Storing Extension Cords - Extension Cord Reel

DIY Extension Cord Reel: Wrangling Cords and Winning at Life

Ah, extension cords—the unsung heroes of DIY projects, holiday lights, and “I need power over there” moments. But when the job’s done, what happens? They become a tangled mess of frustration, shoved into a corner, plotting to trip you the next time you grab a tool.

Not today, Satan (or should I say, spooled chaos). Today, we’re taking back control with a DIY extension cord reel made from scrap plywood. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it might just save you from ever muttering, “Why is this cord knotted like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil?” again.

Why Make Your Own Extension Cord Reel?

Sure, you could buy a cord reel, but where’s the fun in that? With a homemade extension cord storage solution, you get:

Custom design: Build it to fit your cords perfectly (because one-size-fits-all is a lie).
A clutter-free workspace: No more wrestling with spaghetti cords.
Scrap wood glory: Turn those forgotten plywood bits into something useful.
Serious bragging rights: “Oh, this reel? Yeah, I made it.”

What You’ll Need to Make an Extension Cord Reel

Amazon affiliate links to items I use. For full affiliate disclosure, please see bottom of the page.

Scrap plywood (finally, a reason to dig through the “I’ll use this someday” pile)
A saw (jigsaw and/or mitre saw work best)
Sandpaper (because no one wants a splinter situation mid-project)
A drill with a drill bit just larger than your finger diameter
Optional: trim router with a roundover bit
Measuring tape and a pencil
Optional: Paint or stain to jazz it up

Pro Tip: Add an extra hole if you want to hang your extension cords on a wall or pegboard

How to Build Your DIY Extension Cord Reel

Step 1: Plan Your Reel Size

Measure your longest extension cord to determine the reel diameter. For most cords, a 12–18 inch reel works great. Grab your scrap bits and find one nearing 12″ wide by 18″ long.

Step 2: Cut Out the Notches

Use your mitre saw, set at a 45° angle, (or jigsaw if you have more time and want something more professional looking) to cut two almost-matching triangles. Perfect triangles aren’t required, and the mitre saw won’t meet at a central point – but that’s okay, we don’t want a point anyways.

Now bring in your jigsaw (if you haven’t already) and cut a flat edge at the top of each of the notches. This just helps the extension cord spread out and not keep all of the heat trapped in a tiny corner.

Step 3: Add Your Handles

You’ll want handles – winding extension cords without the ability to manoeuvre the reel board is CRAZY frustrating. You’ll be sitting on the lawn/garage floor flipping the reel over and over and over and over and…. I looked like an idiot. lol

Mark both long sides of your extension cord reel in 4″ and then up about 1 ¼” from either end.

Drill holes at each mark – this is where your handles will start and end.

Using a ruler, draw a line connecting the top of each hole and the bottom of each hole, then cut on the line with your jigsaw.

It’s not pretty (I might need a new jigsaw blade?), but it’ll do.

Step 4: Add lipstick

Bring out your trusty trim router and a roundover bit and go over all of the edges. Inside, outside, front, back. This will hide all the nicks and chips from the last step and make your extension cord reel much more comfortable to handle.

Step 5: Sand’er smooth

Sand those edges to perfection. A smooth reel is a happy reel—and your hands will thank you later.

Step 6: How to wind

Okay, you shouldn’t use extension cords when they are wound on a reel… but I’m difficult and stubborn and there’s no way I’m going to unwind a 100 footer for 25 feet of cord. I’m also not going to buy any more extension cords in varying lengths (I have too many already).

So, with my wrongfulness in mind, I wind my cords by tucking the wall plug end into the handle, and leaving about 2 feet free, before winding the rest of the cord.

This way I can place my cord near a plug and plug it in, but only unwind the amount I need for use.

Does that make sense?

Bonus Features for the Overachievers

If you’re thinking, “Why stop here?” let’s take your extension cord storage solution to the next level:

Built-in cord clamp: Keep the cord from unspooling itself like a rebellious teenager.
Paint it your favorite color: Who says functional can’t be fabulous?
Label the reel: Know at a glance if this reel is for your 50-footer or the outdoor light show cord.

Where to Store Your Extension Cord Reel

Once your masterpiece is complete, give it a home that’s both functional and Instagram-worthy:

Garage wall: Hang it next to your workbench for easy access.
Tool shed: Keep it with your power tools and garden gadgets.
Utility closet: Tidy up that chaos while feeling like a cord-wrangling superhero.

Final Thoughts

A DIY extension cord reel isn’t just a 20 minute project; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It’s the difference between untangling cords for a half hour and actually finishing your DIY projects on time. Plus, let’s be real—anything made from scrap plywood gives you bonus points for being eco-friendly and resourceful.

So grab those tools, wrangle those cords, and build yourself a reel that’ll make future you say, “Wow, I’m a genius.”