circular saw power cord??

[coy-ote]

anyone ever use a heavier duty extension cord to make a longer power cord for power tools? I broke off one of the prongs on the plug of my Milwaukee sidewinder 15 amp, its old cord could use updating so I thought i'd ask here before I order a new one.

[DarrellS]

First thing I do to a new saw is put a 20 foot cord on it.

[Smokeater]

Yep, any time I replace an old cord, I use an extension cord. 12 or 14 awg, depending on what it is...12 for your saw.

[coy-ote]

was trying to find an old episode of the new yankee workshop or this old house where I thought either Norm or Tom Silva said the same thing first thing they do I replace the cord with a 20 ft one thanx guys

[coy-ote]

now for the simple question do you just buy a 12 awg extension cord and cut it for the length needed? and will any type do or do I need a special type for outdoor use or all they all the same?

[Dale Moser]

I have an old cord I found on a jobsite missing an end, I cut hunks off it to replace factory power cords. It's 12ga. but I replace lighter cords with it. It seems to improve performance a little too.

[db@100]

Doesn't OSHA have a problem with long cords like that on a job site? I thought they had to be 6' or less. I do understand most are talking about personal use and not on a jobsite.

[Dale Moser]

Doesn't OSHA have a problem with long cords like that on a job site? I thought they had to be 6' or less. I do understand most are talking about personal use and not on a jobsite.

Probably so. If it's logical, OSHA has a problem with it.

[sendit]

I would consider the type of cable used.

SO, SJ or SJO is what I would use. This type uses a rubber jacket vs the plastic you find with most store bought extension cords. SJ has a 300V rating while SO has a 600V rating and has a thicker neoprene jacket which is very resistant to chemicals, cuts/nicks/burns and general abuse.

With a corded portable power tool, #14 is typically all you need for the cord. Now with extension cords #12 works better. My $.02

Side note... I have several Home Depot "Rigid" brand power tools which have longer than normal cords on them. They also have a lighted cord cap on them as well as a velcro strap on them that makes it nice to keep the cable rolled up while not in use.

[Gummi Bear]

SJTW is a very durable cord, without the sticky rubber jacket that SJ and SO cord has.

Many of your commercial grade extension cords are SJTW.

Include a quality cord cap (Hubbell, P&S, Leviton) and you'll be in good shape.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Dusty Britches]

I just use a 12g 10' extension cord and whack off the one end. It's worked for 20+ years.

[mmoses]

Kinda on the opposite end but I've been tempted to cut all my cords down.

Makes them easier to store and transport

[steve morton]

^mmoses^ what he said, then when you accidentally cut a power cord, its easier to fix extension cord than tearing down the circular saw.

[dmk]

I accidentally cut mine on the saw. It's about 6" long or so. I just replaced the end. I kind of like not having to roll it up when I put it away. I always used a cord any way, so no real change.

[bwssr]

what is wrong with an extension cord? DMK, some of mine are too...I like them