Mike Makes a Folding Extension Cord Organizer

I built shelves to organize my power tools last week, but I needed a way to organize my extension cords. I was inspired by a Pinterest pin and the 5 in 1 coat hangers that you've "seen on TV."
In this video I design my own space saving extension cord organizer that folds down flat against the wall when not in use. Overall I was very happy with the design and it's working great!
I don't have plans for this build, but if there's enough interest I might put together a sketch or two.
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for sharing! This video has been featured on:
Lifehacker - goo.gl/Mqj3dk
Popular Science - goo.gl/VadCcM
Instructables - goo.gl/gE8Dx6
Inspiration:
goo.gl/ge9V1n
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[@CatholicWoodworker]

It's great to see your design and problem solving process. Very cool design. Thanks for sharing

[@MrSilverback62]

We all grew up coiling power cords and ropes...then came rope bags. In climbing, coils of rope present problems. Rope bags make it simple. Never a tangle. Cloth grocery bags work great for most power cords. For my monster, long, high amp cord, I use a 5 gal bucket. Leave out a tail of several feet of the male end , then feed in the rest. When you use it, plug in the tail & pull out only what you need. Very tidy. Quicker setup and tear down.

[@gunny7d6]

Chuckles Do you try to coil it in any manner in the bag/bucket? Or do you just stuff it in?

[@MrSilverback62]

Actually, it works best if you avoid coils in the bag/bucket, but if a couple of loops hang up and come out at the same time, its still better than the mess you sometimes get with loose coils. I think the idea came from canoe rescue throw bags. You must stuff those.

[@xmozzazx]

Excellent idea. Every work trailer I have worked out of had issues with the chords falling off and tangling during transport. I can see this not only organizes them and separates them, but keeps them that way and would do so even on our crappy roads around here.

[@mrbundyred]

Now that's brilliant. plans would be great

[@peterschmidt9942]

I built one of those years ago too from pinterest. It is a handy holder if you've got about 5 or 6 extensions and don't want to move them all the time. The hooks they used I thought were too expensive for what they were, so I cut some out of 9mm ply and did about 6 or 7 of them. They were just attached to an arm maybe 12mm ply I think. The most important bit I think was the swivel as when you load it up with 25m extension cords, it's amazing how much weight that pin and bracket needs to hold. I'd also suggest putting the longer ones closer to the bracket and the lighter ones further out for weight distribution.

[@billszymanski4844]

Well done. Thanks for going thru the thought process.

[@beauxtx1959]

Excellent design. Loved watching your work through the prototypes.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

beauxtx1959 Thank you!

[@mikekernan5388]

Great video. The camera operator makes the whole video worthwhile...lol. Thanks for sharing this neat tip. Mike

[@WhatWeMadeTeam]

Great job! I saw that pin while back. Your design is much better.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

What We Made Thanks!

[@ChadSchimmel]

That came out pretty good. the concept should work for most.

[@colinchalmers1099]

Good idea Mike and Lauren, cheers Colin.

[@gilbertsix7106]

nicely done simple effective

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the concepts you have provided here.

[@greypoet2]

Simple, direct and it works. Watched another vid on a cord hanger that involved multiple templates, plywood, 2 X 4's, plastic pipe and multiple hours. Oh yeah, and a ladder. Yours is better.

[@JohnDoe-fj8rb]

I’ve seen that video in no way is this better than the other one this will snap in no time. I agree it will take way longer to build but I don’t think it will snap like the hooks will on this one

[@greypoet2]

@@JohnDoe-fj8rb In part I agree. The other one has a greater weight capacity but this one, perhaps using plywood for the hooks, is just what this simple guy needs.

[@donfillenworth1721]

Nice job! I'll be building one for my storage building. Thanks for sharing.

[@PidasianHippie]

I love this design! It would save everyone a great deal of headaches in the shop.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Pidasian Hippie Thanks!

[@jack002tuber]

Very cool design. Makes me think of a capitol G

[@stephenmalone3230]

Same thought myself, yes seen it on Pinrest and wanted to make it. Thanks for showing the prototypes as it highlights no one gets it right the first time! But more importantly why certain shape looked OK but didn't work in reality and why. Good explanation

[@leespurgeon4722]

Very cool Mike! It looks and works better than I imagined too. Lol

[@Sludgepump]

Simple, effective and cheap as hell. Love it!

[@trahtrebor]

Great idea! Really love the theory! Nice and tight to the wall and plenty strong for my cords.

[@allthings2allmen]

I just want to say this is great! I had an idea based on a metal clothes hanging contraption that looks alot like this, ...my idea was to make a wooden one much like what you have done here! The main difference would be that when you lift the "arm' with the hooks on it, it slides back a few inches to brace lock into position at 90 degrees instead of using the lock pin...not sure if there would be any great advantage or critical difference I think your design is more than adequate...so I say again GREAT JOB!!! Nice to see this!

