Just took my new Bosch 1677M worm-drive out of the box and was cutting 2×4’s. About 2 hours into the job, I cut through the power cord. The new cord was a bit kinked, so I guess that’s what contributed to it. Also the fact that I’m a dumbass.
Rather than live with a shorter cord or try to open up my new saw and replace it, does anybody have a good way to “couple” the 2 lengths of cord back together?
TP
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Replies
TP, here's what NOT to do, but what I did to quickly salvage a cheap saw after making the same mistake.
With an expensive, new saw, I'm sure you'll want to open it up and replace the cord properly!
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Allen
Ahem, don't ask how I know this.
Rumor and perhaps urban legend has it that a reasonable splice can be made by using insulated butt connectors. Stagger the connectors on the conductors (so the two connectors are at different distances from the saw handle) and then wrapping the whole mess in electrical tape. If the Bosch has a ground, then it is three splices.
The Makita saw which is the star of this legend is double insulated so there are only two connectors.
The splice produces a stiff spot in the cord which you will not like, but it is functional and safe.
Bosch will happily sell a replacement power cord. You can contact them on the web, and they will give you a contact to order. Or call the service / parts center closest to you - new saw, you probably can find the literature still.
They were very helpful (even sympathetic) when someone who will remain nameless loaded a Bosch router with a 1" diameter straight mortising bit, adjusted the guide and started it up.
Only problem was there was not enough clearance between the plastic guide bars for the bit - "what? I have to adjust two things?".
Plastic guide bars were cheap, shipping was more than the part. The aforementioned nameless person decided it would be wise to buy some extra bars, since this might happen again sometime - same shipping charge, service was fast.
Just a point to ponder.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Buy a new cord. Splicing it is a waste of time, will probably void the warranty (voltage drops can kill a motor) and will probably get in the way.
If you must splice it, get some Heat-and Seal butt connectors, crimp them on properly, heat them so the low-temperature solder can flow in and the glue oozes out, and use heat-n-shrink shrink tubing. This will be a very durable splice, but still not as good a replacing the cord. A replacement cord will probably cost less if you consider all of the running around to find the right butt connectors and shrink tubing.
Hey. See my Tavern thread about car audio, please. Mucho grazzyazz.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
New cord. ONLY a new cord. Or OSHA will ream you a new orifice.
Something like a 5 K fine for a spliced cord, ext, or other wise.
Don't belive me? Just anyone who's had a run in with them on the subject.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Replace the cord.
Use either a 1' cord so you're close enough to lift the plug over the work when it snags, or a 10' cord so it won't snag on a sheet of ply. 6 footers are the worst.
I used a 25' cord so I don't usually need an extension cord.
SamT
Speaking of short cords. I thought Bosch was introducing a "cord management system" to its circular saws. From what I could tell from the picture, it was just a female receptacle on the rear of the saw. No cord at all. That was a couple of years ago. Maybe they decided it wasn't a good idea.
You can replace your cut cord with a 25' nice extension cord. You just have to take off the back handle and wire in the new extension cord with the female end cut off of it. Works great...
not a big deal to go into the saw...
you will never regret doing what many here have said... replace with a 25ft cord... get a good ext cord of the proper size... you might look like a sissy on the jobsite but a bright colored one green blue or PINK... and no one will ever steal your saw...
p
Toolpig,
New cord .
Tip : Always ensure the cord comes around the back of your body when cutting, that keeps the cord out of harms way.
Almost every cut cord I have seen happen occurred when the operator had the cord running away from themselves toward the front of their body.
My first boss at carpentry taught me that trick and I bet I haven't knicked more than 3 cords in 30 years.
"Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca