The Neatest Way To Roll Up Electrical Cords

Knowing how to roll up electrical cords is a useful skill to keep them from becoming tangled and to allow for easy storage. There are several techniques to keep cords neat and tidy while in storage, including the shoulder-wrap, braid-wrap, and over-under-wrap methods. To start, hold your arm out and loop one end of the cord over the top of your hand, away from your body. Then, roll the next loop underneath so it runs across your hand toward your body. Continue wrapping over and under until you reach the end of the cord, and use a tie or cord organizer to keep the loops together.

How to roll up an electrical cord

The shoulder-wrap technique

First, untangle the electrical cord if it is knotted or messy. This step is crucial, as wrapping a tangled cord will only make the knots tighter and more difficult to undo. Place the cord on the floor to easily untangle it, letting it fall into a pile as you work out the kinks.

Next, hold one end of the cord in your hand, extending your arm out. Loop the cord over the top of your hand, away from your body. Then, roll the next loop underneath, so it runs across your hand toward your body. Continue wrapping the cord in this over-and-under motion until you reach the end of the cord. Ensure that each loop is the same size to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

Once you've reached the end of the cord, you'll have a bundle of loops. Now, take the remaining loose end and wind it around the coil of cord, securing the ends together to hold the coil in place.

You can further secure the wrapped cord by using a tie, cord organizer, or a piece of tape. Wrapping a strap or a piece of tape around the middle of the bundle will ensure the loops stay together.

The braid-wrap technique

To begin, remove any tangles and knots in the cord. Then, plug the extension cord into itself by connecting the male end into the female end, which will cut the length of the cord in half. Work your way towards the opposite end, straightening the cord as you go. Once you are within 6 to 8 inches of the opposite end, grasp the cords together to create a small closed loop. Reach your other hand through the loop and pull both cords back through the loop simultaneously.

Continue braiding until you reach the end of the cord. If your cord is long, you may need to fold the braided section in half and continue braiding. Once the braid is complete, take both plugs in one hand and the base of the final braid in the other. Pull the plugs backward through the loop of the final braid, and then pull them in the reverse direction to tighten the entire braid. Finally, tuck the loose ends through the last loop to secure the braid.

The over-under-wrap technique

To begin, lay the extension cord out on a flat surface. Then, grab the cable and start with an overhand loop. Flip the cable and roll it underhand to create the second loop. Repeat this process of making overhand and underhand loops until the entire cable forms a coil in a circle.

Once you've created the first set of over- and under-hand loops, you'll likely get used to the twisting motion required for the underhand loop. Extension cords are designed to naturally accept this method of wrapping, making it easy to identify if you're creating the under-handed loops correctly.

After coiling the entire cable, finish off by plugging the male and female ends into each other or by securing them with a tie. This technique works for both right- and left-handed people and can be done both clockwise and counterclockwise.

Using a cord organiser

There are several methods you can use to roll up an electrical cord with a cord organiser. One popular method is the elbow wrap. Here's how to do it:

• Start by holding one end of the cord in your hand.
• Wrap the cord around your arm, just above the elbow, and through the crook of your thumb and forefinger.
• Leave several inches of the cord loose.
• Wind the loose end of the cord around the coil you've created.
• Connect the ends of the cord together to secure the coil.

Another method is the over-under wrap. This method creates a series of overhand and underhand loops that keep your cord organised and tangle-free. Here's how to do it:

• Hold one end of the cord in one hand.
• Use your other hand to grasp the cord behind your first hand.
• Gently roll the cord forward under your first hand to create an underhand loop.
• Repeat the process, alternating between overhand and underhand loops, until you reach the end of the cord.
• Finish by connecting the male and female ends of the cord or securing them with a tie or cord organiser.

You can also use a cord organiser to create a braid wrap, which is a preferred method for many professionals as it doesn't require any extra tools and leaves the cord ready for use. The braid wrap allows you to unwrap the cord in sections, which is convenient for extra-long extension cords. It also increases the lifespan of your cord and positions it nicely for storage.

When using a cord organiser, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety. Additionally, always uncoil the cord before use to prevent excessive heat buildup. Properly organising and storing your electrical cords will make your space cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.

Using a cord reel

Before using a cord reel, it is important to take safety precautions. Always wear protective gear, such as insulated gloves, when handling electrical equipment. Ensure that your cords and plugs are in good condition, and never attempt any repairs yourself—always seek a professional electrician. Make sure all outlets are well-grounded and keep them away from water or other liquids. Remember to turn off power sources when not in use.

When using a cord reel, follow these steps:

• Unwind the extension cord completely before each use. Partially wound cords can generate excessive heat due to electrical resistance and poor ventilation, leading to potential damage or fire hazards.
• After use, neatly wind the cord back onto the reel. This prevents damage and ensures safe and tidy storage.
• Regularly inspect your cord for any signs of wear and tear. Look for fraying, splitting, or kinks in the wire. If you notice any damage, do not use the cord, as it may become a safety hazard.
• Label your extension cords to quickly identify their length and gauge. This is especially helpful when using multiple cords or in high-traffic areas.

Frequently asked questions