SECRET To NEVER Having Tangled Extension Cords Again! Wrap Them Like The Pros!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Have you always wrapped your cords like I showed in the beginning of the video? Which method do you think you will use in the future?

[@bobbyratt]

I learned your last method from an old school construction worker back in the day and still use it today... 😊

[@Sylvan_dB]

The "loop thru the loop" is what I've been using since I learned it in the 1980s. I dump them into a bucket or tote. And FWIW, this is exactly the same as the basic starting crochet stitch for making lace and etc.

[@TheDavejane]

My son was an electrician in the Air Force and they were taught (and consequently he taught me) your last method of hand over reverse hand. Best way and easiest way in my opinion. Love all your videos! In fact, just getting ready to review your your video on Xmas tree light repair..need to use that method!

[@willjohnsonjohnson]

I started using the last method on my own with console controllers. I've tried the second method but it's kinda a pain with really long or stiff cables.

[@jackburns804]

Good tip on last one. Will use.

[@robertsutherland9470]

As a senior DIY'er, I always find the information in your videos sound and very helpful. I try to learn and refine my technique every day. Thanks and keep bringing us these videos.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Robert!

[@lancelee5778]

LL Handyman Van, Spring Load Hose Winders, Air, Electric, Water. 3 holes in side of van. Quick. Connects. Any length, fast, easy, 1 man operation.

[@dennisbishop3842]

My father was in the navy in WWII and was a contractor after that, and he always used the second braided method for longer cords and the alternating loops for shorter cords. He said that was how he was taught in the Navy. I do the same myself, and I like the look on peoples faces when I bring out a long braided cord at an RV park and toss it out its full length with no tangles. Always a show stopper.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

As a Navy Brat, I learned the same way😂 It seems to mesmerized folks! (Esp. Cause I’m a girl😂😂)

[@lm4278]

Your dad fought on the wrong side.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

@@lm4278 - WRONG! Can be verified by my 8 US Marine brothers.😉

[@ByDesign333]

The Amish taught me that daisy chain one; but now I prefer that last one. You gave me a real help, and u r the instructor A-1

[@nova31337]

​@@lm42781000% cringe bro

[@Sputnik2914]

Finally!! I now know how the under/over method works. Your thumb up/thumb down made it very clear. Thank you.

[@FizbanJH]

I've heard of the last method referred to as the "Roadie Wrap" as it relates to dealing with all the various cables requires to set up a band for a concert.

[@scorpio6587]

Yup, specifically audio cable.

[@jimwoidyla5139]

I’ve work in construction for 30 years and I was taught by my grandfather to use a lasso technique starting at the female end first, because when you unwind the cord you’ll plug it in and you’ll be at you work instead of having to walk back to your work, saving steps and time.

[@prairiegale7409]

Saw your video last spring and used this method for my cords. A good friend was over to help me do some yard work, and when he saw how my cord was "crocheted in a chain" he was amazed, so taught him how to do it too. Thanks! It is a wonderful way to store cords.

[@LumberjackPa]

I am always stunned at the amount of useful information on KZbin that I wish that I would have known sooner! It's a snowy day here in Pennsylvania, so I think that you can guess what I am going to be doing besides shoveling. Thanks for sharing!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Yeah I was trying to get it out in time for folks picking up their Christmas decorations. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@What1zTyme]

Great information! Generations of movie/TV gaffers and rock-n-roll roadies proved the value of your last and favorite method! Thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah it is a phenomenal way of doing it. Glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the input!

[@markclifford6623]

I just want to let you know thank you for all your videos I really enjoy watching them. Keep them up🎉

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Mark!

[@thedirtprincess3293]

Ive been in entertainment all my life so always used the last method but its never worked on home extension cords for me until they have lain out straight in the sun and lost their memory. Still always get tangled for me as long as the "new" is still in the outer sheathing or if theyve been stored in a mess and formed a new memory. Love it when they lie flat though. This is a great video!

[@gregoryv.zimansr4031]

I was taught to use a method similar to your method by a WWII NAVY man while on a Boy Scout tour of the Battle ship USS MASSACHUSITS. He said always always twist the cord in your finger as you make the loops CLOCKWISE. This way it is uniform and anyone can pick it up and use it.

[@gregoryv.zimansr4031]

My son in law was in a band. He is the first person I saw roll his wires like I do. Method 4.while in the army we rolled heavy power cables that were used on our radio trucks like the 4th way also.

[@johnhill8958]

Cables in the entertainment industry are typically Type W, soft, pliable, weather-resistant, and constructed to be very flexible. Therefore, they don't start out with a factory twist.

