There are two types of people in this world: Those who have accidentally unplugged the vacuum while using it, and those who are lying. I will raise my hand and identify proudly with the first group; ain't no shame in that game! At least my apartment is clean!
But regardless of their willingness to stand and be counted, members of both groups surely know how annoying it is when you're on a cleaning roll, sprucing up a living room furnished, only to be rudely interrupted by a cord that has now been yanked out of the wall. Of course, you could invest in the best cordless vacuum and get rid of the problem all together, but what if there were a cheaper way to ensure you were never foiled by a finite cord again?
Because I may have just tracked down the perfect solution — and readers, it's only $17.95.
The Lock Socket, currently $17.95 on Amazon, is perhaps one of the most ingenious home hacks I've seen since this DIY water fountain. The concept is simple: a rounded, 3D-printed hook snaps onto a power cord's 3-pronged head, while the base of the hook screws onto the outlet's wall plate. As a result, the head of the cord is essentially locked into place once plugged in, keeping your vacuum (or, more importantly, servers and security systems) running without fear of accidental power surges (i.e. the cord is unplugged).
Price: $17.95
If you're thinking your charging block won't work with the Lock Socket, think again. This iteration is said to work seamlessly with Apple's fast iPhone chargers (and over 100 were ordered off Amazon in the last month; that's pretty impressive for a burgeoning small business).
Price: $17.95
If you're still using an old charging block for your phone, Kindle, or tablet, the Lock Socket supports you, too. This one holds those itty bitty blocks in place all night long.
Price: $15.95
Samsung users, they didn't forget you. There is a Lock Socket for your chargers, too, and it looks like they work just the same. Finally, iPhone and Android peace.
The Lock Socket is perfect for those with curious children who can't keep their curiosity at bay; those with cats who like to bat and paw at every cord they see; and those who are just dang sick of losing time thanks to unplugged leaf blowers, vacuums, and more. I think this is a fabulous buy ahead of summer landscaping, and could even work as a Father's Day gift for any handy dads.
In the worst case, pulling out a plug from an outlet with force by accident could cause damage to your appliances cord. If this leads to your cord becoming frayed, or wires exposed, you run the risk of electric shocks and even fires, and you'd likely need it to be fixed by a professional before you can continue using your device.
Full disclosure — I have yet to try this myself. But it's such a good idea that my passion for it is real. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
3 Other Clever Cord and Outlet Hacks
Since this is a piece that’s both about the pains of vacuuming and the wonders of cord and outlet hacks, I thought a bit of each would work well for the shopping at the bottom. So without further ado, I present to you a brief but nonetheless comprehensive look at cordless vacuums, handheld vacuums, and outlet tricks.
Price: $23.95
Was: $33.95
Perfect for tight corners or the backs of couches, this sleek outlet cover from Amazon sits flush against the wall and redirects power to an extension cord below. Much better than bending the head of the cord every which way, or keeping the sofa a few inches away from the wall.
Price: $32.99
If unsightly cords are more your problem, round them all up inside of these cable management boxes, which disguise and organize rogue power lines extending from one power strip.
Price: $14.53
Was: $15.99
Have you heard of a thermostatically controlled outlet? It’s genius — it plugs into any 15amp electrical outlet and turns on and off according to ambient air temperature. Specifically, it turns on as the temp drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, and turns on when it rises above 45 degrees. I’d think this could be particularly useful in both the winter and summer, when you might want a space heater or a fan to kick on and off depending on a room’s temp.
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