How to Roll Cables and Hoses... So They Won’t Tangle!

If you’ve built ANYTHING then you know about the hours that can be wasted untangling power cords and hoses… Guaranteed! Veteran Builder Jaime Perkins explains how he rolls up his power cables using the over/under method so that they roll out flat with no tangles... every time! This is a simple but effective way to keep your cables from getting twisted as they are rolled. You’ll be amazed at the amount of time and frustration you will save yourself! Using this method will also greatly extend the lifespan of the cable because it won’t twist the internal wires over time and cause them to snap eventually. If you are still wrapping your cables up around your forearm it’s time for
a change!
Check out our online store!
You'll get cool merch and our kids will get to eat.
teespring.com/stores/perkins-...
#ad: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Occidental Leather 5055 Stronghold Suspension System: amzn.to/2kWUUt6
Occidental Leather 5035 LG H.D. 3in Ranger Work Belt: amzn.to/2mbPcnc
Occidental Leather 8089 M OxyLights 7 Bag Framer Set: amzn.to/2m9ydC8
Occidental Leather 5089 M Seven Bag Framer: amzn.to/2mgqx0E
Occidental Leather 5520 5 in 1 Tool Holder: amzn.to/2l6ey5N
Occidental Leather 8580 LG FatLip Tool Bag Set: amzn.to/2kC1kNR
Occidental Leather 9515 Adjust-to-Fit OxyLight Framer: amzn.to/2mfnwxE
Occidental Leather 1546 Stronghold Lights: amzn.to/2ma8HN0
#pro
#builder
#tips

[@user-yn1ko1ch3b]

Young guy with old school technology ,, I love it !!!

[@randyrussell6246]

Been rolling cords since my first construction job with dad and uncle in 69 , I've rolled em , laced and looped , thought I had seen and covered them all.......well I've missed one boys! This Ole Dog doesn't mind new tricks. Can't be too proud in the building business, that's how you get left behind. I will certainly give this one my best shot , I expect that after a couple dozen times ,,,,I should have it down.

[@MossSteiger]

As an old broadcaster, I thank you for teaching this! Also, cables build up a “memory” of how they’ve been coiled. If you lay out a cable on the concrete on a hot day, then coil it up right, you can “train” it to coil up easier the right way.

[@brounwynsmith848]

Yes, warm sun makes em relax.

[@kakadu89]

Also learned this technique from an old TV technician I was working with..funny to see how many people handling cables, lines and ropes for a living and not doing this with them.

[@simonnordberg162]

Another sound guy here! We always roll over under, and here's a tip. When you do the under coil, passing the cable with the left hand, keep it in front of the right hand. This ways you never have to let go of the cable and you can do an entire cable really fast!

[@DJULTRA7]

I too am an audio engineer and I appreciate you taking the time to teach a technique that is otherwise uncommon knowledge to better improve the longevity of your equipment and job site efficiency. It may not seem like much of a change but when the job requires running thousands of feet of cable, tangled messes are the absolute least of priorities when it comes to setting up.

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Nice! I didn’t mention this in the video but both Jaime and I have side side businesses doing live sound as well. We used to be in the bands but now we just make the bands sound good :-).

[@igorvashkov8821]

Best video on KZbin that explains this method, and it really works and it's fun! Thanks guys!

[@joedart2932]

I've been telling carpenters this for years but they never listen to the plumber! I liken the method more to rolling up a laso rope..just an over hand twist of the wrist then roll..great vid 👍

[@robertocapelan436]

Great video. I saw this same technique in another video. Except they took 12 minutes to explain it. This was concise and you showed the technique within the first minute and 1/2.

[@Garry826]

Yep, learned this in audio school a few years back and it changed my life. Wrap all my instrument cables, extenstion cords and air hoses this way now

[@DASchubert]

I used this as a commercial diver to wrap umbilical lines (air, comms, camera, lights and safety line) and have used it obsessively for every cable or chord ever since. As far as I'm concerned this should be the first thing taught in trade school or on the job site! Thanks for spreadin' the word lads!

