Cord Control
Perhaps the hardest part about storing portable power tools is figuring out what to do with the cord. The cords too easily turn into a rat’s nest inside a drawer or cabinet. I’ve tried hook-and-loop straps and they seem to wear out, get loaded with sawdust, or break.
Then I rediscovered this classic method of cord control. In a nutshell, it’s a way to wrap the cord around the tool that not only keeps it under control, but also creates a loop that you can use to hang the tool from a hook, as shown in the photo at left.
The photo sequence below walks you through the steps. The hanging loop can be as large or as small as you want. About the only limitation that I’ve found is that the design of some tools limits how well the cord wraps around the body of the tool. However, it works great for tools like sanders, biscuit joiners, corded drills, and reciprocating saws. Other tools require more creative wrapping to work.
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| The Loop. Make a loop with the cord that folds over the tool’s body. |
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| Wrap. Begin wrapping the remaining cord around the tool away from the end. |
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| Plug. Slip the outlet plug through the small end of the loop. |
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| Cinch It. Gently tug the lower loop end to secure the plug for hanging. |
