How to Tie an Extension Cord

Extension cords can become tangled if they are not tied correctly.

Many professionals use several extension cords for their jobs each day. Carpenters rely on extension cords to use power tools without the need to stop and recharge batteries on cordless versions. Extension cords can be long and bulky to untie for use and retie for storage and transportation purposes each day. The overhand knot method of tying an extension cord keeps the cord from knotting and provides easy access for the next use.

Things You'll Need

• Zip ties

Instructions

1. Lay the extension cord on the ground.

2. Pick up one end of the extension cord and walk to the other end. Set the ends down together on the ground so the cord folds in half.

3. Pick up the end of the extension cord that is folded in half with the left hand. This is the end without the plugs on it.

4. Grasp an arm's length of the extension cord on the ground with the right hand and make a circle with it.

5. Grasp an arm's length of the cord on the ground and pull it through the circle protruding from the first overhand knot. Pull enough of the cord through to form another circle.

6. Continue tying overhand knots in the cord until you reach the end with the plugs.

7. Tie an overhand knot and leave the plugs extending outward from the last circle. Pull the plugs slightly tight to secure the bundle of extension cord.

8. Lay the extension cord on the ground. Pick up one end and fold it over to the other end so it is half as long. Repeat this process one more time so the cord is one quarter the length of the full tied cord.

9. Place a zip tie through all half-knot circles on the end without the plugs. Thread the loose end of the zip tie through the square and pull the end partially through to hold the cords together.

10. Place zip ties on a wall, in the bed of a truck or in a storage shed. Attach the zip tie on the extension cord through the stationary zip tie to store the extension cord.

Tips & Warnings

• To use the extension cord, pull the loose end with plugs through a few knots; the weight of the cord will pull the rest through as you walk away. A small portion can be untied for use, or the entire cord can be untied.

• Do not tie the overhand knots tightly. This results in wear on the two wires inside the extension cord over time, which will damage or break them and render the cord useless.

• Starting the tying process from the plug ends of the extension cord will not allow just a portion to be untied for use of a partial cord.

References

• Ask The Builder: Extension Cords, Accessories and Storage Tips

Resources

• 20-20 Site: How to Tie an Overhand Knot