[@Ujoey54]

Hi Mike thanks for the idea I will be organising my extensions cords very smart idea cheers from OZ

[@griff913]

Outstanding design, very clever! You may find over time, however, that your hooks will tend to split out near the crotch of the "G" shape or near your hinge pin since they look to be made from 2x4's. If that happens, you might consider making new ones out of plywood scrap to take advantage of the perpendicular grain structure. Otherwise, I think that's a great solution to such a common problem....well done!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Griff Osman Yea, I actually mentioned in the video re-making it out of plywood, maybe even using some metal parts but it got edited out somehow. Knowing me, I'll probably just glue it back together!

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

NO IF IT BREAKS GLUE BACK TOGETHER AT BREAK AND IT WILL BE STRONGER THAN EVER. YOU DONT NEED PLYWOOD THIS GUY IS JUST JEALOUS OF YOUR SUPERIOR EXTENSION CORD ORGANISER BUILDING SKILLS

[@sapelesteve]

Great build! I will be using a version of that idea...Thanks

[@NaluRash]

Right on man that's a great design.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Nalu Rash Thanks!

[@ltwoodproducts3265]

very cool, I needed an extensiion cord solution and I found it, thanks for the tip.

[@edmarsh5299]

Mike this is a great project. I'm always looking for ways to get more organized! I'm thinking you could develop plans to sell. I'm a recent subscriber to your channel and you've inspired me to make the move to retiring early. I just wanted you to know that your channel is great, the quality of the videos is excellent and you and Lauren inspire me with every video. I just wanted to thank you for creating this content. I've told a bunch of people about your channel. Thanks again for taking the risk and sharing your journey.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Ed Marsh Those are very kind words. Thank you for all the encouragement. Glad you enjoy the channel!

[@WhitehorseParthouse]

Dude that is awesome! 👏🏼

[@verktygsvaggen]

Great idea, nice video. Thanks!

[@terrywong7879]

Great idea for organizing.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Great idea!

[@dinoharrison5138]

Hi Mike, call me late to the party but I just ran across this and I am interested in plans also. Great Idea, TWO thumbs up! Hard to find good things that even I can build!

[@HardcoreSlot]

bad ass.. very cool great idea. for sure going to implement something similar

[@mljesus_5970]

Awesome idea!

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

Great idea Mike and Lauren!

[@JamieEnglish]

This is AWESOME! I've been looking for something like this every where. I just stumbled across your channel a couple weeks ago and subscribed immediately. Thanks!

[@AwesomeWoodThings]

Nice! I'll add this project to my long list.

[@chrisfried3093]

T&E at its best. Nice work!

[@shanejones5885]

Great idea and video, love innovative ideas.

[@ted9876]

great freakin idea. Will make one too. Many thanks.

[@log2lumber]

great idea and video

[@johnsobj]

great design and build vid. I'm subscribing. Look forward to other ideas/vids.

[@robertwolfe5285]

Really am impressed by your channel! Your woodworking is great, and your camera work is very well done! You deserve a lot more subs!

[@hieudosy]

Very neat! Looking forward to more videos from you! :)

[@yowmymen3054]

Genius! I will make this too. Thank you for sharing :)

[@grom7826]

Looks like you are having fun playing around with your garage. Put in electrical insulate it then cover it, it will look much nicer. You might grow out of the 2X4 look after a while.

[@Antzzz_Manzzz]

Good job dude 👍🏼👏🏼

[@EatBuildRideRepair]

Great videos! Happy to see more stuff from you.

[@SethMesser]

solid! curious if you have any plans for dust collection and such? i wish my garage wasn't finished/drywalled. seeing you make use of the studs like that gave me so many ideas. oh well, that'll be for the next house/shop.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Seth Messer Yes, dust collection is coming very soon. I'm sick of breathing in all that sawdust. I'll be building my own system from scratch in the next few months. Until then, I really need to get a respirator...

[@denismorton1269]

Love it , great idea.

[@kringles65]

Good idea. I use a bicycle hook spaced down a length of 2x6.

[@Doughfam]

Great idea, could use something like that to hang hoses at work.

[@DiHandley]

Pretty damn good actually. It was great going through the design steps too. Hey, aren't you the guy who nearly took his eye out with a piece of wood? Still...you're very entertaining.

[@sedenter]

Thanks a lot! I might use your idea, with a little different design in accordance with the materials I got in my workshop.

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

eugen dragos safta Awesome! Send us a picture when you make it.

[@sedenter]

Mike and Lauren Thanks for reply! Now I really have to do it :)!

[@Xyienced]

Ahh compressor hose as well! Nice job!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Xyienced Thanks!

[@charleyandsarah]

Such a great idea!

[@johnw.peterson4311]

Great job, thank you.

[@jerrymascorrojr.8319]

Like it! Gonna build it!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

+Jerry Mascorro Jr. Sweet!

