the cord to reliably function when you need it, it’s not.

[@joser2011a]

Mr: Craftsman, I learned a lot from your video this is by far the best video in you tube on how to coil an extension cord, I am very happy with your all content ! Thank you very much.

[@crash1802]

i learned this while roofing and i wondered why nobody else ever does this style. i guess its not well known.

[@69jbr69]

It is but most crews find it takes up to much space and is a mess. Standard is grab both male/female ends and coil it up pulling both sides at once and than at end, the middle of line or loop, just wrap it around a few times and pull loop through, done.

[@fapjoose7494]

My father taught me this technique as a kid and I have only ever met one other person that has used it. Great way to take care of and maintain cords.

[@andyrobinson450]

I'm down with 'the sound guy's' method :-) thanks

[@alanakafang6143]

The sound guy has coiled more cords in one year then this guy will coil in his whole life ✌️

[@dee73]

Yes a fan

[@madmullets]

That is the method I teach all my guys to use. I will fire you and Not give you bus fair to get home if I see the annoying chain or around the elbow done to my cords. I go a step more and tie two foot long pieces of paracord to each end so you have a built in cord tie on both ends of the cord. All those small coils wears out your cords prematurely and can cause hot spots that lead to a short or worse if you use them while still all coiled up.

[@nicholassmerk]

@@madmullets I'm paranoid enough that I never coil cords on tools. Whenever I hand someone my tool and they start coiling the cord around it I freak out.

[@EthanLuppert]

Been doing this since your skil saw hack video a year or two ago. I love seeing a coworker who thinks my chords are a mess watch me grab one. Thank you!

[@tehlaser]

0:32 as my father used to say, it can’t fall from down.

[@deckgun31]

You sir, are a true professional. Using good skills, and is willing to share your knowledge. On behalf of all the DIY-era out there, thank you so very much!

[@ColeSpolaric]

I used to do the hand over elbow technique, until a sound guy taught me not to.

[@blaablaahi]

Why?

[@ColeSpolaric]

@@blaablaahi the cord has a natural coil to it. When you do the hand over elbow technique repeatedly it takes out that coil and causes it to tangle. I've gotten good enough at winding a cord now that I can just feel the natural coil.

[@scottp45]

@@blaablaahi Over - under wrapped cords lay perfectly flat and don't have a "memory" of being twisted one way. They also last longer because you're not putting as much strain on the copper braiding in sound / data cables. Furthermore, if you do it right, over under wrapped cables allow you to grab one end and then throw the rest of the cable and have it all come out straight and perfect, which is the biggest time saver for sound guys.

[@Nic7320]

You made a sound decision!

[@RealLuckless]

Sound guys: Unsung heroes of the world...

[@jmackinjersey1]

The more I watch your videos, the more you remind me of my grandfather. He too was a great carpenter, excellent craftsman, superior finish carpenter, and of course, a wonderful teacher and all around great person to hang around. I wish I could have spent more time with my mother's father. He too used this method, and explained it to me almost the exact way as you did. Unfortunately he passed away in the late '80's. He taught me the value in spending a few more dollars in the beginning and buy the better quality tool. His truck and shed were full of Milwaukee and Skil. He was also an operating engineer, so an all around build from the ground up type of guy.

[@SamuraiAtlas]

I’ve done this since the last time you showed me in the saw video lol never will I not do this lol it’s funny Thoe because some people look at me like I’m stupid when I do it lol I would to if I seen someone tangling something on purpose to put it away me not knowing what was truly going on 😂😂

[@jessewalters7046]

I didn't think I'd learn anything from a cord video, but "Overworked and Underpaid" just changed my life. :-) Great videos!

[@KyleFalconer1]

chain method: on cords and rope over-under: on electrical wires. This is because the tight bends that are easy to do in the chain method can damage the internal wiring. I'd rather take the additional time to be sure that expensive cabling is protected. Additionally, with electricity, fires can start when the internal wiring is damaged because the reduced thickness of the internal wire has a higher resistance and can generate heat.

[@davearonow65]

The links (loops) in the chain he's making are not tight enough to damage anything. I've been doing this for decades and have literally owned a hundred extention cords and have never ever not even one single time had one go bad or get damaged because of using this chaining method to wrap them up. Ever. I go through a lot of cords simy because I lose them or they get stolen off of jobs, but not once, ever, have I had one get damaged from chaining them up. Your fears of them getting damaged like this are simply not based in reality.

[@Two_Buck]

I'd like to see how the over-under method is done.

[@Two_Buck]

Nevermind. I have a knack of commenting before watching the end of the video.

[@jongriffith4293]

Agreed when it comes to cables that carry important signals. But these cables are designed to be dragged around and abused on a job site, so they're more expendable over time than audio cables, etc..

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Daisy chain works well, but too many people take them apart wrong and tangle the chain. If you're the only one working with the extension cord then it makes sense. If other people are using it then I prefer other methods. By far my favorite method to store extension cords is the butterfly coil. I also store on my climbing ropes with that method. Great video though!