Best Extension Cords And Power Strips For Workshops
Built to survive a busy shop, I test power strips like I test tools: by real use, not marketing fluff. This roundup covers solid metal housings, dependable surge protection, and rugged cords that stay put on a workbench. You’ll see where mounting, cord length, and plug spacing actually move the needle on daily reliability and safety. If you want reliable power for drills, grinders, and a few USB ports, this is the shortlist that delivers.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Garage Tools
Best for Long Reach: CRST 10-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip Metal Surge Protector with 15 Amps, 15-Foot Power Cord 2800 Joules for Garden, Kitchen, Office, School, ETL Listed(3165047) (10-Outlet, Yellow)
$263.10 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- CRST 10-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip Metal Surge Protector with 15 Amps, 15-Foot Power Cord 2800 Joules for Garden, Kitchen, Office, School, ETL Listed(3165047) (10-Outlet, Yellow)
- HHSOET Metal 8 Outlet Mountable Power Strip, Wall Mount Outlet Heavy Duty, Wide Spaced Commercial Shop Power Strip with Switch, 15A 125V 1875W, 6 FT SJT 14AWG Power Cord.(Black)
- Heavy Duty 6 Outlet Metal Long Power Strip, 2700J Surge Protector with 15A Circuit Breaker, 6FT Extension Cord, Wall Mount for Garage, Workshop & Industrial Use, Wide Spaced (6ft)
- 8 Outlet Metal Heavy Duty Long Power Strip, 2100J Surge Protector with 6 FT Extension Cord, Wide Spaced and Wall Mount Powerstrip for Home, Industrial, Workshop & Garage (6FT)
- Heavy Duty Power Strip with Surge Protector, 6 USB Ports(3 USB-C), 14 Gauge Extension Cord 6 FT, Industrial High Wattage for Workbench, Workshop, Kitchen, Garage Must Have
- 8-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip with 4 USB Ports(2 USB-C), Industrial Magnetic Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Amps/1200 Joules, 6.5 Ft Multi-Plug Electric Extension Cord for Workshop Garage (Yellow)
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Metal housings win in a workshop: they tolerate heat, bangs, and heavy plugs far better than plastic and keep components aligned.
- Wide-spaced outlets matter: bulky adapters don’t crowd neighbors when you’re running a drill, sander, or grinder side by side.
- Cord gauge and length affect performance: go 14 AWG or thicker and match length (6–15 ft) to keep voltage drop and heat in check.
- Surge protection and safety listings pay off in the long run: seek 1200–2800 joules, a resettable breaker, and ETL/UL listing for real-world reliability.
- Mounting versatility and purposeful port mix: choose bench/wall or magnetic mounting and only add USB ports if you actually use them; plan layout for easy reach and fewer tripping hazards.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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CRST 10-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip Metal Surge Protector with 15 Amps, 15-Foot Power Cord 2800 Joules for Garden, Kitchen, Office, School, ETL Listed(3165047) (10-Outlet, Yellow)
🏆 Best For: Best for Long Reach
Best for Long Reach earns its spot by pairing a full 15-foot cord with a ten-outlet strip housed in a rugged metal chassis. In a busy shop, that long reach eliminates crawl-space fiddling and lets you position the strip where you actually work. The yellow finish isn’t just for looks—it helps this unit stand out amid hoses, solvents, and tool carts, making it easier to grab without tripping over a cord.
Solid features translate to real results. A 15-amp rating covers most workshop runtimes, while 2800 joules of surge protection guards chargers and small motors from spikes. Ten outlets spread power across the bench, so you can run drills,Lights, chargers, and testers without swapping plugs. The metal enclosure adds mass and durability, so it survives being bumped, rolled, or dragged around a busy work area. It’s ETL-listed, which means it’s met safety standards you actually want to see in a shop.
Who should buy this and when? If you run a garage, wood shop, or field service bench where you regularly need multiple tools off a single wall outlet, this is your long-reach option. It’s ideal when your work surface doubles as a cart or you frequently move tools between bays. Great for renovation crews, auto details, or any setup where reach, reliability, and safety matter more than a tiny strip.
Honest caveats: the price is premium for a metal, high-capacity strip. It’s not a portable USB hub, and the bulky profile takes up bench real estate; plan placement accordingly. And while it’s indoors-safe, don’t expect it to survive wet environments or outdoor use without protection.
