Power Tool Cord Replacements

[North West Farmer]

I have been checking back and forth to follow this thread and it has definitely been one of the most entertaining and educational threads that I have run across.

After considering the various comments, I find myself largely in agreement with Soundguy's remarks. Thinking back over 60 some years, I have attempted and devised most of the options discussed. Soundguy, you hit it on the head, capabilities, technique and materials. Get those areas under control and you should be accomplished at engineering and installing a good safe power cord for you power tools.

Nick, North West Farmer

 

[MikeD74T]

I use 25' extension cords with the female plug cut off as cord replacements. Nothing like a circular saw or drill with an extra 16' or so of extra cord. A 25' extension cord is often cheaper than a utility/replacement cord of the same gauge.

A couple mentioned radial arm saws with bad motors. If you're a serious wooodworker consider removing the motor & making a frame to hold a router. A radial arm router can make a lot of jobs real easy. MikeD74T

 

[Soundguy]

the OP stated cords were disintegrating ...for replacements, consider not only the gauge, but the jacket and insulation specs

IEWC Industrial Electric Wire and Cable

and if oem is bad quality.. why buy an oem replacement???

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

I have been checking back and forth to follow this thread and it has definitely been one of the most entertaining and educational threads that I have run across.

After considering the various comments, I find myself largely in agreement with Soundguy's remarks. Thinking back over 60 some years, I have attempted and devised most of the options discussed. Soundguy, you hit it on the head, capabilities, technique and materials. Get those areas under control and you should be accomplished at engineering and installing a good safe power cord for you power tools.

Nick, North West Farmer

yep.. if you know what you are doing.. and you kinda need to , even if you are attempting an oem replacement via opening the case.. then.. why pay 2x to 3x the cost of an oem replacement, when in many cases, the one you make at home could be better even.. or more suiped to the application you use it in ( better insulation for harsh environment.. updated wire size for longer cord.. etc.. etc.. length for safety.. increased strain relief.. etc.. etc.. )

good thread overall.

soundguy

 

[PILOON]

One of my peeves are cheap cords that in cooler weather become fishing poles, another is cords that are too short.
I was lucky to find a hardware store that was liquiding and the had some high quality real rubber cord stock.
Most of my power tools have about 9 ft cords as 'my standard' thereby generally eliminating the need for extensions.
Another trick of mine is that I made a pivoted boom that can swing about over about half of my shop work area so that I can plug tools in overhead, that way I don't trip over cords. Nothing nicer than to have power 'right there' and no tripping tangling in extensions.
I have even been tempted to install retraction reels to hang the tools from but due to differances in weight it would not be practical.
I also have power outlets mounted under the edges of my work benches so that I don't have to reach across to plug a tool in.

 

[Soundguy]

i don't recall what it was, as I have since already lengthened the cord.. but I bought a power tool a while back and it had some ridiculous 2.5 or 3' cord whip on it.. how useless.

Oh I know.. it was a sawsall. you had to use an extension cord to work the thing even right at your work bench.

I have a couple quad outlets at the back of my bench so power is close.. 2' away.. even so.. it's cord didn't allow it to work.

i also have a couple hanging overhead outlets for tools I need to walk around a tractor with.. I hang them kinda centeral in the bay.. works out good.

soundguy

 

[crash325]

So many posts and no one has said a word about "Heat Shrink Tubing". When replacing or repairing most any electrical cord, it is a great insulator and works well for strain relief. Comes in may sizes and up to over 3' long or even by the real if you need a lot.

Have used it for many years and never had a problem. Some of the real good stuff can be shrunk with a propane torch. Most of the time I just use a heat gun.

 

[Short Game]

So many posts and no one has said a word about "Heat Shrink Tubing". When replacing or repairing most any electrical cord, it is a great insulator and works well for strain relief. Comes in may sizes and up to over 3' long or even by the real if you need a lot.

Have used it for many years and never had a problem. Some of the real good stuff can be shrunk with a propane torch. Most of the time I just use a heat gun.

I hadn't thought of it for this ap. It could make for a nice layer of armor. It would probably keep the ozone away from the rubber insulation.

 

[lmalcomb]

ace hardware has them:
Ace 3175262 Power Supply Replacement Cord 10 Amp - Black

 

[Jeepnford]

Try this place. I was able to order a cord for one of my grinders and a handle on another I broke,and also a new wrench for one. I had about 30 bucks in all of it. Repair Parts for All Major Brands - DIY Repair | eReplacementParts.com