Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

DIY: How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful? You Bead It.

Search
the home depot logo 7

DIY: How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful? You Bead It.

November 21, 2013

Whether your quarters are tiny or expansive, chances are you’re living with more extension cords than you’d like–and the holiday season is about to add to the tangle. I’ve complained about the cord problem in my apartment in the past (see 5 Favorites: Alternative Extension Cords). Recently, I decided to be proactive and make my own alternative extension cords. The plan? Bead them.

First, I took a trip to The Home Depot to gather the hard materials and glean a little electrical advice. Then I hit my local bead store for the soft goods, the wooden beads. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make an extension cord worth looking at.

Finished Product

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 3

Above: The beaded extension cord is perfect for powering holiday window lights and extending out out from underneath the Christmas tree. Original photography shot with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR. The filmmaker’s camera.

Materials

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 4

Instructions

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 5

Step One: Unscrew the connector to open it up; inside you’ll find three screws. Word of caution: If you are using lamp wire, as we did, keep in mind that it should never be used on anything exceeding 300 Volts.

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 6

Step Two: Separate your lamp wires into two and strip off about a 1/4 inch of the wrapping to reveal copper wires. Taking the bunch of copper wires, place each one in between the connector’s small metal plate and the screw; tighten each screw until it’s clamped onto the copper cord between the screw and the metal plate. Now you are ready to put the plug back together and start beading. Note that if you are using a robust Multi-Use Electrical Cord, attach like color with like; if you are using Lamp Wire, just attach the two and leave the green screw empty.

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 7

Step Three: As you would with a necklace, string the beads to your liking but keep in mind how much room you want for the beads to move around; the less slack at the end, the more rigid the cord; conversely, the more slack, the more cord you’re going to see.

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 8

Step Four: Just as you did in Step One, divide the lamp wires, expose the copper wires, and attach inside the second plug connector.

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 9

Above: Once you’ve finished the extension cord, it’s time to test it on a small appliance or electric clock.

DIY How Do You Make an Extension Cord Beautiful You Bead It portrait 10

Above: The end result is something I don’t mind snaking across my dining room table.

Alexa Hotz

(Visited 2,227 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0