folding electric extension cords

[eteagle]

Some years back a tile setter working at my house pulled out his extension cord (50'). It was braided with loops to about 4' long. He gave it a snap and it totally unfolded ready for use. When done he proceeded to wrap it again.

I'd love to know how to do this. Can't find info on the web. He taught me how to do it but for the life of me I cannot remember.

Ernie

 

[Yankee]

It's a simple chain stitch (chain stitches have the virtue of pulling out). I keep my longer cords and rope this way, too. With an extension cord, I plug the two ends together, which makes a big loop. Lay that out so the wire is side-by-side. All you do is reach through the end, grab the two wires and pull through. That produces a short loop in your hand. Reach through that loop, grab the wires again, pull through like before and just keep repeating until you're done. The nice thing is it all pulls out with no kinks.

Bill

 

[mikim]

I've done that for years -- but found a better way -- it's called "cordpro" and costs about $10 .. it holds 100' of cord and it's just great. It's not your standard "wheel" type cord roller - I've had 1 and finally got around to ordering 2 more. You can look at <font color="blue"> cordpro</font> - but you can also find 'em cheaper elsewhere.

 

[GaryM]

If you use the Cordpro, or any other reel, be sure to compleatly unroll the cord before using it for other than a light load. With the cord wound up like that heat from the current flow can get it hot enough to catch fire.

My local Fire Dept. has several on display.

A load like a drill running intermittantly shouldn't be a problem, but heavy loads like saws and such could be a problem.

 

[mikim]

Thanks for the tip -- never occurred to me that being rolled up would cause it to get hotter than it would otherwise under heavy load. - but makes sense - I've ordered 2 more cordpros 'cause the cords I have loose are old and beatup so it's time to replace. I'm going to buy 12 or 14 ga. cord - and the things I run on it shouldn't heat it at all - but I'll be aware now to watch it if I do load it. thanks.

 

[GaryM]

I have a couple of the reels with a winding handle. I hook the middle of the cord on the reel and wind it up. As your winding two pieces of cord it's twice as fast. 100' rools up as fast as 50'. Unrolls fast too. Don't know if you can do that with the cord pro.

 

[mikim]

I've got one of those too but it can still tangle a bit 'cause the 2 can twist together - and when I hang it up the darn thing tends to unwind. The cordpro takes just a little longer to wind, but it can't unwind on it's own, can't tangle at all, and it protects the wire whilst flying around in the bed of the truck, and it unwinds like a dream - plug it in - grab the other end and walk away. I found 'em at www.tools-plus.com for $10 - 3 ea + shipping cost me $36. That's about what I paid for my first one that I picked up at some show somewhere. I've had it for several years now - it's scuffed up but works great - I'm sold on 'em.

 

[mikim]

Just read the instructions for the cordpro I left here at the office - (only as a last resort of course.. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) .. It says right on it - quote" DO NOT EXCEED 1/2 CORD RATING IF USED COILED" It's in the paragraph labeled "Avoid Overheating" ..along with wire ga. and amp ratings coiled vs. fully extended... so there 's the validation for your statement - in writing .... as if you needed that. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GaryM]

Appreciate the confirmation, but seeing the cord reels at the firehouse half melted is all the confirmation I needed.

Stay safe!

 

[_RaT_]

At the end of the day we "roll em up" we don't fold them. We use the chain stich as well, it is the overwhemingly popular method. Depending on the gauge, we double, or quadruple the cord. If it's baloney cord, were lucky to roll the stinkin stuff up enough and pick it up, it's 6/4, 100' long with extra jacketing for daily construction use.