Over-under coiling is the way to go.

Yes. The “over-under” method. It looks like magic but it’s just alternating the direction of each loop. That prevents the cord from twisting on itself — which causes kinks and internal wire fatigue over time.

Here’s the simple version: hold the plug end in your left hand. With your right hand, make a loop. If you bring the cord over your left hand, that’s an “over” loop. Next loop, bring the cord under your left hand — that’s the “under.” Alternate every loop. When you’re done, you get a neat, twist-free coil that pays out without tangles.

It takes a few tries to get the muscle memory. Keep practicing for 30 seconds. It’s worth it because standard coiling (just looping it over your arm the same way each time) adds a twist each loop, which eventually turns into a tangled, kinked mess. That’s what breaks the internal wires.

And never wrap the cord tightly around your elbow and hand like you’re making a rope coil — that’s the fastest way to damage the jacket and conductors.

Once you learn over-under, you’ll hate seeing anyone coil an extension cord the wrong way.