[@stanwebb2272]

Great Job this hook system could be used for other things that need to be hung up with a little modification, 5 gallon with handles buckets, vac hoses, bikes etc

[@AndrewFroude]

Thanks. Great job. D you have the design of your hooks available (so we don't have to go through the whole process ourselves)?

[@GZamoraPhotographie]

Very cool!

[@oregoncoast3971]

Thanks very much for an awesome "dyi" video! Very helpful to see that even an accomplished woodworker like you still must go through a couple of prototypes on the path to success. Any chance you could post a template for the hook and possibly some dimensions for the rest of the hanger housing?

[@harleyanderson1866]

Instablaster.

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Solution looking for a problem. But it gets one woodworking so fun and inspirational either way.

[@capncraigagain]

Great idea. However, I wonder about durability of the hooks for the grain. I think I'll make my hooks from PVC pipe or heavy gage galvanized wire. Thanks for the concept, though

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

capncraigagain Yea, I'll probably make my next one out of plywood.

[@capncraigagain]

Mike and Lauren Plywood sounds like a great alternative. The basic design is what inspires me.

[@Rebekahdavignon]

You might want to fasten a string to your locking pin so that it doesn't "disappear" accidently. Just a thought. Nice project.

[@sharonpturner]

Wonderful concept! Could it be modified for garden hoses?

[@thomasgilbert9347]

Good job

[@JimHero]

Nice! It's refreshing the way you do thing in the shop. I'm starting in woodworking myself and your videos and mini projects for your shop are great. Thanks for sharing! quick one: What power tool is the one you use for the dados? Just saw it is a Dewalt...

[@MosaicHomestead]

I might make one out of metal, good idea

[@Michael-xo8lw]

this came just in time for me. totally stealing. thanks!

[@nancykan4136]

great idea!

[@woodworkermd553]

I like this, going to get to do the same or something like this.

[@bamtastic4297]

awesome !!! thank you !!

[@dorothyemal3529]

Awesome!

[@styxga7894]

Mad skills👍

[@wingsley]

I wonder if a scaled-up version could be built for larger cords/air hoses, or even for loose garden hoses...

[@martijndegier4774]

Realy cool

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Martijn De Gier Thanks!

[@martinberry574]

Cool I like it.

[@dhawkins0000able]

Mike, The picture had what looked like bicycle hooks. Did you consider using those and find them not useful for this; or did you just want to build your hooks from wood?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

dhawkins0000able I didn't like how far the one in the picture stuck out from the wall. The top of each hook had to rest on the next cord pushing it further out. Plus, if it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing :)

[@i-chiulucero9647]

Love it

[@richardkenworthy9312]

Would it have worked better by going in between the studs?

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thanks

[@jesseboeckmann5455]

@Mike and Lauren could you build one just like it but with 4 hooks i could buy from you?

[@terryorourke9632]

Just ------ thank you !

[@greghanaway]

Nice build. Just found your channel. Keep up your hard work and you'll do fine. Must say I'm jealous you got a turn key shop for nothing more than materials cost of the building. It takes most of us a decade to get there. Multiply 30k by your magic number and see what kind of gift that was!

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

The Devils Chew Toy Oh, I realize what a gift I've been given! Every time I walk in and everything is exactly where I left it, I'm thankful.

[@MDFazal]

Btw Great Work!! Keep it up

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

Mohammad Fazal Thanks!

[@dher1000]

Now all you need it to daisy chain your extension cords to keep them from tangling when you want to use them.

[@bobbailey1288]

I think this could also work to store yard tools

[@embwee]

Great--I just might modify the hanger, between the studs to save the 3 1/2 of space..

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

+embwee Awesome! Send us a picture when you do.

[@rogerbulleyjr.8545]

Do it in two 3/4 plywood pieces glued together, should hold forever.

[@kaycox5555]

Super!

[@gregriddle9243]

Based on this vid - I can't believe how much time you have on your hands.

[@mikecoughlin4128]

You need to use the French cleat system.

[@flamedrag18]

or you could just drive 3 8"spikes into the stud and put the cords on those.....a lot simpler.

[@ndowroccus4168]

I first saw this thing, and thought, well that’s kind of stupid…just use Velcro/Carabiner Clips…. Now I see how this would be a space saver in my work van. Thanks, arr_some’!’nn

[@keithbaker2641]

will it hold 100' cords?

[@thzzzt]

You really need to learn to weld. I like your overall design but those hooks are going to snap off along the grain in no time. Just get yourself a little wire feed MIG welder and use flux core wire to start. Simple, no gas to worry about. Plenty of KZbin vids to help you learn. It will really revolutionize your fabrication potential.

[@scubajosh7170]

Do you have a sketchup or PDF file of this? Can you give us the dimensions of the hook?

[@MikeAndLaurenTV]

I don't, but I plan on making a new one in the next couple months that I'll have plans for.

[@Biomedman82]

Mike and Lauren, any updates on the improved version of this build? Plans?

[@TiffanyJones-hj3ds]

Do you sell these?