[@jeffreykparker]

Great post! Life changing! As for the Velcro or plastic loops, with respect, save your money and just cut a 3-foot length of rope and tie the ends together with a square knot, forming an oval. To secure the cord, pull the rope oval intro a long double strand, pull one end of the strand under the coiled wire and pull the other end of the strand through the first end. Voilá! It's self-cinching, and leaves a loop you can hang on any hook.

[@OhDannyBoy2k]

My most used and fastest method is like the first way, but figure-eighting it from elbow to hand, crossing in front of your forearm. Unravels in one throw and also doesn't introduce twist, just like your last method.

[@chutch332]

So glad your favorite way is the "right" way of coiling a cord. LOL! I kid, but it is the best!!

[@stonywan]

A Navy diver taught me the last one, over/under, and I use it for air compressor hoses and garden hoses. Been kink-free for 40 yrs.

[@MichaelElliott78]

Sure you have mate, sure you have 😉

[@BrucePappas]

I'm a sailor and a DYIer. Most boaters loose-wrap their lines by rolling it with each loop, so that it looks neat and you have a bunch of round loops. I was taught to just let the line do what it wants to do (no rolling), so that when you drop it on the deck, it unrolls without tangling. On a boat in an emergency, it can be a lifesaver.

[@patti6194]

I think this is basically what I do. I've noticed over the years that just winding it around my arm ends up with some of the loops doing a figure 8, and making it get tangled when undoing it. I started doing it with the loops hanging off my hand, and if one tries to twist, I twirl the wire between my fingers to take the twist out of it. I think that might achieve the same end result. I'm going to have to experiment the next time I roll up a cord. Long hoses do the same thing. In twist them by grabbing the hose and drawing a big arc in the air with it, which eventually flips the end of the hose over.

[@JohnGreen_US]

Great demos. I usually use method 2 - toss it in the truck or bin with no bundling device, no worries. I use method 3 for stacking a garden hose into a decorative storage tub. For extension cords using method 3, you can just use the end of the cord to wrap 2-3 times & then use the very end to push a bight of cord thru the formed top loop, and flip then bight back over the stacked loop end & tighten - no separate bundling device.

[@arevee9429]

An electrician taught me this trick 20 years ago. Works great!

[@paulhsv1121]

That last method is sweet. It looks neat, all rolled up stores nicely and the best part - just give it a toss. Thanks for the video and please keep 'em coming. You've provide some great info for us DIY'ers.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Paul!

[@nicolasparadis1407]

The way that you think it's the best was so well explained that I can only thank you 1000 times. The vid just upside yours was so weirdly explained, I had to waxh it at slow-motion to comprehend the movement (mirror effect). Anyhow, thanks alot! The time it took me to write this comment largely worth the time saved by doing your technic😂😂😂!

[@kens.1779]

These are all good options. I like the 5 gallon bucket method. Not new, there are many videos showing this method. At the bottom lower side drill a hole in a 5 gallon bucket large enough to put the male end of the extension cord thru. Then put a heavy piece of flat concrete such as a paver in the bottom of the bucket for stability. Start pulling the cord into the bucket. The bucket will hold several hundred feet of cord!! When using just grab the end and take off! You can run with it if you like, it will come out of bucket smoothly. When done just pull it back into bucket as fast as you want. I enjoy your channel and great info. Thanks!

[@Jules-740]

I saw that on a video. But then a fireman warned that the cable should not be wound like that and remaining in the bucket because it can cause a fire. The heat can't escape well so then it builds up. He said it can melt the bucket and wires can catch fire. I can't explain it since I don't know exacly how it happens.

[@Handyman247llc]

Good video, with a unknown issue. The Ratchet Extension Cord Clamps can not hold up to a drop and hate the cold as they become very brittle. so if you will never throw your cords or subject them to cold temps (32 deg F or less) you should be fine. The velcro straps is a wise choice in any temp.

[@edwardtan8998]

I watched a bunch of wrap videos before this one. Finally the way you showed, flip your hand, clicked me. Thank you

[@LibertyRapsher]

hopefully none of that mumble rap... I personally like old school rap from the late 80's and 90's

[@RiteOn]

Just picked up some velcro hangers. Going to use the last option . . . had seen another creator doing the daisy chain and was looking for him when I found you. Thanx . . . great video.

