Cord Question

[WPeters]

I suspect this has already been addressed here, but wasn't sure what to search for. 

The power cords from my 1400 and ts55 are attached to hoses rather permanently.  One on a ct 26 with workstation (in a flexible sleeve) and the other one is on another ct 26 with boom arm.  I used these power cords so i could run any tool with them.  Now however i would like another power cord to run the 1400 or ts55 when i don't want the hose attached.  Could i take one of the power cords from a sander (its in storage) and cut off the little piece of plastic that prevents it from plugging into the larger tools?  Is this advisable, wise, etc.  Have many others did this?  Problems?  Success?

Thanks!

 

[Bikeboy80]

I just purchased an extra 20a cord, better safe then sorry!

 

[TOOLTOWN]

DO NOT do this.  That little bit of plastic is a safety feature.  The thinner gauge cords cannot handle the power required by the bigger machines safely. 

If you need spare cords they are only $42

I think $42 is well spent when it comes to safety.

Ken

 

[WPeters]

Ok thanks for the replys...sounds like I will just get a cord.....no big deal.   I'm just so used to manufacturers triple covering themselves on safety and typically overbuilding things, that I was like...."what will it hurt?"  [smile]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

It would be a potential fire hazard. The cord would be underrated for the amp draw. I would highly recommend that no one ever modify any part of a power tool or electrical component from any manufacturer.

If anyone posts about doing so, it will be removed from the forum per our forum guidelines.

 

[farms100]

yeah undersizing the wire is a bad idea.

I do find it annoying that my sander and router use different sized cords. for maybe 4-5$ extra on each  tool,  you would think they would oversized the cords on the smaller tools for ease of switching tools.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

It's not a cost factor for supplying the lighter gauge cord with sanders, it's for added flexibility. That's why.

 

[ccarrolladams]

yeah undersizing the wire is a bad idea.

I do find it annoying that my sander and router use different sized cords. for maybe 4-5$ extra on each  tool,  you would think they would oversized the cords on the smaller tools for ease of switching tools.

The engineering and design of fine power tools, such as Festool, is not simplistic.

In your case the smaller capacity power cord Plug-Its are considered a blessing for those who use tools which do not use a lot of electricity, such as the sanders, OF1010 and others. Some people prefer the slightly more flexible electrical cord.

On the other hand, the higher capacity cord and Plug-It will work fine on the other tools. Personally I have never felt using the stiffer cord to be a problem when sanding. The power cord is still more flexible than the dust extraction hose and we learn to deal with that to save our lungs.

 

[KorDes]

I use the large cord and it stays in the vac for most of my festool tools. The only time I dont use it is when Im using a tool with a fixed lead.
All my small cords are left in their box. never been used.