✅ Pros
- Long 15-foot cord extends reach
- Sturdy metal housing resists shop abuse
- 2800J surge protection guards tools
❌ Cons
- Premium price vs plastic rivals
- Bulky footprint on tight benches
- Key Ingredient: Powder-coated steel housing for durability
- Scent Profile: Odor-free finish for indoor use
- Best For: Best for Long Reach
- Size / Volume: 15 ft cord; 10 outlets
- Special Feature: 2800J surge, ETL Listed
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HHSOET Metal 8 Outlet Mountable Power Strip, Wall Mount Outlet Heavy Duty, Wide Spaced Commercial Shop Power Strip with Switch, 15A 125V 1875W, 6 FT SJT 14AWG Power Cord.(Black)
🏆 Best For: Best Wall-Mount Space Saver
Best Wall-Mount Space Saver isn't just a label—it's the design reality you feel in a busy shop. This HHSOET unit uses a wall-mountable metal chassis with 8 outlets, spaced wide enough for chunky plugs and power bricks, and a single, easy-on/off switch. The 6 ft SJT 14AWG power cord plus a 125V/15A rating means you can run multiple tools at once without crowding the bench or tripping over cords. It’s built to live where you work, not where you stash tools.
Real-world benefits show up in organization and safety. The wide outlet spacing clears room for large adapters and multi-plug tools, while the wall-mount design keeps cords off the bench and away from the vise. The sturdy metal shell resists dents in a shop that gets bumped and bumped again. With 1875W capacity, you can run routers, grinders, and dust collectors so long as you stay under the rating, and the switch lets you shut everything down in one motion.
Who should buy this? Shops with wall space near the work area, mechanics, carpenters, and DIYers who hate bench clutter. If you frequently juggle multiple tools or need a dedicated, fixed power hub behind a workbench, this is a solid fit. It’s especially helpful when you mount it above the bench, on a cart, or near a mobile unit that needs a clean, ready-to-go power strip.
Drawbacks? It’s a heavy metal unit, so mounting requires proper hardware and studs or anchors. Mounting screws aren’t included, and the 6 ft cord might be more length than you need in tight spots. Also, there’s no mention of surge protection in the specs, so plan your load accordingly and don’t overload the strip.
✅ Pros
- Wide-spaced outlets fit bulky plugs
- Wall-mount frees bench space
- Heavy-duty metal housing lasts
❌ Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
- Heavy; needs solid wall anchors
- Key Ingredient: 6 ft SJT 14AWG power cord
- Scent Profile: No odor
- Best For: Best Wall-Mount Space Saver
- Size / Volume: 8 outlets, wide spacing
- Special Feature: Wall-mountable metal housing with switch
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Heavy Duty 6 Outlet Metal Long Power Strip, 2700J Surge Protector with 15A Circuit Breaker, 6FT Extension Cord, Wall Mount for Garage, Workshop & Industrial Use, Wide Spaced (6ft)
🏆 Best For: Best for Garage Workshops
This Heavy Duty 6 Outlet Metal Long Power Strip earns the Best for Garage Workshops badge by delivering a rugged, no-nonsense platform that survives a busy shop. It’s built like a tool cart component, not a consumer novelty: a metal housing, reliable surge protection, and a wide-spaced outlet layout that fights plug crowding. Priced at $208.65 with a solid 4.8-star track record, it packs premium build quality into a practical chassis that your daily workflow actually benefits from.
Key features translate to real-world gains: six outlets keep grinders, lamps, chargers, and dust collectors fed without scavenging for empty slots; the 2700J surge protector and 15A breaker give you headroom against motor surges and nuisance trips during heavy use; the wall-mount capability frees bench space and reduces cord clutter; a 6-foot extension cord reaches typical outlets without a tangle of cords. The metal case resists dents and oil spray, so you don’t babysit a fragile plastic shell in a workshop heat.
Who should buy this and when: if your garage runs a compressor, a grinder, or a small welder, this is the power hub you want anchored at a workbench or wall. It’s ideal for permanent setups, mobile carts that stay in one shop location, or any scenario where easy access to multiple tools matters more than bragging on a feature list. When safety and reliability matter for long sessions, this unit delivers consistency you’ll notice as fewer trips to the breaker box and quicker tool changes.
Drawbacks? It’s not featherweight—this is a solid metal unit, so plan proper mounting and stud anchors. The 6-foot cord can feel tight in larger shops or if your outlet bank sits farther away; it’s more of a fixed station unit than a portable one.