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Was home last summer at my folks house. Helping my dad, 70+, put some tools and cords away. I'm 50+ and he STILL had to make sure I was rolling his cords the way he taught me when I was 5-8 years old.

[@davegordon6943]

That's awesome

[@zippythechicken]

give your dad a hug he taught you what he had to teach... I mean that seriously my dad was the same way.. just lost him 2 years ago... now I rely on everything he has taught me because he is no longer here to pull me aside like your dad did for you last summer... to make sure you're doing it right... he wants you to succeed .. go visit him.. go do some work for him on his place... be the son you should be.. buy him a $500 60" TV so he can watch the game.. and give him a hug

[@joetownsend-]

Zippy TheChicken: GOD Blessings for Yall!

[@harrypouncey9218]

🤣 my dad taught me how to duck out on your family. I didn’t learn very well. 43 years of marriage and 2 happy kid-o’s later I’m still around. 🤣😉🤣 And learning everything from KZbin. Thanks Perkins, learned which is the top of full overlay cabinets. 😍

[@duaneross9271]

They never give up telling us kids how to do things right. Then stand right there and watch.

[@lucaspot4498]

This method changed my life.

[@hardrockminer-50]

I've been looking for this for 60 years!

[@joetownsend-]

What most don’t realize when they do ANY DIFFERENT than this is the wires inside the outer cover, twist and kink up‼️ The outer cover may look and roll ok for awhile but in time inside wires roll ruining cord maybe even breaking! Learned from GEORGIA POWER LINEMAN 40 years ago- Step Father‼️ If inside wires roll, some tie end to fixed object, wrap cord around waist as if repelling, facing tied end slowly back up keeping tension on cord, every 10’ or so apply half your body weight on part of tied end of cable, will have to slightly roll opposite way cord has been rolled in past, the farther you get from tied end the greater pressure on fixed end- 100’ cord takes a lot of pressure and don’t let cord get slack‼️ This straightens inside and outside cord extending it’s life‼️ Thank You Jaime for another great time and money saving instruction‼️

[@mediumpimpn]

I was an AV tech & now an electrician. I over-under people's chords all the time. ...if I don't like the person, I'll bring one end through the coil & out the opposite side ;) :D

[@JFAM077]

Everyone I tell about your channel -I say it’s entertaining full of pro tips and tricks, funny, and insightful about building and design. Such a great channel

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Ah ha!! Saw a guy on a job site do this once. Showed me how really quickly and I've long since lost that brain cell. Thanks guys!! Always enjoy 👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

[@bonesc7201]

As an audio engineer I had to watch this...lol we've been doing this for many many years... glad you had an audio guy as a neighbor! 👍

[@kellybell9235]

This method wasn’t invented by the audio industry. This was first used by men using wire rope to build bridges and by sailors on large sailing ships long before electricity.

[@jimmason5738]

I'm 61 yrs old. Been fighting cords all my life. Tried everything but still had to fight. I watched this and tried it last week. It's amazing. Thanks.

[@mrbungle7586]

Learnt this as a kid nearly 30 years ago lol. Best method u will find for cables, rope etc.

[@wlms04]

Been doing this for my air hoses and the “chain stitch” method for extension cords for a while. One trick I like to use is instead of using electrical tape, tie a small piece of rope onto the cable, you can then wrap it around once you’ve coiled up the cord and tie it like a shoelace (just like the tape), and you don’t have to use a piece of tape every time.

[@dster230]

This has pretty much changed my work life, thanks guys!

[@mikewoods897]

As always...great tip! I hope people coming up in the trades watch you guys...will make their lives so much more productive......and happy!!! ❤👍😀

[@kerrygibbs8198]

I’m an old guy. I found this very interesting, I’m going to try this with my air hose. So many things are obvious to some but new ideas for others!

