Make a Quick Extension Cord Lock

After dozens and probably hundreds of times pulling my power tool plug out of my extension cord receptacle, I finally broke down and did something about it.

This project required only a scrap of 1 1/2" PVC pipe. For tools,I used a table saw, a miter saw, a drill with a 3/8" inch bit and a saber saw.

Step 1: Cut the Pipe

Starting with a scrap of pipe. Cut it about three inches longer than your plug and recepticle combined.

Step 2: Cut the Pipe, Continued

Cut two slots about 8 - 10 inches long, opposite each other, lengthwise from one end of the pipe.

Step 3: Nearly Done Already

Cut each end of one piece of the pipe at a 45 degree angle. Sand the burrs off.

Drill a 3/8" (or as needed) hole near each end. Using the sabre saw, cut a slot for the wire at each end as shown, making it slightly keyhole shaped. (Slightly wider at the end than at the hole.)

Step 4: Finish It Up

Again, sand off the burrs.

To use, position the plug and receptacle in the middle of the lock then push the wire through the slot into the hole. If you are careful keyholeing the slot, the wires will stay in place no matter how many times you tug on the tool.

Comments

[Buso]

Great Ideas. I will make one. The advantage of the suggestion to leave the pipe intact is that the pipe may be stored on the cord. I just used my leaf blower. It has a short cord which makes a knot difficult.

[joen]

Great idea! It simplifies securing cords when you are moving the connection around like outside in the yard. However, why cut the PVC pipe in half? Why not leave the pipe intact but cut the ends and slots as you have. You can now push one plug through the pipe and make the connection then position and secure the connection. The connection is now safe inside. This is not a criticism, just another idea. I am going to make one! Thanks for a Great idea!

[RangerJ]

You hit on what I had planned to do originally, except the scrap of PVC I had was too small to hold the plug and recepticle. That's what I would do - drill and keyhole - a hole in each end.

Thanks for the comment and for putting a little thought into it.

[mgerrish50]

Great idea

[fredericklagerberg]

Why not just put a lose not at the plug ends to hold it it always works or me.....

[RangerJ]

There is only 8" of cable on my leaf blower; there's not enough to tie a flat overhand bend to join the cables. A simple overhand knot around the blower cable tends to bend the plug pins if yanked.

For joining two shorter extension cords, I often use a knot (the F. O. bend), too.