Clever Ways to Wrap Your Extension Cord for Easy Storage

We all know what an extension cord is. Some of us even own a few. This clever apparatus is an asset to home and business owners using various tech devices, including laptops, TVs, hair tools, kitchen appliances, and more. Although extremely useful, extension cords can prove challenging to store due to their unique length.  

Thankfully, we have a range of creative storage solutions to share with you. These include innovative ideas, efficient extension cord organization, and smart cord-wrapping techniques.  

Read on to discover unique ways to store extension cords.  

Technique 1: The Braid Wrap 

One of the most popular extension cord wrapping methods is the braid wrap. This tried and tested method involves doubling your extension cord and tying a loose knot at one end. Working toward the opposite end, you must fold the cord below and inside the knot to create an additional loop. Follow this method until you reach the end of the cord. Voila! You can now store your cord away in its desired resting point. The benefit is that you won't need to worry about it becoming tangled.  

Technique 2: Wrap on Repurposed Scrap Wood  

If you own various small to medium-sized extension cords yet have nothing to wrap them around, you can fashion your reel accessories from scrap lumber or plywood. You'll need to cut scoops into either side of your scrap wood to make a suitable cord holder. You can do this using a hand tool or a router. 

These are an asset to those who use cords for various purposes in various areas, as you only have to unwind the cord required.  

These DIY reels can be stowed on a shelf when not used. Just be careful of heat build-up when running a high load continuously.  

Technique 3: The Elbow Wrap 

Start to wrap your cord around your arm while holding one end in your hand. You should position this end above your elbow and through your thumb's crook and forefinger. For best results, allow for several inches of loose cord. The next step involves winding the loose end of the cord around the cord coil and attaching the ends to secure the coil in place. 

Technique 4: DIY Cord Bucket 

Using a container such as a plastic plant pot or bucket is one of our most innovative extension cord storage ideas. You may wonder what a cord bucket is. It's a bucket with a hole measuring two inches, which you will need to cut into the base.  

Using this DIY device, you can easily store lengthy, heavy-duty extension cords by loosely coiling them inside the vessel. Just be sure the male end is sticking out of the hole by a couple of feet. This will allow you to reach an outlet without any obstruction.  

Upon plugging the male end of the cord into a receptacle, unwind the cord, starting with the female end. This prevents any tangles from occurring. The bucket doubles up as a handy storage container!  

Technique 5: The Over-Under Wrap 

Hold your arm out when wrapping your extension cord. Then, loop one end of the cord over the top of your hand. This should be in the direction pointing away from your body. Next, roll the loop underneath so it runs horizontally across your hand and toward your body. Continue this method, over away from your body, and under toward your body, until there is no more cord to wrap. Use a cord organizer or a simple tie to ensure the loops stay together when in storage. 

Technique 6: Wrap and Hang Cords 

If your job requires you to work up high, such as up a ladder, on a roof, or carrying out tasks that require scaffolding, when using extension cords in these precarious positions, being able to hang cords while doing so will prevent accidents.  

Use an overhand knot and make a loop in your extension cord for best results. You can then use this loop to support the heavy part of the cord, hanging it from a peg on the scaffolding, a nail on a wall or ledge, or another hook, both when in use and when not in use.  

Creative ways to wrap extension cords such as this will avoid any accidents that otherwise could cause the cord to crash to the ground or you to trip over it. 

Technique 7: Invest in an Extension Cord Reel 

If wrapping extension cords isn't an option for you, or you're looking for a solution that will save you even more time, you should invest in an extension cord reel. This will allow you to keep your cords organized and ready for use without fear of tangled wires. These tools are available in both retractable and manual-wind options. 

There are even cord storage reel designs boasting multiple built-in outlets and circuit breakers. These are often used in larger offices or engineering and IT industries where numerous extension leads are required.  

The Bottom Line  

Storing extension cords neat and tangle-free is easy when you know how. The above tidy extension cord storage solutions will ensure you wrap your extension cord safely and effectively.  

Learning these space-saving power tips will not only ensure the utmost organization but also ensure your cords remain tangle-free. The best part about this? When you need to use them, you won't have to spend hours freeing them from unwanted knots.  

From wrapping them to using your shoulder to trailing the braid-wrap to opting for over-under-wrap techniques, there are plenty of clever extension cord storage solutions for easy storage.