[@tonyholtum1373]

Great video! My dad taught me to roll up cords and hoses this way. I’ve tried a few other methods alone the way and always resort back to this. Works great! 👍

[@MIhandyman]

I'm a fairly new builder and I live all the tricks I learn from you all. Thank you!

[@joshmeyer7384]

I have watched other videos on the over-under, and I have never gotten it right. Thank you so much for explaining it clearly! I finally get it!

[@saynotop2w]

I have always done the elbow wrap, I see now that I've annoyed countless coworkers. Thanks Perkins!

[@mrstan3997]

Thanks for the fantastic tip. This will sure elevate future frustrations. Take care Jaime.

[@kacykoelliker5817]

Thanks for sharing. Most folks "discover" this technique naturally but it takes years, ha!

[@brucebratschi4300]

You taught me something youngster. And you did it with a smile. Gotta Love it.

[@sloanNYC]

Every audio pro I've met has sworn by this.

[@larslindquist892]

I never let anyone else wrap my cables. This is actually pretty common knowledge in the music world, it blows my mind construction folks don’t know about it.

[@Lkom24]

I'd say 10+ years ago this was common knowledge but majority of trades other than electricians using wire are using battery operated not plug in tools. We use to have to wrap 3 to 4 hundred.ft extension cords multiple times back in the day

[@larrybrowning6754]

YEP!!! It works like a charm. Thanks Jaime.

[@henryrodgers3409]

Thank you . This is why I tell people about your channel . Plenty of great information .

[@joostvandekonijnenberg2189]

good tip. I'm 60, and never heard of this. thanks !

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

You bet!

[@scotthixson5917]

HOLY SMOKES, THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! Once again, thank you Jamie.

[@nlbailey]

This is one of the most useful things I ever learned working in TV production. Cables have memory and the over under method makes the wires inside lay like they want to, not how you the wrapper thinks they should. Great stuff. Love all the videos! Keep them coming.

[@jasonstarr6419]

Well, I've spent a fair amount of money on really good cords, and a fair amount of time over the last 46 years rolling em up (over, over style) and have dealt with the having to do the twists along the way to ensure they stay smooth. and, believe it or not, I'm still using cords I bought in the 70's and they're jsut as good as they were when i bought them. BUT, I'm going to try the over under method because i've never ever thrown out a 100 foot cord and had it land fully flat like that. Just gets my giblets to learn from a whipper snapper, though (old guy grumble). Great video. Love your work and your work ethic. Keep em coming.

[@markme4]

I got a couple a 70s cords too !! Use them everyday. Now i gotta retrain myself to the over under method

[@MostlyPeacefulCombatVet]

Ah ...... The simple little things in life! I love this channel. 👍

[@ChiemvW]

Just this simple tips makes your videos great! Thanks 🙂

[@donaldnewton4947]

Congrats on 100K subscribers! I really enjoy watching you and your team.

[@VACatholic]

Exactly the technique I learned from my audio guys. They know how to make their cables last, because those cables get abused like crazy! Especially on tour! And no band member is going to be happy with you if you break their cables and they can't do their warmups/set. Excellent content guys, keep up the amazing work!

[@Bansheekilr]

I learned this same method when I was going to school for audio engineering. It really does take some practice, but once you get the hang of it your cables will roll out so much nicer.

[@montestu5502]

I started using reels to wind my cords as I was tired of fighting with the over, over method. I’ll give this a shot!

[@jasonshaw56]

I have made it my mission in life over the last 25 years to teach over/under to as many as possible.

[@FritsvanDoorn]

Wow, that is an eye opener. Thank you!

[@iwatchvideos1965]

Thanks for this life changing tip.

[@Tanman0351]

Hey Perkins Bros, that over under technique for coiling cords and hoses is pretty nifty. But, one could save the electrical tape by tying a quick fishermans or double overhand knot with the tail end, of the cord or hose, around the stacked cordage in hand. I’m a carpenter myself in the great state of Montana and experience hose and cord headaches on the daily. Thanks for posting cool and informative vids.