✅ Pros
- Sturdy metal housing withstands shop grit
- Wide-spaced outlets fit bulky plugs
- Wall-mount frees bench and floor space
❌ Cons
- Heavier than plastic strips; mounting required
- 6 ft cord may be short in large shops
- Key Ingredient: Heavy-duty metal housing with solid surge components
- Scent Profile: No odor; factory-finish metal
- Best For: Garage workshops and industrial setups
- Size / Volume: 6 outlets, 6 ft cord
- Special Feature: Wall-mount capable, 2700J surge, 15A breaker
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8 Outlet Metal Heavy Duty Long Power Strip, 2100J Surge Protector with 6 FT Extension Cord, Wide Spaced and Wall Mount Powerstrip for Home, Industrial, Workshop & Garage (6FT)
🏆 Best For: Best for Home Workshops
This is why it earns the Best for Home Workshops badge: rugged metal construction, eight outlets spaced wide enough for bulky plugs, a solid 2100J surge protector, and a full 6 ft extension cord that actually reaches typical shop outlets. The metal housing takes daily abuse without waking the neighbors, and the built-in wall-mount lets you park it off the bench to keep the surface clear for parts and assemblies. It’s a practical hub for a real home shop, not a gimmick.
Key features translate to real-world gains: eight outlets mean you won’t be daisy-chaining or fighting with adapters, while wide spacing lets you plug in large chargers, lamps, and tools side-by-side. The 2100J surge rating protects sensitive electronics from voltage spikes, a common problem when you start up motors and vacuums at once. The 6 ft cord gives flexibility to place the strip where it’s convenient, and the wall-mount capability keeps cords off the floor and away from spills or cutting debris. All of this sits in a durable metal chassis that resists dents and heat in a busy garage or workshop corner.
Who should buy this and when: serious home hobbyists, garage mechanics, and small-shop setups that run multiple tools and chargers simultaneously will appreciate the consolidation and organization this brings. It’s ideal when you want a centralized power hub near the bench without juggling multiple strips. If you routinely attach a drill, sander, shop light, and battery chargers at once, and you want the option to mount it out of the way, this is the upgrade. Use it when you value surface space, surge protection, and a dependable, long cord that keeps you from tugging on plugs all day.
Honest caveats: it’s a premium price for a home-use product, and there are no individual on/off switches or a per-outlet breaker. It’s designed for indoor use only, so no weatherproofing for outdoor or damp environments. If your setup requires frequent access to an individual outlet switch or you’re operating in a harsh environment, you’ll want to factor those limits in.
✅ Pros
- Wide-spaced outlets fit bulky plugs
- 6 ft cord with wall-mount option
- 2100J surge protection
❌ Cons
- Premium price for typical home shop
- No individual switches or resettable breaker
- Key Ingredient: Metal housing; 8 outlets
- Scent Profile: None
- Best For: Best for Home Workshops
- Size / Volume: 6 ft cord; 8 outlets
- Special Feature: Wall-mountable; 2100J surge
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Heavy Duty Power Strip with Surge Protector, 6 USB Ports(3 USB-C), 14 Gauge Extension Cord 6 FT, Industrial High Wattage for Workbench, Workshop, Kitchen, Garage Must Have
🏆 Best For: Best USB-C Power at Workbench
Best USB-C Power at Workbench earns its title by delivering reliable USB-C charging right at the bench, without starving your wall outlets. It combines six ports (three USB-C) with a beefy 14-gauge cord and a six-foot reach, so chargers and tools stay fed exactly where you work. The rugged housing and built‑in surge protection stand up to daily shop use, letting you keep a phone, tablet, and drill battery topped off while you grind or assemble.
Key features and real‑world benefits: six ports means fewer trips to the wall; the USB-C trio supports quicker charging for modern devices and tools, while the other USB ports handle accessory power like lights or small chargers. The 14 AWG cord minimizes voltage drop under load, and the six-foot length gives you room to roam a cart or a tool wall without back‑breaking cable management. A purpose-built surge protector defends sensitive electronics from spikes when a compressor or vacuum starts up, and the industrial build keeps up with oily hands and occasional drops.
Who should buy this and when: it’s the right call for any busy workshop that runs multiple USB devices at the bench—auto techs, woodworkers, electronics hobbyists, and fleet garages alike. If you routinely charge laptops, tablets, headlights, or cordless tool batteries on the spur of a project, this keeps everything powered at reach and out of the way of the main outlets. Use it when you want tidy cords, reliable power, and real surge protection during a long session.
Honest caveats: it’s a premium setup, so you pay for the durability and capability. It’s bulkier than slim strips, so verify you have bench space to spare. If you don’t need USB-C or multi-port charging at the bench, a basic strip may suit lighter, lower‑demand work better.
