Electrical cords on hand held power tools

[staffie]

Morning all,

Had both my belt sander and random orbit sander (Both Bosch) go on me yesterday. Took them apart, checked brushes and all electrical connections. Then tested the incoming power. nothing, checked fuses and everything else, still nothing. Both sanders are 4+ years old and work hard, have been good value for money. I think there is a bit of life in them yet.

I then tested the electrical supply to the belt sander using a new power cord and it worked perfectly.

Now the question is, should it be necessary to replace the power cords periodically? I know in professional shops tools have to have yearly inspections. But for the non professional should this be done as well?

Also what would you replace the cords with, are there specific types of cords? I would think that the flexability of the cord itself would be important as there is constant movement in the use of the tool. Any views or suggestions.

Regards
Jock

[tusses]

you should really check any tool and its power cord every time you use it ! There will be a maintenance schedule in some tool manuals. My TS for example gets a clean, the motor greased, and the quadrants lubed, along with the top and fence rails getting a coat of wax - every sunday evening.

In the cord, check for nicks or splits or crushed bits and replace as necessary.

If the cord is in good shape, try cutting a few inches off each end (if it is long enough), as this is where if constantly flexes.

for replacement , I use arctic (i think thats what its called) as this is made to stay flexible throughout a wide range of temperatures. available most places - screwfix etc.

EDIT TO ADD >

only check the electrics if you know what you are doing !
Testing the tool with a new power lead suggests that you dont have a multi meter to test with. if there was a fault with your tool that made the power fail, then putting a new lead on is NOT the way to test it

[engineerone]

if you think about it, this is one of the reasons why you are not supposed to sell second hand corded electrical goods at a car boot sale, or privately, with the plug attached.

it is not just that you cannot be sure people can put a plug on properly but also a well used item may well have a frayed cord.

in my experience, tools in particular seem to go within the sort of semi rigid cover at the tool end because they are trying to bend, but being constrained. also of course, you get a similar thing at the plug end. also if you tightly wind your cables, then that can cause problems.

in addition, it is important to remind people of a thread on the other place where tim i think had a blow out on his ts because the switch box had become stuffed with sawdust, and there was a short. recently one of my routers stopped, and thinking it was the brushes, i opened it, and discovered the switch was again blocked with sawdust residue. a stiff paint brush, then an electrical contact spray are vital.

actually i would suggest buying one of those aerosol cans of air from somewhere like maplin. blows lots out.

so the answer to the whole question is to check your cables on
such equipment at least 4 times a year, preferably with something like a cheap multi meter, or a simple screwdriver type tester.

paul