[@anthonyjackson1383]

Good video! For the first OR last technique, create loops until there is about a foot of chord remaining. Then, rotate the loops until the plug you started with is just above/below 3 or 9 o'clock. You can then grab the other plug with your free hand and wrap the remaining foot of chord around the loops snugly-as-possible, and join the plugs together. With a little practice, you will have a tight bundle and will not need to wrap it with velcro. Hope this helps!

[@markelkins7622]

I've got cords that are 20 yrs. Old I use them every day they are in good shape with no kinks because someone taught your method many yrs. Ago

[@tcphvacr9950]

The last method is the method I use, for the same reason you do. Roadies do it that way, and I thought that is a profession that would know the best way. I'm in commercial HVAC, and it has never disappointed me.

[@fair2middlin]

I learned daisy chain/laddering from this video!! Been wanting to figure this out for years! Been wondering for years how to undo somebody else's daisy chain!

[@kbrollins77]

Great overview. The braid is easiest to "understand". I will try the over/under approach. I coil our 100 ft cords into a 5-gal bucket, starting with the male end, hanging out with a 2-3 ft tail. The bucket is set at the outlet I want to use. I plug in the tail, and grab the female end. It follows me as I walk away.

[@PJ-bv9tc]

Game changer! Thanks a bunch.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@jamieambler1243]

I was taught to roll the cord when wrapping (I’m a musician). This works great for. 20ft cord, but it’s been killing me with our longest speaker cable (40ft). Endless knots. Spent 20mins after the gig last night untangling. Now going to use the under/ over technique going forward. Practiced it a few times this morning, works perfectly

[@QuarterAcre]

The Roadie Wrap is a winner!

[@keeblerkelloggs]

Great tips, I've always done the first way but will try the last way.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You won't go back!

[@rwcah]

I always learn something from your videos. I’ll definitely be rolling up cords like the last method instead of the first method that I’ve been using for years. Thanks for the info.

[@scrabbletp]

Great to get to know so many ways thank you so very much! I really hate tangled cords ❤

[@markwayner616]

I worked in TV and film industry... The last way was the standard for wrapping any cable no matter the size or material... Fiberoptic, coax, you name it, the over under technique is the way to go

[@dr.stacey7283]

I’m a theatre person and we use do the last one too. There’s an art to art 😊

[@mehdivaez-shooshtari5328]

Million dollar, life changing tips. Thank you

[@markclifford6623]

Thank you so much I appreciate your help I always have issues with my extension cords and I take pride and trying that take care of them but the wrapping part makes them warp lol So this will help Thanks and I love all your videos very informative information that's explained excellent

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thank you so much for the feedback Mark!

[@johnnycaps1]

Nice demonstration!

[@skayers411]

Great video. I used the 1st recommended wrap after the initial way. It was for a 100 ft cord & this was great to get this done.

[@dekdawg21]

Need to try these for winding cords. I use the cable cuffs for keeping cords together, like that they have different sizes for even 6' cords

[@sarahdraydon3456]

Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺

[@davidd8435]

Thanks for all the help, great to have a library of videos to learn from.

[@BackyardMaine]

Great video Adam as usual. I like the Velcro straps also. I'll have to pick a few up.

[@JuliaKhan-ps3fp]

Excellent and thank you❤

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@SOMAnxg]

Many yrars ago, I volunteered at a local public access studio and as one might guess at the time on a studio floor there were a lot of heavy-duty electrical cables were used for the cameras, mics, lighting, etc. One technique we used was very similar to the "over-under" method you used. Except one method we used was an "untwisting" motion of the cable by untwisting the cord with the tips of our fingers as we made the loops. When one makes loops with electrical cord, the looping will cause the metal wires inside to twist. One can often feel that when looping the cable. If one twists back on the resistance of the wires inside twisting one can unwind the twisting as one is looping. It's twisted wire that causes the tangles and knots.

[@anthonyz5671]

My man!! As usual ON POINT with your tips!!! Love the detail and extra time you always take to show every step!!! I use velcro to secure mine. Think Im going to try the daisy chsin on a 100’ chord lol

[@walterkrueger326]

Great video! I use a modified version of your favorite. Yep, I do the loops around my elbow.

[@Jules-740]

Oh I was wondering if I could do that with the elbow. I think it helps it look neater witn more uniform loops.

[@atuckertucker]

Wow! Thanks . I always have problems with my extension cords..

[@kek6342]

Great job!🤗🙏

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@rwg727]

I like the last method the best!!!

[@rbarrett111]

MOst important thing I've learned so far this year. Thanks!

