Yikes! Too Many Power Tool Cords.

[AMCguy]

I am constantly frustrated with all my power tool cords. I don't like wrapping them tight around the tool when I store them. I prefer to just coil the cord. But when I go to pull out a tool the cord is under at least one or more other tools. Sometimes they get caught in the drawer or cabinet door.

I also get messed up when I'm working in a small area and am using two or more of them. For instance when I have a couple of angle grinders and sanders all nearby and I'm switching back and forth from one tool to the other. I can't seem to keep the cords from getting tangled. I don't mind unplugging and plugging them in to a single outlet extension cord, but the cords get tangled and I also have a hard time figuring out which one goes to which tool.

So... I've been thinking of doing something kind of drastic. Cut off all but about six inches of cord. I would do this with at least my angle grinders (some of which I use as sanders). I figure they would be easier to work with and easier to store. I don't mind opening up the tool and reattaching the stub. That way I can keep the factory plug end.

Has anyone done this? Am I crazy? Can anyone tell me why it would be a bad idea? As It is, I can't think of reason why I shouldn't. I almost always have to use an extension cord anyways. It would just be one of the right length.

Go ahead, bash away.

 

[stonesfan68]

Why not just use Velcro cable ties?

Velcro-Reusable-Self-Gripping-Inches

That would be a little less drastic, don't you think?

 

[Burtonrider10022]

When I moved in to my current place, in the garage there was a pile of wood and a few wooden "baskets" in the corner with rope (WTF??) in them. When I moved the baskets I found two old circular saws, an all metal Milwaukee that looks to be as old, or older than me, and a Skill from at least a decade ago.

Anyways, the Skill has about a 6 inch cord on it. If it works for you, that's great, but at the time I didn't have an extension cord, all I had was a 5-6 outlet power strip that I used, so the saw was pretty useless for a few days. Now it's useless because it uses a frickin' weird blade size ( 6-1/4 or 7-1/4 I think, I don't remember exactly).


So, yeah, as long as you have an extension cord I'd say it will work well. However, I'd recommend a bit more than 6 inches of cord, that way you can "tie" the two cords together to prevent them from coming unplugged all the time, or make some other kind of locking system.

 

[malibu101]

You're not crazy.
Even Milwaukee thinks your not crazy as many of their power tools have a cord that is easily removable at the tool.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/access...-cords/grounded/8-ft-quik-lok-cord/48-76-4008

That does a few things-
Replacing a damaged cord takes 10 seconds.
Many tools used in 1 location means 1 cord to the location
and of course cordless storage like you're after.

Just sell all your tools and go this way.