[@simonknowles4267]

As an audio guy for over 30 years I can tell you that this the very first thing I was taught.....100% correct

[@f.demascio1857]

I learned this tech from an audio/video guy too, working on elementary school plays. He seldom loaned his cords to anyone. If you were lucky enough to borrow any of his gear, you had better return it over/under.

[@jungle5663]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@tofirods]

Thanks guys cant wait to try this out.

[@Brian..........]

Awesome, thanks for the tip guys !

[@petem9063]

Great tip. found it on KZbin like 10 years ago, I wish I worked with people who care about details like you guys do. It shows in the results of everything you do.

[@tomkenney5365]

That's pretty slick. I've always used a daisy chain knot (or chain sinnet, in rope work), a series of slip knots. As long as the cable isn't twisted to begin with, it won't be when pulled out. It never tangles, hangs nice, and you can pull out just what you need. It may be a bit harder to tie and deploy than the "over-under" but it seems more versatile. Thanks for the tip, though. Might come in handy for something else.

[@joeyd4356]

I’ve never tried the over/under technique. I am the over/ over kinda guy and it NEVER lays flat. Can’t wait to try it👍 you guys are awesome. Thanks for everything

[@camcam599]

If you add a twist with your fingers as youre coiling you can take out some of the “assholes” as well. That’s when the cord gets all twisted and doesn’t want to coil properly. The technical term for this type of coil is the “French coil”.

[@bradevans7107]

Wow..pretty cool ! I want to mention another way I learned from setting up stage equipment with 100' stereo cables. I would do 2 coils on one side of the cable end and then 2 coils on the opposite side... repeating until wrapped. Twisting the cable in the direction each coil needed respectedly. The end you started with would actually wind up in the middle of the wound cable and when tossed "correctly" it would unravel the full length....and sometimes if you weren't careful, it would pull the end out of your other hand. I thought you were gonna mention making a "daisy chain"....which is actually a method used to save space when hung up....like in a contractor van.

[@rickybobby8224]

Like everyone else in comments, this has changed my life.

[@angelarellano4819]

WOW I need to do that, it’s awesome

[@GregsWorkshopOregon]

Learned this in college, have used it ever since. I've heard it called a "linesman's coil" too.

[@3mulbish]

Love this channel

[@gabrielestrada4803]

So so so awesome! 💥

[@paulstuartwilson485]

Man, that's brilliant. Great tip!! 👍🇺🇸

[@albinorhino1313]

Well this is simply amazing

[@JTWebsites]

Beautiful!!!! thank you. . .

[@Heb101922]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@kevswick]

Thanks, this drives me nuts!

[@michaelrogers4285]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@grdovwd1589]

I already put a thumb up ; but since i come back to this video to check again how to do it right => a +1 comment to present again my appreciation for your video! Thanks :)

[@DR0CK]

As soon as you said over under I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I cant believe how many people do not use this. I learned this in my time as an AV installer also. Maybe its an AV industry thing. You know it's done right because if you throw it, it will uncoil with no knots. If you have knots, you did it wrong.

[@michaelmcdonough1989]

Cool tip thanks guys

[@robertgoodwin4730]

NAILED IT!

[@maintenancebynathan2150]

Most excellent.

[@petedonahue2221]

When wires (cables) hoses are made by machines , the machines turn clockwise making the items. I have for the last 40 yrs. coiled by wires and hoses by coiling clockwise, letting the loose end twist and turn. Extenison cords to 50/100amp cables, with no kinks!!! Also wipe off as I coil.

[@miket2172]

Switched to all battery power tools problem solved best thing i ever did saves lots of time not playing with cords

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

mike T we are mostly battery as well… But still always need a couple heavy duty cords for things like a tablesaw, compressor, and usually a chopsaw

[@shawnwalters641]

get yourself some cable cuffs. I walked past them many times at home depot thinking waste of money but I broke down and bought some for my welder and plasma cutter cables, they are awesome

[@georgefeary8756]

Late reply but came to say same. As somebody with just enough patience to get me through the day i don't need that one infuriating thing to put me over the edge. Different sizes,small enough for a 15'up to 100' foot lengths of 220v cable. Air lines it's a must.