[@arthendrickson4860]

Thanks for the detailed explanation and slowness of showing the techniques. For a person that's detailed oriented and very concerned about doing it right, I'm surprised to see the ends of the cord separated by pulling the cord apart by grabbing the *cord* (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="649">10:49</a>) versus grabbing the female and male plugs. Sure, the plugs are firmly attached to the cord, but why weaken that joint. Many a plug has been replaced because of cord-mishandling.

[@clarencewiles963]

It’s all about the next time you use it. Thumbs up 👍

[@eugenetswong]

I will probably use your preferred method the most, but I like that knitted method, where we unravel only the amount necessary, so I will probably use this sometimes.

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Hey bub!!! Actually if you do mark the middle of the cord rope cable etc. Down the road that can and will help you. Alot of times on a job you don't have enough room to stretch the cord out so if you know exactly where the middle is you can basically go find the middle and start rolling it up. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="251">4:11</a>

[@surman3853]

Great video

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@aj5434]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="70">1:10</a> figure 8 method <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="191">3:11</a> daisy chain method <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="422">7:02</a> over/under method

[@raulduke1528]

Wow what a vid. Great!

[@Americanlightingandfixture]

Thank you, always enjoy your videos!

[@Hobadee]

A very important note on over-undering, from someone who has done literally miles of it: MAKE SURE the ends stay on their respective sides of the coil! (I recommend never plugging the ends together, as this often leads to them ending up on the incorrect side.) If you accidentally pass an end through the coil, you will end up with a knot every 2-3 feet. Take 10 seconds before throwing/pulling any over-undered cable (especially if not tied up tight to keep the integrity of the coil) to ensure the ends are on the proper sides of the coil. If you do end up with knots down the length of the cable, it isn't hard to get out; Stretch the cable out, then take an end and run it back the other direction, passing through each knot - all the knots will pull right out.

[@adamashlock1787]

OMG this is brilliant!

[@Louise-lg3wt]

So helpful!!!

[@BlueSOF]

I always use that last method. I call it the “over-under” method and make sure anyone “helping” me put away my cords or air lines knows that’s how I want it. One of the best features of that method is that one or both ends of the cord can be left plugged in as there is no net twist when it is coiled. The only downside to the over-under method is if the held end is accidentally pulled through the coil as it is tossed out to deploy. You will end up with a long series of overhand knots. I always check to ensure it’s going to uncoil correctly before I commit to the toss!

[@jeannemyers489]

I have always wrapped extension cords the first way you showed. My husband always used the daisy chain method. I think I will try your last and favorite method next time. Thanks a bunch. No more frustrating tangles! ❤

[@peterbarlow8912]

The problem with method 2 (daisy chain/crochet stitch) is many small radius bends. I’ve found if you do this with a 12 gauge cord and it sits in a 15 degree truck overnight you end up with something like a slinky.

[@10hunterLab]

The second method is similar to how we used to field pack parachute lines on cargo chute on drop zones. It works.

[@bluehawke99]

While the daisy chain method is quite cool, the massive draw back I have had with that one is that the cord 'remembers' how it has been stored and when you run it out again it is all wavy and chaotic. Could be because I use cheap ish domestic level extension cords.

[@damnielm0]

I start the daisy chain on the ends of the cord and with a super long cord you can bring the middle of the cord to the two ends and hold that together doubling it up and daisy chain that.

[@trainerjoe9469]

As someone who has worked with pro audio equipment for over 40 years, your last method can also be referred to as cross-coiling, or over/under. To help remember which loop you're currently on, we would repeat this little mantra, "OVERworked, and UNDERpaid." There is a caveat to cross-coiling, if you pull the wrong end through the middle, every loop becomes a knot, so do be certain which end is up.

[@raulpendas]

Great video.

[@stevenz933]

Now, do you have a trick for wrapping strings of Christmas lights ! 🤣

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Best way I know of is to use spools. Christmas lights are just another animal 🤣

[@brookeschell4634]

Buy new ones every year 😂

[@gkhnlts]

great video

[@stevenlane729]

Ive never had a cord tangle like you showed in the first example. My technique would be similar to that however i loop about twice the length each time so fewer loops.

[@janetrucker7185]

I like the 4 one over under one

[@anthonyz5671]

Whewwww I just did the last method with 100’ chord. That took a minute lol! 😅

[@markpatterson7070]

Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gizmo7877]

WOW! Genius! Looks like you took lessons in knitting and crocheting and applied it to cords. Would these methods work for tree lights as well? Hugh problem solver!

[@CarlosGonzalez-vu1ew]

Thank you!!!

