5

I had an angle grinder setup in a chopsaw stand. Something similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/RO-LY-100-125-Grinder-Support/dp/B07NTXMHC1

It was the first time using the setup and I didn't notice that the cord came into the area of the grinder disc. I cut through ~1/3 of the strands of copper in the cord. The grinder still seems to be working. I put electrical tape around the cut area.

Do I need to replace the cord? If I don't replace the cord what are the downsides, the grinder is fairly cheap.

Improve this question
10
  • 1
    If its a cheap grinder, now might be the right time to invest in a battery powered angle grinder rather than go through the hassle of replacing or repairing the cord.
    – statueuphemism
    Feb 13, 2021 at 15:53
  • 2
    Do you? No. Could it just stop working whenever? Yes. Is it dangerous? Not if insulated and you have already taped it. On nicked cords I use electrical tape then 2-3 short individual strands of duct tape. This provides something flexible that will give it some weatherproofing.
    – DMoore
    Feb 13, 2021 at 19:18
  • 7
    With some of the strands gone, it'll be a hotspot on the wire. Being cheap Chinese bought via Amazon, it has bypassed all the controls that force domestic sellers to sell UL-listed equipment that is certified to safety standards. The cord won't be the correct self-extinguishing non-poison-smoke-emitting plastic, so just put it out right away. Also, it might electrocute you so wear lineman's gloves. Try not to have your cheap Chinese lineman's gloves also catch fire when trying to put out the cord fire. Shrug... the important thing is the savings. What could possibly go wrong?
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Feb 13, 2021 at 20:29
  • 2
    @Harper-ReinstateMonica - if he is lucky the electricity won't matter because of those well insulated chinese made boots. 13 year olds make the best boots.
    – DMoore
    Feb 13, 2021 at 21:32
  • 8
    "I plan to electrocute myself, is this a good way to go about it?"
    – Valorum
    Feb 14, 2021 at 2:13

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
20

Yes, replace the cord.

Seen too many damaged cords covered in unravelling sticky tape that then become dangerous - wet environment, spilled liquid etc etc

Adding a cable joiner just adds a "catching" or "trapping" hazard.

2 or 3 metres (6 or 9 feet for some) of quality cable is cheap and safer.

Also the length of cable is likely to be cheaper than a fancy repair plug...

Improve this answer
2
  • I've used the repair plugs to turn 100' extension cords into multiple shorter cords when the ground pin eventually breaks. I could probably find some quality cable but won't I still need to put a repair plug on the quality cable?
    – Fresh Codemonger
    Feb 13, 2021 at 23:08
  • Yes you will need a repair male plug. That is the simpliest/easiest way to repair it.
    – ojait
    Mar 8, 2021 at 14:29
4

Yes - replace the cord, or shorten it and fit a new plug at the cut.

Assuming you've cut 1/3 of the strands, and it is an earthed appliance with 3 wires in the cord, and it still works, then you've cut ~1/2 of the strands in two wires.

If you've cut 1/3 of the strands in a 2 wire cord then ~1/3 of each is cut.

This reduces the current carrying capacity of the wire by more than half resulting in localised heating. Which will soften any adhesive and some of them can conduct when liquid.

If you're not able to see why your tape-repair is inadequate, then replacing the whole tool is the better option over replacing or shortening the cord.

Improve this answer
3
  • First time I've cut through a cord though I frequently see others using electrical taped cords on circular saws. It has a ground pin. I didn't look too closely at the damaged part of the cord but I assume if I had cut into two of the conductors in the cord it would short rather than turn on. Possible out of the three wires in the cord I only cut through the ground... I'll have a better look but it seems like no one is in the if it works keep using it camp so I'll just chuck it on the to repair pile.
    – Fresh Codemonger
    Feb 14, 2021 at 0:50
  • 1
    @FreshCodemongery you have done well to notice and to ask. If you happend to cut the ground wire and the tool still works, its now totally unsafe and absolutely needs a new cord/plug. Given its a cheap tool, I'd suggest you try to fix it properly (for the learning experience), and if that doesn't work then you needed a replacement tool anyway. And figure a better way to route the cord on the chopstand for next time.
    – Criggie
    Feb 14, 2021 at 1:09
  • 2
    "It works" is not the same as "Is it safe". The fact that it works means it can kill you. It can burst in flames from localized heating, or electrocute you. You're playing with electricity, and electricity by itself is already dangerous, and you're now combining it with a power tool that can sever limbs. Just think about that for a second. If the wire sparks and causes you to flinch into the blade, you just won a trip to the ER at minimum, and leaving with some scarring if you're lucky.
    – Nelson
    Feb 14, 2021 at 14:59
3

If you would rather not go through the hassle of disassembling the grinder to replace the cord than cut cleanly through cord in two places to fully remove the mangled section of the cord.

Purchase a repair plug (male-type)enter image description here

Your cord is most likely 2 wire so you wont need a 3 prong plug. A 2 prong will suffice.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Given its a hand tool, the flex-cable is probably only 6 foot/2 metres long. Making the off-cut into a short extension cable is probably not that useful.
    – Criggie
    Feb 14, 2021 at 0:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.