How to Make an Extension Cord Reel

It's frustrating fighting with a mess of balled up extension cords. This easy solution gives instant access to your extension cords, along with a great storage system to boot.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 5-gallon bucket
• Sharp scissors
• Extension cord

1. Find an empty 5-gallon bucket. Clean it out and remove the lid if there is one.

2. Use sharp scissors, clippers or a knife to cut a hole near the bottom of the bucket just big enough to fit the male end of an extension cord through.

3. Stick the plug down into the bucket and through the hole you just made. Let it hang out of the bucket about a foot.

4. Coil the extension cord down into the bucket until the entire cord is stored inside the bucket.

5. Carry your bucket to the electrical outlet. Plug in the portion of your cord that's hanging outside the bottom of the bucket.

6. Grab the female end of the cord out of the bucket, and take it to wherever you need the plug. The cord should unravel out of the bucket while it remains by the outlet.

7. Wrap the cord up to put back in the bucket for easy storage when done.

Tips & Warnings

• You can just toss the cord into the bucket if you would rather not take the time to coil it in nicely, just be aware that you still may deal with a few knots.
• You can also make a hole in the bucket with a drill by making several small holes in a circle and then cut them out for the hole.