Tip: Extension Cords (and how to coil them)




Everyone needs an extension cord (or "stinger") or two when snaking power from a nearby wall outlet. These come in several shapes and sizes and today I share a few of my own and my DIY method of storing them. Something else everyone should know is how to properly coil a cable. If done wrong, you end up with a snarled mess when you try to use it. If done right, the cord will always fall away from itself properly, allowing instant use. The technique for doing this is easy to master, but might be something you've never heard of.

Comments

DIYFilmSchool.net said…
Over under, circles and lines...tips I heard starting out that sounded like a witch's brew.

If you have excess stinger after coiling it up, put the coil underneath the light stand to avoid accidents. It will also prevent tension and keep the line slack leading up to the light itself.
Bob said…
This is completely incorrect. Electrical is over over.
wade Cordts said…
This is absolutely wrong. No electrician on any set in Hollywood would ever do it this way. You ALWAYS wrap stingers Over-Over and you always do it clockwise.

Why? Because then it goes with the natural twisted fibers of the power cord. Key word here is "Twisted". Power cords are twisted on the inside, thus you wrap them over-over so that the cable follows the way it naturally twists.

Now, BNC cable and XLR cables are always wrapped Over-Under, as demonstrated in the video.This is because BNC is a center core surrounded by a braided sheath, and XLR wires are not twisted. Thus you over-under then so that you don't twist them inside the jacket and ruin them over time.