Power Bar Cord Organizer

Keeping your power cords organized is always a problem in the workshop. Having a heavy duty power bar at the ready is a bonus as well. This project solves both problems and has a handle for easy carrying. It also hangs on your shop wall for easy storage. It is built around a Noma Power Block which is readily available at hardware, automotive and DIY stores, and can usually be bought on sale. You can build it around another type of power bar but you'll have to change the dimensions.

The frame can be built from any material. I used 1" clear pine.

Cut a 6" X 10, 3/4" piece for the base. Drill a blind 1" hole 1" from the top at the centre line (this is so you can hang it up) and another straight through at the bottom. Cut the edges of this one to create a notch for the power cord. I used a forstner bit for this.

Cut two sides, 2, 1/4" X 13, 1/2" and a handle 2" X 6". Cut an arc in the handle as shown to provide a good grip.

Cut two winding cores 2,1/4" X 7,!/2" and two stoppers, 3/4" X 13,1/2"

Sand before assembling.

Lay out the pieces and make any adjustments. Draw a centre line on the front of the base. (The rear has the blind hole at the top.) Mark two mounting holes for the power bar, 6" apart centred on the line to match the mounting flanges on the power block. Screw in two flat head screws and test fit the power block. Adjust the screws till you have a tight fit.

Drill two 1/8" holes through the stoppers and winders as shown to accommodate 4" #6 wood screws. Also drill through the sides as shown to accommodate 1,1/2" #6 wood screws.

Use wood glue on all surfaces. Tack the sides to the base and handle to hold them temporarily, then screw the handle in place.

Screw through the stopper and winders to hold them to the sides.

Do a final sanding. Spray with clear varnish, or not.

Drop the Power Block on its mounting screws and slide it in place. Install your cords on the winders and you can wind the power block cord on one of these as well.

Now you have the handiest power cord control device ever thought of.