Power tool cords

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Hi.   Can anyone recommend  a  nice soft flexible  cord  to replace the cord on angle grinders etc.I have replaced the cords before but with ordinary  extension cord cable  which  in the cold weatherkinks  and  goes hard and cracks  I notice the original  power cords are soft and flexible even lying on the floorno matter how cold it is   Is  there  a special cord for that purpose ?           Thanks for any information.
Reply:I’ve used SO type cable on some of my old Milwaukee tools. Also made extension cords out of it. It’s nice andpliable, unlike the cords on the new power tools. Might not last as long as that stiff plastic crap.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:The best you can get immediately is 12/2 (12awg 2 conductor and ground) or 14/2 SEOOW (best) or SOOW (2nd best) cord (available by the foot from HD or Lowes) with Leviton industrial heavy duty plug ends (old school black and white nylon ones, also from HD or Lowes).  That will likely outlast the tool and will remain flexible in cold weather.  What you don't want in a cord is any designated with a T, which indicates the body is thermoplastic, the kind that gets stiff in the cold.Alternatively you could buy a cold weather extension cord (again available at the big hardware stores) and use that with leviton plugs as well.Both options have the advantage of being infinitely and field repairable.Keep in mind neither of these options will be OSHA compliant.Last edited by SlowBlues; 03-06-2021 at 10:15 AM.
Reply:This explains the differences in SOOW, SEOOW and some other portable cord....https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/...-portable-cordBest regards to all,LanceMultimatic 255 w/MDX-250 EZ-Select gunHypertherm Powermax45 XPHeck Bevel Mill 4000Miller/Smith heavy duty torch set9" Evolution circular saw
Reply:

Originally Posted by SlowBlues

The best you can get immediately is 12/2 (12awg 2 conductor and ground) or 14/2 SEOOW (best) or SOOW (2nd best) cord (available by the foot from HD or Lowes) .
Reply:***12/3 or 14/3***    NOT 12/2 or 14/2.Thanks for the correction bigb.  I actually knew that, I just get so used to dealing with romex I revert back to that.Last edited by SlowBlues; 03-07-2021 at 01:01 PM.
Reply:You'll be fine with SJOOW found at the box stores, purchase  by the foot.SJO= Jr 300v and underSO= can handle 600vEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I just searched osha rules for cord repair. It is sort of a Schrodingers Cat of tool repair. They can be repaired according to section 1926, but only if it returns them to the state exactly as they came from the factory, and they came from the factory unrepaired...
Reply:McMaster-Carr carries a line of extension cords that they list as harsh environment. They are SJEOW with molded plugs at both end. I cut the female end off and use them to replace power tool cords. Cost less than buying SJ cable and the plug ends and the male end is molded on so it is "almost exactly" as the tools came from the factory.
Reply:

Originally Posted by walker

I just searched osha rules for cord repair. It is sort of a Schrodingers Cat of tool repair. They can be repaired according to section 1926, but only if it returns them to the state exactly as they came from the factory, and they came from the factory unrepaired...
Reply:

Originally Posted by jncaruso

McMaster-Carr carries a line of extension cords that they list as harsh environment. They are SJEOW with moulded plugs at both end. I cut the female end off and use them to replace power tool cords. Cost less than buying SJ cable and the plug ends and the male end is moulded on so it is "almost exactly" as the tools came from the factory.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 12345678910

I trust the SO by the foot cord to meet standards.Chinese extension cords have been proven to short change you on the copper content and fraudulently mark CSA and other approvals.
Reply:Lets not forget that most grinders, drills ect are double insulated and dont use a ground....To avoid having a useless wire making my cord bulkier I buy replacement cords from the local power tool guy.12 ga 2 wire (no ground), molded plug, flexible wire