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Remodeling
Tip:
Keeping
Extension Cords
Off The Floor
With Split-Flex Tubing
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| Summary:
Split-flex
tubing is cut into short pieces and
screwed to the studs behind the wall.
An extension cord is inserted into the
slit in the tubing to keep the cord
above the floor. |
Related
Reading:
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| Skill
Level: 1 (Easy) |
Time
Taken: About 10 Minutes |
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By Bruce
W. Maki, Editor
While getting ready to sand and refinish a couple of
hardwood floors, I needed to figure out a quick and easy
way to keep some extension cords off the floor. Since
the rooms were going to be painted afterward, it
didn't matter if I put small holes in the walls.
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This upstairs room only has
two outlets, and they are nowhere near the
window, so to power a small fan in the
window I've needed an extension cord.
While I could just move the cord around
while sanding the floor, I need to get the
cord out of the way when I apply urethane.
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| I bought some ½" and ¾"
split-flex tubing at Home Depot. It
cost just over a dollar a package.
Split-flex tubing has a slit along its
length so wires can be tucked inside. This
tubing can be cut with a sharp knife, or
possibly scissors.
I cut the pieces about 3 inches long.
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I drove a 1-5/8" drywall
screw through the back of the piece of
tubing. |
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| I used a stud finder to locate
the framing. |
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I placed the screw tip against
the wall and drove in the screw until it was
snug.
If the screw is driven too tight, it can
tear the plastic.
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| I slipped the extension cord
into the split-flex tubing. |
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The ½" tubing was kinda
flimsy. It didn't seem to have a firm hold
on this light-duty cord. |
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| I also tried some 3/4"
split flex tubing, which was much heavier
than the 1/2" stuff.
This held the cords much better. |
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Where I had excess cord, I
just doubled it back through the holder. |
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| It only took 4 pieces, spaced
about 32" apart, to keep this cord off
the floor. |
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In this adjacent room I used
¾ inch split-flex tubing to hold a heavier
cord. It worked well.
When the floor work is done, I'll have to
patch the screw holes with spackling
compound and repaint the room. This
method won't work if the walls are not going
to be repainted. |
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