Title: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: Jed.cook on June 19, 2018, 04:08:06 PM
Post by: Jed.cook on June 19, 2018, 04:08:06 PM
Looking for advice. I've always used the "around the thumb & elbow" method, then wrap each end around the middle a couple time & plug them into each other. That makes 'em look perdy hangin' on the garage wall, but when I go to use one, it always ends up in a tangled mess. Who's got a fantastic system for extension cord storage they don't mind sharing?
-Jed
-Jed
Title: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: Jules V. on June 19, 2018, 05:03:59 PM
Post by: Jules V. on June 19, 2018, 05:03:59 PM
Your technique is ok. The problem is the extension cord itself. Cheaper extension cables tend to bend, twist and tangle because either it has fewer but larger strands or the insulation being made out of poorly pliable material. Or a combination of both.
Do yourself a favor and make your own extension cable out of SJOW or SOOW wire cable. Not cheap but it should be the last extension cable you'll ever buy. Water proof, great resistance to most chemicals and uv light. The best part is it doesn't tangle, kink etc. The sjow are rated for 300v while the soow 600v. The sjow are suitable for most of a homeowner's needs. The soow just handle higher voltage and also has a very thick insulation. Both uses a rubberized insulation that has very high tolerance for heat or flame. If not on sale, expect to pay $10-15 for the male plug and $15-20 for the female end.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/00756c3d3ff5faae2c79c2a70f7d29eb.heic)
Those are some of my shorter 12 gauge extension cables. Also have some longer ones that are 10 gauge.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/3d7c1f689039eaef0fb8862cf54cbad8.heic)
The thicker wires are the soow. All 12 gauge.
Do yourself a favor and make your own extension cable out of SJOW or SOOW wire cable. Not cheap but it should be the last extension cable you'll ever buy. Water proof, great resistance to most chemicals and uv light. The best part is it doesn't tangle, kink etc. The sjow are rated for 300v while the soow 600v. The sjow are suitable for most of a homeowner's needs. The soow just handle higher voltage and also has a very thick insulation. Both uses a rubberized insulation that has very high tolerance for heat or flame. If not on sale, expect to pay $10-15 for the male plug and $15-20 for the female end.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/00756c3d3ff5faae2c79c2a70f7d29eb.heic)
Those are some of my shorter 12 gauge extension cables. Also have some longer ones that are 10 gauge.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180620/3d7c1f689039eaef0fb8862cf54cbad8.heic)
The thicker wires are the soow. All 12 gauge.
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: Jed.cook on June 19, 2018, 05:24:01 PM
Post by: Jed.cook on June 19, 2018, 05:24:01 PM
Thanks Jules! Looks like I've got another summer project. 
-Jed
-Jed
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: Schaefd2 on June 19, 2018, 05:37:54 PM
Post by: Schaefd2 on June 19, 2018, 05:37:54 PM
I use one of those reels for my 100' cord. It doesn't tangle. However, Jules' solution looks more fun.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: Jules V. on June 19, 2018, 05:42:05 PM
Post by: Jules V. on June 19, 2018, 05:42:05 PM
Currently good prices on the leviton plugs. I only use either leviton or hubbell end plugs. Roughly same quality but the leviton are a bit cheaper and tend to go on sale on Amazon, sometimes up to 75% off especially the colored versions.
Some samples below.
Leviton 5369-C 20 Amp, 125 Volt, Connector, Industrial Grade, Straight Blade, Grounding, Black-White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAUA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q2AkBb1Z1C7NQ
Leviton 5366-C 20 Amp, 125 Volt, Plug, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Grounding, Black-White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAU9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W-AkBbEGKK85Y
Some samples below.
Leviton 5369-C 20 Amp, 125 Volt, Connector, Industrial Grade, Straight Blade, Grounding, Black-White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAUA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q2AkBb1Z1C7NQ
Leviton 5366-C 20 Amp, 125 Volt, Plug, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Grounding, Black-White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAU9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W-AkBbEGKK85Y
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: lksdrinker on June 22, 2018, 12:27:42 PM
Post by: lksdrinker on June 22, 2018, 12:27:42 PM
Chain braiding (and/or daisy chain) works well too. Hard to explain without a visual but easy to find .
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: dazzo on June 22, 2018, 04:21:46 PM
Post by: dazzo on June 22, 2018, 04:21:46 PM
+1 all mine are braided
Something else I picked up from my Dad.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Something else I picked up from my Dad.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Extension Cord Winding Method?
Post by: SmokenJoe on June 24, 2018, 09:18:26 PM
Post by: SmokenJoe on June 24, 2018, 09:18:26 PM
@Jed.cook Here is a video (somewhat crude) that shows a typical braid used a lot by electricians:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTpbh2zJGhA
SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTpbh2zJGhA
SJ