I plug many of my tools into a six-outlet power strip in the center of my shop. At any given time, I have several tools plugged in with the cords invariably tangled. In the past, when I needed to unplug a tool to plug in something else, I would trace the cord through the tangle all the way back to the tool-a hassle, to say the least.

I eliminated this problem by buying a package of five different colors of electrical tape. For each tool, I wrapped a color, or combination of colors, near the plug and wrapped the same color where the cord enters the machine. Now, if I want to unplug a tool, I check its color code on the tool, and then unplug the matching cord at the power strip. It is much quicker and safer.

Drawings by Jim Richey

Drawings by Jim Richey

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