Does the scene above look familiar? Whether you're working with power tools or just trying to lug your vacuum down the stairs, it seems like some extension cords were designed to come apart from your gear at even the slightest pull. But luckily, there's a ridiculously easy fix: An overhand knot. You already know how to do that one!
Unlike the extra-long-cord-controlling chain sinnet and most of these 14 earbud knotting techniques, you already know how to tie an overhand knot.
If you want to use it to keep your gear plugged in an extension cord, just hold both ends together and tie a loose knot. Then, plug them together.
This technique not only keeps cords together, but it also reduces strain on the plugs, which means your cords will last longer and perform better. The Concord Carpenter even says he raises and lowers his tools from ladders by holding on to just the cords.
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Comments (7)
I'm not trying to insult anyones intelligence by any means, but I've been doing this since i was 10.
I agree with Hakamisu. This was one of the first safety things I learned when I was first taught to use a circular saw.
I was thinking the same thing, my dad showed me this 30 years ago!
Hi there.
That is a crucial problem ;). I am a gaffer on fimproductions and we have this usecase quiet often on set:
A. Keep the connection loose and in case somebody falls over the cable it might disconnect and your gear is not flying around and falling on the floor or tipping over. Sometimes you need this security of a possible disconnection to avoid potential danger.
B. Keep it knotted and locked to avoid accidential loss of power but then you risk your stuff tipping over (e.g. stands) and gear or people being damaged in case somebody is stumbling over the cable.
As a cableknot I recommend this one:
http://imageshack.us/f/717/photo1tpj.jpg/
I think it depends on whether you were taught or not. I've never done it, my father doesn't do it...but I've never had an issue with yanking cords off an extension cord before.
This is something I learned from my father as well. It's incredibly useful if you're working on a roof or moving cords a lot. Sometimes it's more dangerous to lose power to a power tool than to use the tool itself. The overhand knot method/picture in the Lifehacker article is much simpler and works perfectly/
yes, this is common knowledge and you don't even need a knot as big as what you tied! just tie a simple knot and join it at the cord ends...