Changing non-grounding cord to grounding?

[Erampu]

I picked up an old Craftsman paint sprayer. It has a two-prong cord, which is in pretty poor shape. I'm wondering if I can convert the cord to a three-prong (grounding) cord simply by connecting the ground wire to the metal housing of the sprayer, or would this just ensure my early demise?

 

[mrb]

thats a good idea and could help prevent your early demise.

 

[w1im]

Connecting the ground to the metal case is the correct thing to do. Just make sure it is a good electrical connection.

 

[mrb]

Connecting the ground to the metal case is the correct thing to do. Just make sure it is a good electrical connection.

and is a mechanical connection, not soldered

 

[jtbinvalrico]

You are right on track. I recently found exposed wires when I opened up an old two-prong tool. When you get inside you very well may find a ground wire in there - some of these old tools had a grounding wire that exited the side of a two-prong plug for grounding purposes. If there's no grounding point inside the tool body, wire up a lug and fasten the ground wire on your new cord to the metal body.

 

[Erampu]

Thanks for the input, everyone. This old sprayer is powered by a 1/2 horse motor, and I can attach the ground to the access plate screw.

 

[Zeke]

Using a star or serrated washer helps.