[@photonashville]

Been wrapping my lighting cables and power cords this way for 20 yrs. Funny thing is that I'm right handed which mean the coil is in my left hand and right is doing the work, isn't that what right handed means anyway. To me you coiled it as a lefty would.

[@UrFavSoundTech]

I'm a righty, I hold the bundled with my right hand, coil with my left.

[@larrybrowning6754]

Going to the garage right now to try this! :-)

[@keatonloudamy9160]

I work in the film industry as a gaffer, (chief lighting technician), over under is meant for sensitive cable like xlr or dmx but over-over is the best for power cables. When you wrap a power cable just wrap it the same direction each time to maintain the “memory”. You can wrap these incredibly fast

[@--JohnDoe]

I will start trying this.

[@BarryLawrensen]

Use your thumb against your index and middle fingers to roll the cable as you do the over and under motion.

[@udavidism]

Easier method. Lay out the cord in a straight line. While pulling the cord to you put a half twist on the cord and place it in a circle until the cord lays flat. You can do this in your other hand or on a flat surface. As you pull the cord to you the other end will roll over and over and not tangle. When you unroll the cord unroll it using both hands like you are rolling a tire, you will never have twists or tangles in your cords. This also works well for air hoses and garden hoses.

[@jaybloggs8699]

For heavier gauge/longer leads and cables.. lay it on the ground in a figure 8 pattern.. stops the kinks in 3“+ power cable which is critical in high amp applications.

[@brounwynsmith848]

Cool, thanks!

[@WowRixter]

Good one 👍

[@RyanBellRyanofWeird]

I've been using a method (name unknown to me) that is easy to do, compact to store and fast when pulling the loops out for use. 1 drawback is the cord(s) can't be thrown out like this over/under method. SO going to try this at work!! Thanks dude

[@lightningeater1]

Contractor's wrap, probably.

[@lightswitchvideo]

Electrical cables have clockwise wrapped copper wires inside. This gives the cable a natural twist. When rolling up you should follow this natural coil. This means a continuous clockwise or over/over method with a twist. Audio cables are different which is why you got this advice from a sound guy. No, you can't throw the cable out. You have to roll it out. It's not as much fun but you save it in the long run. Go to any movie set, in fact go to one of those concert sets your neighbor works on, and all the cable for electrical crews will be over/over.

[@chriszablocki2460]

This being in my media seems like good omen.

[@thebaddestlarry9424]

Been rolling up things my life, always fighting the twist. You can bet your ass I'm practicing the over under lol.

[@mshandvrktrmetal1240]

Perfect. I use same technique with at water-hose.

[@mrmalone28]

Thank you

[@jerryekid5846]

I surely subscribe cause I learn thank u fr. Philippines

[@jimbrown2604]

Imma try this w my new air hose…hope it works!

[@DoctorPrepperMD]

I also learned that working for bands as a kid! Still preach it along with the daisy chain at times.

[@f.demascio1857]

I used to do the daisy chain. Moved to VA and caught hell for it. They call it a California Roll. I guess they've not had much time at a sushi bar.

[@davegordon6943]

@@f.demascio1857 where you at? In Virginia we call everything California style if it's different than normal stuff. Don't know why

[@Therealphantomzero]

Used to do this method but switched to the crochet style loop thing as I can pull apart as much as I need as I use it.

[@wdcj1949]

thank you i finally got it

[@amycyclenut]

I too learned this from AV guys. It's the only way I roll just about anything now.... air hoses, etc.

[@johnnysouth4982]

Dang now I have one more thing to practice I always wondered how to keep em untangled add up the time spent to untangle lot of wasted money and time we'll gotta go practice thanks 👍