✅ Pros
- 6 ports incl 3 USB-C
- 14 AWG cord for low drop
- Industrial build, daily-use ready
❌ Cons
- High price for basic needs
- Bulky footprint on crowded benches
- Key Ingredient: Heavy-gauge cord + USB-C ports
- Scent Profile: Neutral, low-odor housing
- Best For: Best USB-C Power at Workbench
- Size / Volume: 6 ft cord; bench-friendly
- Special Feature: 3 USB-C ports + surge protection
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8-Outlets Heavy Duty Power Strip with 4 USB Ports(2 USB-C), Industrial Magnetic Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Amps/1200 Joules, 6.5 Ft Multi-Plug Electric Extension Cord for Workshop Garage (Yellow)
🏆 Best For: Best for Magnetic Mounting
This model earns the Best for Magnetic Mounting by delivering a truly work-ready mounting solution. The industrial magnet system grips ferrous surfaces with confidence, letting you mount it on steel pegboards, tool chests, or metal cabinets without drilling or messy anchors. Add the yellow visibility and rugged construction, and it stays put under real shop use as you pull power for tools and phones.
Key features drive real-world value: 8 outlets plus 4 USB ports (2 USB-C) fed from a single 15-amp circuit with 1200 joules of surge protection. The 6.5 ft heavy-duty cord gives you reach across a crowded bench or under a wall-mounted cabinet, while the magnetic mounting keeps the strip out of the way and easy to reposition. The rugged housing and clear labeling reduce mis-picks during a busy day, and the USB-C ports keep power devices ready without stealing juice from your tools.
Who should buy this? Pro shop guys who keep a ferrous metal wall or cabinet handy will get the most value. If you routinely need quick access to outlets and USB charging without clutter, this is a solid fit. It shines when you want to mount it where you work, not where you bend to reach a wall outlet, and you value a compact, clearly organized power hub on a magnetic backbone.
Honest caveats: the mounting is not universal—it relies on ferrous surfaces, so non-metal walls won’t work. It carries a premium price for the magnetized feature. And while the 15A total is ample for tools and charging, heavy simultaneous loads can push the circuit hard, so plan your device mix accordingly.
✅ Pros
- Strong magnetic mounting holds strip securely
- 8 outlets and 4 USB ports (2 USB-C)
- 6.5 ft cord grants real workshop reach
❌ Cons
- Mounting works only on ferrous metal surfaces
- Premium price for magnetic feature
- Power limited by total 15A across outlets
- Key Ingredient: Industrial magnet array and surge core
- Scent Profile: No odor
- Best For: Best for Magnetic Mounting
- Size / Volume: Compact housing with 6.5 ft cord
- Special Feature: 8 outlets, 4 USB ports (2 USB-C)
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge extension cord should I use for power tools?
Match the gauge to load and length. For most handheld tools, 14 AWG covers runs up to about 15-20 feet, while 12 AWG is safer for longer spans or high-draw motors. Always choose a cord rated for at least 15A (1875W) and inspect for nicks and heat after use.
Are retractable power strips worth it in a shop?
Yes, but pick heavy-duty retractables with metal housings and a robust cord. They save floor space and reduce trip hazards and tangled cords. Use them for temporary setups, but avoid overusing them for high-draw motors; prefer dedicated fixed strips for heavy loads.
Do I need GFCI protection in a garage or workshop?
If the space is damp or near water, yes. In many jurisdictions garages require GFCI protection; use a GFCI-protected outlet or a strip with built-in GFCI. When in doubt, have a licensed electrician verify circuit protection.
How do I know if a power strip can handle a compressor or heater?
Check the amperage and surge rating; motors can spike well above running amps. If the strip is 15A, ensure the combined load stays well under that (roughly 12A on a 15A circuit) and consider a dedicated circuit for motors. Don’t rely on a strip to power heavy startup loads.
Can I daisy-chain power strips safely?
No. Daisy chaining is a common cause of overload and fire. Use a single heavy-duty strip or dedicated outlet; if you need more outlets, install a longer cord with a proper strip or add a new wall outlet. Treat each strip as a dedicated protection device, not a catch-all power source.
What’s the difference between surge protection and spike protection?
Surge protectors clamp energy and limit peak volts; they have a joule rating and a clamping voltage. “Spike protection” is often an informal term; look for a clear joule rating and a warranty. In a shop with motors and welders, prioritize solid surge protection with a reputable rating.
Do extension cords or power strips need weatherproof or damp-location ratings in a shop?
If the strip or cord operates in a damp area or near water, look for damp-location or outdoor-rated protection. Indoors, splash resistance and oil resistance matter more than a ceiling IP rating. When in doubt, mount higher, away from liquids, and rely on GFCI protection for added safety.
