Replacing hand tool cables...........

[slim_boy_fat]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place , but I'm sure it'll migrate if necessary.

Was using a grinder [240V 115mm job, the usual stuff] today and lost the rag with the intransigent standard plastic coated cable, you all know the kind - takes on a set and develops a mind of it's own.....

Anyway, I decided that I'll replace all cables of that kind on my various 'implements' with rubber covered cable(s) [which won't fight me at every turn ] when I can. I'm not cable-savvy and Google brought up a number of possibilities e.g.

http://www.meteorelectrical.com/cab...untry_id=222&gclid=CLb2oI7LmMwCFRITGwodA_sDBg

http://www.doncastercables.com/cabl...bber-Sheathed-Flexible-Cords---Ordinary-Duty/

Ideally, I'm looking for a source which'll sell by the metre - would this do the job OK in terms of capacity?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Copper-We...hash=item4aeaca8ba5:m:miauY2_ybqAM1f2xFKWHN2A

Or this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222053424...49&var=520912810587&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Any suggestions as to suitability/sources etc welcome.

 

[penfold]

I'd go 1.5mm to avoid volt drop, but for a short lead 1mm would be ok.

 

[eSCHEn]

I use these guys:

http://www.online-cables.co.uk/h07rn-f-heavy-duty-rubber-3-core-58-c.asp

Despite the amateur website they're excellent and great prices.

Don't be a hero and overate the cables, stick to 1.5mm as it's pretty wide


PS: That's the super silky sexy lead there, ooooooo. If you want something a bit stiffer (steady) then go for H05.

 

[brightspark]

1.5 is best 1.0 to thin and doesn't last long as it flexes on the end 2 easy and snaps

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Thanks lads , if I go for the one linked by @eSCHEn http://www.online-cables.co.uk/h07rn-f-6183p-3-x-15mm-450750v-pcp-rubber-flex-per-1m-1895-p.asp, do I just ignore the earth wire in the three-core when swopping the cables out? [assuming the grinders etc are double insulated as I'm sure they are] or should I try to source twin-core? Going to do a few tools with decent length on them, so that looks like it'll fit the bill perfectly and the price is very good too.

Sorry for idiot questions.....

 

[sardine]

They ought to fit a standard mini socket on the powertool itself, then only one cable would be needed for all your tools, and no more tangles. You could plug the tool straight into the extension cable.

Some Fein tools have these.

 

[MrFluffy]

Then you'd loose your one special tool->socket cable and render your entire workshop unusable , and every manufacturer would have their own shaped funny lug "to fit their designs" so youd go the shop for a new one in a emergency and they'd only have dewalt ones because thats all they sell etc.
I quite like having cables as part of the tool and using extension reels when needed...

 

[slim_boy_fat]

They ought to fit a standard mini socket on the powertool itself, then only one cable would be needed for all your tools, and no more tangles. You could plug the tool straight into the extension cable.

Some Fein tools have these.

That would be too simple, and require cooperation across the industry - can't see it ever happening.

 

[bump]

That would be too simple, and require cooperation across the industry - can't see it ever happening.

Just like the EU standard for mobile phone charging is micro USB, that fruit company just has to do it's own thing

 

[penfold]

This is about as near to a standard thing there is, but they're a bit bulky for what they are.

 

[Welderpaul]

They ought to fit a standard mini socket on the powertool itself, then only one cable would be needed for all your tools, and no more tangles. You could plug the tool straight into the extension cable.

Some Fein tools have these.

Didn't Black and Decker have these on their grinders donkeys years ago?

 

[brightspark]

they fitted them to all there lawnmowers and hedge trimmers

 

[normspanners]

I try and put apiece of heat shrink on the tool end of the lead which starts before the strain relief, goes then continues inside the strain relief rubber just keeps the cable from bending too early by stiffening it a little before the strain rubber but arctic cable is good stuff for tools it is lay flat in 1.5mm

 

[Wedg1e]

Didn't Black and Decker have these on their grinders donkeys years ago?

Aye, I had one of those, great idea but the plug was moulded onto the cable and as the guy I bought it from had a habit of wrapping the cable tightly around the grinder, one of the cores had broken and the only way to keep it working (that didn't involve buying an overpriced replacement cable) was to fold the cable back on itself and tape it to the grinder... rather negating the idea of having it detachable

 

[Robotstar5]

Didn't Black and Decker have these on their grinders donkeys years ago?

Still got one somewhere.

 

[skotl]

They ought to fit a standard mini socket on the powertool itself, then only one cable would be needed for all your tools, and no more tangles. You could plug the tool straight into the extension cable.

Some Fein tools have these.

Mr. Pedantry here, but that would suggest an exposed live plug on the business end of the mains lead, which doesn't sound a great idea

 

[Kent]

Mr. Pedantry here, but that would suggest an exposed live plug on the business end of the mains lead, which doesn't sound a great idea

It's fine because it also serves to remove numpties from the gene pool lol
Seriously my Micor stick has such and I can see how a fool could hurt themselves - but how about electric kettles as it's common on them?

 

[Kent]

I can't remember snapping a cable but I have gashed and cut through an odd few in accidents

 

[bigegg]

I've mentioned this before on here, I'm sure:
I cut all my cables really short, and fit a blue, locking, commando plug.
I've made up half a dozen adaptor extensions - three pin 13a plug on one end commando socket on the other.
It means I can quickly swap between tools when I only have one extension on a job.
Makes em less enticing to steal. Don't get asked to lend them out as often.

 

[zx9]

Still got one somewhere.

Me too, the locking mechanisam is shot so the cable / socket pulls out of the grinder when in use.