Extension Cords…..
So, the power has gone out and you’re thinking who needs an extension cord?
Well that unnecessary item could be a key piece of survival gear. Here are a few Nifty Ways to Use Extension Cords for Survival
#1: Substitute for Cordage Hidden inside a thin extension cord lies two encapsulated fibers that run the length of the cord. Access these fibers by cutting the extension cord in half. Then pull the fibers apart from each other – this will provide double the cordage for emergency situations!
#2: Repair Spectacles If the nose piece falls off of a pair of glasses, extension cord fibers can easily repair the issue. First, split the cord into the two encapsulated fibers talked about in #1. Then cut the rubber away from the fibers to expose the wiring inside.
Once all the wiring is out of the casing, the nose piece can be tied back on either by using one thin, individual wires, or by twisting two wires together for extra durability.
#3: Make A Bucket Handle Large buckets are excellent for carrying lots of heavy supplies. However, if it doesn’t have a handle, this can make it a real pain in the butt to move without getting tired and dropping stuff.
Poke two large holes into the bucket – one on either side of the top portion. No need to even cut the extension cord if you make the holes large enough for the plug ends to go through…. Slip one end through both holes, loop it and tie it off. Presto – a strong, durable bucket handle that can either be carried by hand, or looped over the shoulder for extra efficiency.
#4: Save A Friend One of the more dangerous survival situations people can end up in is being trapped inside a ravine or large pit. If injured and impossible for the victim to get out they may need some supplies till rescuers can arrive. Tie off one end of the extension cord to whatever supplies they require and lower them to the victim. Many necessities may be too heavy to toss down, further injuring the victim. Or fil a bag or bucket with the supplies such as food, emergency water, or first-aid supplies. This will help tide them over while they wait for more help to arrive.
If trying to get them out of the ravine/pit seems doable, lower a big, bulky extension cord (or even multiple ones twisted together). Then hold on tight and pull while the person grabs onto the extension cord and tries to climb out. If there’s enough, they can also tie the extension cord around their waist.
#5: Siphon Gas from A Car Tank Big, bulky extension cords contain three copper cords hiding inside the casing. Remove the inner cords, but make sure to keep them for future cordage. Then use the outside cord to siphon gas from a tank, or other liquids.
#6: Maintain Communication One of the greatest life-savers in an emergency is to have a shortwave radio. And, if it needs an antenna, the wiring in a thin extension cord can be used to get the job done.
Here’s a video explaining the process: https://youtu.be/bFg43oaMfds
#7: Get A Fire Going If tinder is in short supply, the outer casing of an extension cord can be used to help get a fire going in a pinch. The rubberized coating can burn and drip on to other larger less combustible items assisting with them catching fire.
#8: Carry larger items with a Friend If there’s a large item that you cannot carry alone and requires two people… Take an entire cord and wrap it around the item securely, leaving a loop on either end so two people can carry the load.
#9: Carry More Survival Tools There’s always still more survival tools to carry, extension cord can save the day. Simply tie the cord around the tool, and then tie the remaining ends together and create a sash that can be worn around your neck, shoulder or waist. This will make sure everything comes along for the journey.
Isn’t it amazing how many survival uses extension cords have? Who knew so many things could be accomplished by using such an ordinary, often forgotten about invention!
Be sure when gathering emergency or survival supplies to pack a long or maybe a few shorter extension cords into your survival kit.