Otis Singleton
Electrical cords can be annoying to deal with, especially when they're twisted or kinked. This often happens when they're coiled up too tightly or wrapped around something. While it's not always possible to get a cord perfectly straight again, there are several methods you can try to improve its condition. Some people suggest using tools like drills, screwdrivers, or pipes to help straighten the cord, while others recommend natural methods like laying the cord in the sun or taking it for a walk. With a bit of time and effort, you can significantly reduce the twists and kinks in your electrical cords.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of twisted cords | Improper coiling |
| Solutions | "Take the cord for a walk" |
| Stretch the cord and tie both ends to fixed, tall objects | |
| Use a drill to unwind the cord | |
| Use a screwdriver to flatten the cord | |
| Leave the cord in the sun |
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What You'll Learn
Tie one end to a fixed object
To straighten out an electrical cord, one effective method is to tie one end to a fixed object. This technique is particularly useful if you want to untwist or unkink an extension cord that has become twisted or coiled.
Firstly, find a suitable object to which you can securely tie the cord. Ideally, this will be a tall, stable, and stationary object such as a tree, a post, or a railing. Once you've identified a suitable object, use a sturdy knot to tie one end of the cord securely to it.
Now that one end is securely fastened, you can begin the process of straightening the cord. Using a large screwdriver or a small length of straight metal pipe, start at the tied-off point and work your way along the cord. The idea is to use the screwdriver or pipe to create tension and leverage as you pull and stretch the cord, gradually working out any twists or kinks.
As you work, pay close attention to the direction of the twists in the cord. You want to ensure that you are unwinding in the opposite direction of the existing twist. This will help ensure that you are correcting the twist rather than making it worse.
For added effectiveness, you can combine this technique with other methods. For example, try leaving the cord in the sun for a few hours to warm up, making it more pliable and easier to work with. Just be cautious not to overdo it in very hot locations, as excessive heat can damage the cord.
By following these steps and paying attention to the direction of the twists, you can effectively straighten out an electrical cord by tying one end to a fixed object.
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Stretch the cord off the ground
To straighten out an electrical cord, it is important to stretch the cord off the ground. This method is particularly useful for unwinding an over-twisted power cord. First, stretch the cord out all the way and ensure it is suspended off the ground by a few feet. Then, tie the other end of the cord to a fixed, tall, and stable object such as a tree, a post, or a railing. This will help to work on the twist more evenly across the entire cord.
Another method to stretch the cord off the ground is to form a "U-shape" with the cord and place a screwdriver handle inside it. Pull hard while moving more of the cord past the screwdriver, stretching and flattening it along the handle.
Additionally, you can try the method used with climbing ropes and extension cords, which is to "take them for a walk". Hold on to one end of the cord and walk across a large area of lawn, allowing the cord to stretch out behind you.
If you have access to a tall scaffold tower or another high place, you can hang the cord and swing it in the opposite direction of the kink.
By stretching the cord off the ground, you can effectively straighten it out and reduce the appearance of twists and kinks.
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Use a drill to unwind
To straighten out an electrical cord with a drill, you will need a drill, an eyebolt, and some tape. It is also recommended to have a pair of wire cutters and a vise.
First, pay close attention to the direction of the corkscrew twist in the cord. You will want to rotate the drill in the opposite direction of the current bad cord twist. Before unwinding, stretch the cord so it suspends off the ground by a few feet. This will help ensure that the bad twist is worked on evenly across the length of the cord.
Next, secure one end of the wire in the drill's chuck. Push one end of the wire between the jaws at the end of your drill and turn the chuck counter-clockwise until it's tight. Lightly tug on the wire to make sure it doesn't slip out. If you don't have a drill, you can use locking pliers instead.
Now, clamp the other end of the wire in a vise. Secure your vise to a sturdy object, such as a table or workbench. Open the jaws of the vise and place the other end of the wire inside, then tighten it until it firmly grips the wire. If you don't have a vise, try wrapping the end of the wire around something sturdy, like a doorknob.
Once your drill and wire are securely attached, you can start unwinding the wire. You can also attach the cord to an eyebolt and use the drill to unwind it. Continue unwinding until the wire has the desired straight appearance.
Finally, stop the drill and unclamp the ends. Cut off the ends of the wire with wire cutters, as they may have tool marks and be difficult to straighten out.
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Use a screwdriver to flatten
Using a screwdriver is an effective way to straighten out an electrical cord. This method is especially useful for extension cords that are severely kinked. Firstly, it is important to unplug the cord from its power supply. This ensures your safety and prevents any accidental damage to the electrical appliance.
Next, take a large screwdriver with a long handle. A screwdriver with a plastic handle is ideal, but any type will do as long as it has a long, straight, and hard edge. You can also use a small length of straight metal pipe or the handle of a hammer as an alternative. Place the screwdriver handle inside the U-shaped loop of the cord. Hold the screwdriver by the shaft and position the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the cord.
Now, pull the cord taut and start to firmly pull the screwdriver handle along the length of the cord. This action will stretch and flatten the cord as it runs along the handle. You can also try folding the cord over the handle as you pull, similar to how one would curl a ribbon using a pair of scissors. Use quite a bit of force and don't be afraid to use your weight to straighten the cord effectively.
Continue this process until you have straightened the entire cord. If you only need a portion of the cord to be straightened, cut the end with wire cutters after achieving the desired level of straightness. It is important to note that overworking the cord by excessive straightening can weaken and make it more brittle. Therefore, only straighten the cord when necessary to maintain its strength.
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Leave in the sun
Leaving your electrical cord out in the sun is a great way to straighten it out. This method is especially useful if you live in a hot climate, such as Arizona, Texas, or Florida, where the sun's rays are more intense.
Start by laying your cord out on a warm, sunny day. Ensure that it is uncoiled and as straight as possible. If you have a large, flat surface like a concrete parking lot, that would be ideal. Leave the cord out for at least half a day, or 3-4 hours, until it is nice and warm. The sun's heat will make the cord more pliable, allowing you to work out the kinks and twists more easily.
If you're able to hang the cord, do so in a sunny spot, securing it with a Kellems grip or a rigging knot to release tension from the ends. You can also attach a weight to the cord, which will help straighten it as it hangs.
For severely twisted or kinked cords, leaving them in the sun may not be enough. In these cases, a combination of sun exposure and manual straightening techniques, such as using a screwdriver or pulling the cord taut, may be necessary. Additionally, be mindful that extreme kinking could indicate a potential safety hazard, and it may be best to replace the cord entirely.
By following these steps and allowing the sun's heat to do its work, you'll be well on your way to straightening out your electrical cord.
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Frequently asked questions
One way to straighten out an electrical cord is to tie one end to a fixed, tall, stable object. Then, using a drill, unwind the cord in the opposite direction of the twist.
One alternative method is to tie one end of the cord to a stationary object and use a large screwdriver or a small length of straight metal pipe to work out the kinks. Another method is to hang the cord from a tall scaffold tower and swing it in the opposite direction of the kink.
Avoid using the elbow to hand method when coiling your electrical cord, as this can cause the cord to kink up and twist.
One way is to leave the cord out in the sun for a few hours and then work out the kinks. Alternatively, you can try rotating the cord so that the "waves" lie flat on the surface of a shelf, making it appear flat from one direction.
