Repairing Guides

how to repair a cut power tool cord

by Gretchen Schneider II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Repair a Cut or Damaged Power Cord

  1. Trim Ends. You can see my miter saw made short work of this power cord leaving jagged and frayed edges. ...
  2. Cut Outer Sheathing. Next, I used a utility knife to slice the outer sheathing much like cutting Romex. ...
  3. Strip Wires. ...
  4. Twist and Solder. ...
  5. Heat Shrink Tube. ...
  6. Wrap in Tape. ...

Part of a video titled How to repair a cut power tool cord - YouTube
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And use a wire nut. Like that these wire nuts have metal inside. And they help in threading it soMoreAnd use a wire nut. Like that these wire nuts have metal inside. And they help in threading it so you do the white one too fold it over like that.

Full Answer

How to replace a power tool cord?

You’ll need:

  • A replacement cord to fit the tool (I’ll explain this below)
  • Spade connectors (for the gauge of the cord wire)
  • Wire crimping tool
  • Phillips screwdriver

How to repair a cut or damaged power cord?

  • Installing a new plug is the simplest solution for most types of cords, including extension cords. ...
  • Take the plug with you to a home improvement store to help find a matching replacement. ...
  • Many appliances and older extension cords use what is known as polarized cords and caps. ...

More items...

How do you repair a power cord?

Remove insulation from each of the wires inside the cord.

  • The wires are a little smaller than the cord, so use wire strippers if you have them. ...
  • If you make a mistake and cut through the individual wires, don’t worry. Your cord isn’t ruined. Just cut out the damaged portion again.
  • If you're planning on soldering the cord lengths back together, strip the wires inside both parts.

How to find a replacement power cord?

  • Read all steps before starting.
  • Cut the wire at about a half inch on each side of the tear
  • Bare the outer plastic shell about an inch. You should see at least two, possibly more individually sheathed wires inside.
  • If the wires are color coded, continue. Else, there is no possible way to know which is which, and you take a

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Can you fix a cut power cord?

Power tool cords that get accidentally cut or hacked can be permanently repaired in minutes with heat shrinkable tubing and a soldering gun.

How do you fix a sliced power cord?

3:497:06How To Repair A Damaged Electrical Cord Safely - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have to remember to put the heat shrink on the inner wires as well now this is going to be tooMoreWe have to remember to put the heat shrink on the inner wires as well now this is going to be too long of a piece and it doesn't have to be very long it only needs to overlap the area of the repair.

How do you splice a power cord back together?

2:4710:14Power Cord Splice and Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSelect one on is the smallest diameter. Possible that will still slide easily along the cord. Don'tMoreSelect one on is the smallest diameter. Possible that will still slide easily along the cord. Don't forget to take into consideration whether the heat shrink will fit over the splice section of wire.

How do you fix a power tool cable?

0:257:15How to repair a cut power tool cord - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd use a wire nut. Like that these wire nuts have metal inside. And they help in threading it soMoreAnd use a wire nut. Like that these wire nuts have metal inside. And they help in threading it so you do the white one too fold it over like that.

Can you use electrical tape to repair extension cords?

However, Federal OSHA electrical safety standards actually do not allow us to make a repair to a frayed or damaged electrical cord using electrical tape, nor can we use electrical tape to splice two cords together .

How do you join two cords together?

4:217:59Short splice- joining 2 pieces of rope - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that you're splicing into the rope and not into the other ends. So you're never going overMoreMake sure that you're splicing into the rope and not into the other ends. So you're never going over or under any of the other two ends. So to continue again take one of the ends.

Can you fix a cord that has been chewed in half?

0:272:35How to Fix a Cord Chewed by Your Pet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing you want to do is cut the chewed section and the plug. Off the wire. Then separate theMoreFirst thing you want to do is cut the chewed section and the plug. Off the wire. Then separate the two wires about an inch and a half down then you want to strip the wires. Using a wire strippers.

Can a power cord be nicked?

Contractors can be brutally tough on their tools, and given enough time, it’s not uncommon for a power tool cord to get nicked, damaged or even completely severed. Some manufacturers have responded with removable power cords that are easy to replace, and those have been met with mixed reviews.

Can you burn yourself with soldering irons?

Soldering irons get really hot so be careful not to burn yourself or the wire insulation. If you make a mistake, trim the ends and start over.

Can you use heat shrink tubes to connect wires?

Before connecting the wires, I slipped a heat shrink tube in place. Heat shrink tubes will only constrict so far so select a tube that is just big enough to fit over the finished joint.

How To Repair a Cut Power Tool Cord

So your power tool’s power cord just got cut. The first impulse you get is to kinda fix it by taping it up. See, that can spell doom at your next use of the power tool. Cut cords are not safe to use on your power tool.

How To Do The Repair

Repairing a cut power tool is one of the simplest repairs you can ever do in your workshop. Follow these easy steps and put your tool off the damaged box.

Steps Explained

As I mentioned earlier, these steps are pretty easy. Using a cut power tool can make your work erratic and unsafe. Cut wires that are taped up can melt and this can cause a connection bridge. You don’t want that to happen as it might blow up. Look now at how you would do it in more detailed steps.

What to do if you accidentally cut an extension cord?

If you accidentally cut your extension cord or power tool cord, save it by adding a new plug and receptacle to the two pieces; a safer solution than a splice.

How to save money on replacement cords?

Replacement cords are expensive, and you can save money by just repairing it. Instead of splicing, add a new plug on the piece of the cord with the receptacle and a new receptacle on the piece of the cord with the plug. Complete DIY projects like a pro!

How to make two cords out of one?

Instead of splicing, if both sections are long enough to be worth saving, just buy a high-quality plug and receptacle and make two cords out of one. Add a new plug on the piece of the cord with the receptacle and a new receptacle on the piece of the cord with the plug.

Can you splice extension cords?

Technically, you’re not supposed to splice extension cords. Even if you solder the wires, wrap each wire with electrical tape and encase the whole splice in heat shrinkable tubing, it still won’t have the abrasion resistance of a new cord. Plus, it’s not permissible under the National Electrical Code.

Repairing A Cut Circular Saw Cord

I’d be lying if I told you I’ve have never cut my tool power cords. The Milwaukee circular saw in these pictures had barely an hour on it when I lowered the tool to the ground and the cord got sucked into he blade.

Cutting Out The Damage

The Milwaukee’s cord was long to start with, and the cut section was a little over a foot from the tool handle. I made the decision to cut out the damaged cord and continue to use the same cord instead of buying a new cord.

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