Want to replace some power cords. What do you do?

[gahrajmahal]

So, I bought a 12ga x 100ft. Long Flexzilla extension cord. I found some good plugs, Hummel stocked at Lowe’s and Lutron stocked at Ace Hardware that are square as the big round ones sometimes have trouble going two in an outlet. I plan on ordering some strain relief’s as per 47jlk suggested. I also plan to order some new brushes too as I have never replaced them I don’t believe.

Next question: have any of you come across a good write up of power tool tune-ups or you tube videos? My searches have not been very fruitful. I have torn into my tools just using the exploded view parts drawing, but it might be nice to see someone cleaning, lubricating and discussing what they do to maintain their power tools.

As usual I am learning lots with this discussion.

 

[toplessHO]

buying 15 ft extension cords is cheaper than 100 ft cord cut up and wiring in male cord caps.
Personally I like the molded cords with molded cord bodies better than add on cord caps.

 

[greg13]

OK, I guess I'll be the one. Just cut them off and make them CORDLESS!!!

 

[Wamsutta]

That's ridiculous, voltage drop only becomes a concern when you have LONG cords - think 50' - 100'. You are not putting a 50 foot cord on a power tool directly. Furthermore, I doubt you could get a 12-3 cord in the opening in the tool. There is a reason manufacturers use 14 -16 ga cords on the tool itself, there is minimal to no voltage drop across 10' - 12' of cord. Anything heavier than 14 for the tool cord is simply a waste of money.

For long extension cords, it's a different matter and a heavier cord (12ga) is great for anything over 50'.

My Skil 77 came from the factory with a 12/3 cord. I plan on getting a 12/3 50 ft. extension cord to match it.

 

[manwithtools]

My Skil 77 came from the factory with a 12/3 cord. I plan on getting a 12/3 50 ft. extension cord to match it.

Really?

My 77 has a 14 ga, my Milwaukee 10 -1/4" has a 14 ga, my thirty five year old 7 1/4" Porter Cable has a 14 ga. All 8 of my other saws and all the replacement cords I can find for circular saws are 14 ga. max.

 

[senlow]

I also plan to order some new brushes too as I have never replaced them I don’t believe.

Don't replace brushes just because you have never replaced them. Take them out and check the wear on them. If they are not excessively worn, put them back in and use your tools.

 

[AA/FC]

I have looked at these at HD and Lowe’s. They seem stiff and have small gauge wire. My saw’s cord is nice and whippy. The one you linked to is 14ga. And 6 ft. Long. All so far are made in China. Might as well go to harbor freight and save some $$.

Do whatever you like... My post was just a suggestion to your question.

 

[JRC3]

Really?

My 77 has a 14 ga, my Milwaukee 10 -1/4" has a 14 ga, my thirty five year old 7 1/4" Porter Cable has a 14 ga. All 8 of my other saws and all the replacement cords I can find for circular saws are 14 ga. max.

Meh, don't waste you time...He's either a troll or too misguidedly boneheaded. My guess the later.

 

[Wamsutta]

Really?

My 77 has a 14 ga, my Milwaukee 10 -1/4" has a 14 ga, my thirty five year old 7 1/4" Porter Cable has a 14 ga. All 8 of my other saws and all the replacement cords I can find for circular saws are 14 ga. max.

You made me go look. The cord says 14AWGX3C. So I guess you're right.

I have no idea what the extra X3C means.

 

[Wamsutta]

14 American Wire Guage times 3 conductors - hot, neutral and ground wires included.

Wow! I had no idea I was going to learn that today.

 

[ClappedOutBport]

My advice: use rubber bulk cord and put your own ends on. You can get ebay strain reliefs which look really professional and work well. I had quite some trouble fitting them over the 14ga cords though, so you might want some bigger strain reliefs or 16ga cord.

If I were to do it again, I would ditch the 6' cords and either do a 12' or a pig tail and locking extension cord. Probably the latter. 6' cord is never long enough, and I have to reach down to swap the plug all the time anyway when working off 1 cord. If I'm gonna do that, it might as well be on the tool.

And lastly, those worried about heat build up in 14ga cords: I used a big 14 amp 7" angle grinder under a contentious bog load for 10 minutes straight the other day. No heat build up in the 16ga cord. It's short.

 

[kctyphoon]

You can literally walk into Home Depot, go in the tool section by the corded skil circular saw - on the peg hooks above (or nearby) there is a Skil replacement power tool cord with ring terminals (i think its ring terminals) pre installed, and it includes a beefy rubber cord strain relief on it. I think its like $15 - $20. Its a heavy duty rubber cord, not cheap plastic. Ive used one before to fix one of our corded impacts at work instead of sending it out for repair and waiting months to come back.

Here - https://www.homedepot.com/p/SKILSAW...for-Worm-Drive-Circular-Saws-95104L/308168018

Or if you want something cheaper - goto the isle with the extension cords, and buy a replacement appliance power cord. It wont be as nice, wont have the strain relief (look on ebay or amazon, I’m sure you can buy them) - but itll be 1/4 or 1/2 the price depending on length. The benefit is you can choose your length. Make sure its a 3 wire one..

You wouldnt be the first person to just cut up an old extension cord and use that.. about the only thing with a real drawback of putting a longer cord on is an electric chainsaw.. reason being if anyone nips the cord - youd be cutting the tools power cord INSTEAD of an extension cord that you can just unplug and replace in 2 seconds.. yea if you’ve ever wondered why corded chainsaws only give you a 6” cord - lol - thats why..

There are different strain reliefs on Amazon - but here’s one.. looks like they are about $4 - $5 each.
Superior Electric BOOT-M Cord Protector Strain Relief Rubber Boot fits 12/3, 14/3 AWG Electrical Cords https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DP6IJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If its something you really care about - i would get a quality cord like the the skil. A ****** cord will make a nice tool feel cheap and neglected. If that doesnt bother you, than just use anything.

 

[JRC3]

You can literally walk into Home Depot, go in the tool section by the skil circular saw - on the peg hooks above (or nearby) there is a Skil replacement power tool cord with ring terminals (i think its ring terminals) pre installed, and has a rubber cord relief. I think its like $15

Is it 12AWG, though?

 

[kctyphoon]

Is it 12AWG, though?

Doesn’t specifically say - just says heavy gauge. One of the people on the site responded to a question saying it was 14 gauge.

I know your kidding. Most houses arent even wired with 12 gauge. That would be like an “upgraded” wire for most homes - generally speaking..

 

[JRC3]

Doesn’t specifically say - just says heavy gauge. One of the people on the site responded to a question saying it was 14 gauge.

I know your kidding. Most houses arent even wired with 12 gauge. That would be like an “upgraded” wire for most homes - generally speaking..

Oh I'm kidding...Read the whole thread.

 

[oldwino]

I normally use SO 14gauge with twistlock connectors on everything except Milwaukee drills with the removable cord. Then ya gotta pony up for the factory replacement

 

[RTM]

You can literally walk into Home Depot, go in the tool section by the corded skil circular saw - on the peg hooks above (or nearby) there is a Skil replacement power tool cord with ring terminals (i think its ring terminals) pre installed, and it includes a beefy rubber cord strain relief on it. I think its like $15 - $20. Its a heavy duty rubber cord, not cheap plastic. Ive used one before to fix one of our corded impacts at work instead of sending it out for repair and waiting months to come back.

Here - https://www.homedepot.com/p/SKILSAW...for-Worm-Drive-Circular-Saws-95104L/308168018

Dang, feeling really stupid now. Not cheap, but sure is convenient. Will have to see what else is there, (the local has 10 of the circ saw in stock,), for next time.