Tried a new line coiling method from a YouTube video and ended up with a bird's nest on a job site

Watched this older drafter demonstrate a figure-8 coil for extension cords. Looked simple enough on screen. Tried it on a 50 footer yesterday morning and it twisted up so bad I spent 10 minutes untangling it on a roof. The client's kid was filming me for a school project. What do you actually use for extension cords that doesn't turn into a mess?

3 comments

3 Comments

ellis.susan20d ago

Ngl that figure-8 method is a trap, I tried it once and ended up looking like I was wrestling a python on a roof too. Over-under is the way to go, saved me from looking like a clown on every job.

robinf5128d ago

Forget the figure-8 for anything over 25 feet. Try the "over-under" method instead. You loop it over your palm then under your thumb, alternating direction every wrap. It stops the cord from twisting on itself because you're basically canceling out the natural coiling memory of the wire. I had a 100 footer that used to turn into a mess until I switched to that. Also, don't yank it out tight - leave a little slack in each loop so it can breathe when you pull it out.

the_amy28d ago

Does the over-under actually work on thicker extension cords or just smaller cables?