As a parent, it is rare that I advise anyone to throw anything.
Know what I mean?
However, when it comes to extensions cords and gun hoses—notably uncoiling them—throwing them is my go-to tactic. It is the best and far-and-away fastest method I have found to stretch them out when it comes time to plug in.
But I don’t just hurl them will-nilly. There’s a bit of method to it.
1. First, they have to be coiled right. If the cord is just a tangle of knots, read How to Coil an Extension Cord.
2. Assuming most people are right-handed throwers, take the plug in your left hand and hold on to it. Make sure it is not wrapped around the cord coil, which it can sometimes be. Ditto with the other end. Make sure they’re hanging loose.
3. Swing the coil underhand, keeping the open part of the coil (the doughnut hole I suppose you could call it) parallel with your body.
4. Throw hard and high.
5. 9 times out of 10 the cord uncoils in the air and lays flat with no kinks or knots. It’s not flawless, but I’ll take 9 out of 10 any day.
Plug in and go to town.