[@geonote1789]

In the off season at a film industry rental house, I once had to make up 1500 pieces of new extension cord -- referred to as "AC" -- and the key aspect that you missed, is that every cord has a natural size and shape of loop from the factory (typically about 8" or 10"), that needs to be observed and maintained in your hand coil. The second trick is using 2 feet of inexpensive 1/4" sash cord at hitched to the male end as a tie.

[@jcvord]

I used to do audio/visual work for a large hotel resort and they used that last technique for cord handling. They called it rodeo wrapping.

[@nelsonaguilar61]

I like the third and second options. But what do you do if you don't have a long driveway to throw the cord?

[@geraldroberts4721]

Good vid. Now do a fair vid using a $5 cord reel. Every potential problem you noted is solved and no unwrapping, unplugging, throwing, backtracking to plug in, re-backtracking to other end to use. Plug it in, walk away unspooling cord, plug in other end and use. When done, unplug and reel it up. Cherry on top, I sore 8 spools of various length cords and several pig tails in one Rubbermaid tote. Never missing, never tangled and out of sight when people want to borrow an extention cord.

[@criticalhadlock886]

I like to buy the reels the let you manually spin a wheel to roll up the cord on a tidy reel. I leave the male end on the outside end to easily plug in where I need to. Then just unwind it enough to bring the female end to where it needs to go.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Seems like another solid way. Thanks for the input!

[@renod42]

I wrap all of my cables in 3rd way. I find that cables do form a memory, and that it helps to always start with the same end everytime.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah it is great! Thanks for the input!

[@marclours]

I personally use the climbing cord method, but if cable is dirty... meh. Thank you, I now know the ladder method ;)

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah that can cause quite the mess!

[@big566bunny]

Evil Google: advert @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="162">2:42</a>, point of maximum attention

[@peteyc2292]

I hold the cord in my left hand and as I coil it I roll the wire between my fingers so the loops stay flat. The last five feet or so (depending on the coil size) I weave in and out of the coil to complete the final loop/s. This usually doesn't need velcro straps, but I find myself using them more often for opened rolls of romex. An extension cord (or wire for that matter) that lays flat is less of a hazard.

[@roycrite4656]

Daisy chain is always good.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

One things about it, you can't mess it up. Appreciate the input!

[@Broken_Arrow58]

All good ideas (thank you) but I've found the best way is to use a plastic, rectangular wrap. They're especially good for lesser-quality cords that twist.

[@Dannyaudio69]

Yup we do the over under in the entertainment business and when we are coiling cable in a box we call it west coasting

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yeah, works extremely well! Thanks for the input Danny!

[@BHK_DIYAtHome]

THANKS

[@lewiswallace7694]

Loveit!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Lewis!

[@dacgardens]

I use the handles of a plastic grocery store bag to secure my drop cord. Nothin' fancy, but it does the job.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Ahh not heard of that one but that’s smart! Thanks for sharing.

[@larryray4811]

I've used the over under method for 40 yrs. Hoses, cords, wire, you name it. My method is a bitt different than yours but never ever a kinked air or water hose. Once you learn it, it's hard to do it the old way.

[@axe609]

I always do a lariat loop and plug my cord in then drop loops as I move to where I am using power. This lets me keep the excess looped up. Then when I role it up I can just loop it back up, your not introducing twists into it. Once the cord it trained I is supper simple. For cord ties, I tale a length of 550 cord, fold it in half, simple half knot the loose ends. Then choke the string around the plug end, once rolled up just loop the string through and choke again and hang it on that

[@kenbrown2808]

I don't double my cords, because I almost never need the female end to be close to the male end. but I do the finish from method one - (I double the last 6 feet of the male end over to make the loop) then the loop can hang over a hook, or it can slide over the top of the bundle to secure it lying on the floor. then i just stand by the power outlet and throw the cord to where I need it.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍🤩💝 @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="477">7:57</a> I have been trying to do that last one the “roadie wrap” and I just can’t do it. 😩 Me 30 minutes ago😄 Me 30 minutes later 😩 I don’t know why I can’t do it.😭😞

[@Sinpsycle]

I've done quite a bit of electrical and cord management has always been a peave of mine. I use the second method. I don't remember where I learned it, but it separates the men from the boys on the job site. I like the 3rd method, but my overall results are mixed.

[@wtstfire]

Those ratchet handles work great for reusable grocery bags also.

[@scorpio6587]

The reason stage hands do that is because they handle audio cable, which gets damaged when you introduce twists or tight bends. Works great for hoses, too.