Cable Control

If you peruse the Internet, you’ll find a number of straps and handles designed to transport cables, but most of them are too small to fully wrap around (and too weak to transport) heavy 50-amp cords. Recently, I purchased a package of cord straps that have a triangle buckle on one end; I use these hook-and-loop straps to organize the storage compartment. Plus, I’ve found that they work perfect for hanging extension cords and hoses, keeping them accessible but somewhat out of the way.

These 1 ½-inch straps are sold eight to a package and come in 10-, 13- and 16-inch lengths. They are designed to hold hoses and cables — even rope — and have a 50-pound capacity. The straps, sold under the labeling “Extension Cord Organizer (8 Pack), Extension Cord Holder for Garage Organization and Storage” sell for $12.99 on Amazon. They are decent quality for the money but, individually, they don’t have the girth to wrap a 50-amp power cord.

Fiddling around with the straps one day, I put two together and the light went on. (Okay, full disclosure: I don’t get total credit for the idea — they are packaged originally with two straps “stuck” to each other. But I did recognize this potential.)

By connecting the two straps — leaving a triangle buckle on each end — they were able to be adjusted to keep the 50-amp cord coiled tightly. But I still needed a way to carry the cord comfortably. To get there, I tied loops on a short piece of polypropylene rope and clipped the ends into the buckles. Then I added a “Bucket Boss 08010 Bucket Grip, Black” ($5.89 on Amazon) to the rope and the result was a handy carry strap that controls the cable and can be moved with one hand — without digging into the skin.

Now, if I can just find a place to store that cord without getting in the way.