Sometimes the simplest tricks are the most effective—and this one is pure genius from a dad who’s been there, done that.

When camping, one of the most annoying things that can happen is having your gear stolen—especially valuable essentials like heavy-duty extension cords. They're easy to grab, useful for everyone, and often expensive to replace.

But one clever dad found a smart, low-cost solution: make your extension cords look old and damaged—on purpose.

As shared by his child:

“My dad wraps electrical tape around different spots on his perfectly good extension cords so they look old and like they’ve been patched up. That way, people think they’re worn-out and not worth stealing.”

Why does it work?

1. Thieves go for what looks valuable: A shiny, new-looking extension cord is an easy target. But one that looks beat-up and repaired? Not so much.

2. It costs almost nothing: Just a bit of electrical tape strategically placed is all it takes.

3. No actual damage: This trick doesn’t harm the cord or affect its performance at all.

Tips to do it safely:

• Use heat-resistant electrical tape that won’t melt or peel under sun exposure.

• Avoid wrapping near the plug or socket where it could interfere with connections.

• Add a name tag or custom label so you can still identify it as yours.

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In conclusion:
This simple disguise can save you from the frustration and cost of replacing stolen gear. It’s a smart example of “thinking like a thief to outsmart a thief.” So the next time you head out for a camping trip—grab the tape and give your cords some fake “battle scars.” You just might keep them safe because they look too broken to bother with.

Genius tip. Pass it on!