HK 55 plug issue..

[tools4me]

Ok I’m new to festool, but now own 3 sanders, 2 drills, 2 lights an a Vacuum.  I just received my HK 55 and the cord will not twist lock.  I presume the saw is defective as the cord fit was fine on the sanders.  I could not test the sander cords on the saw as they are keyed differently.  Now that’s disappointing, not sure why they did I that. The cord does not fit flush with the saw, it needs to go in about another eighth of an inch.  Odd, I got a dud saw, returning for another one. :-[

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the forum!  The plug lock cords can be really stiff when new.  You really need to push in in fully (might be tough with new plastic) and then turn until it won't turn any more. 

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

First, welcome to the FOG!

There are two cords, a 16 ga. and 18 ga.  The lighter weight 18 ga. is for sanders and other smaller tools and only works with these tools.  The 16 ga. cord for saws, router and larger tools will also fit the smaller tools.

As for your new cord not fitting.  New cards are usually hard to attach the first few times but it gets easier.  There is a rubber o-ring that needs compressed and until that breaks in some it can be hard to properly attach the cord.  My guess is there is nothing wrong with your cord/saw and you just need to give it a little more muscle.  You might want to bevel the saw to allow you to get a better grip on the cord.  The cord is properly attach with a full quarter turn.

If you can't get the cord fully attached don't use it, you could damage the tool and/or cord.  Good luck and let us know how it works out.   

 

[peter halle]

[member=1146]Brice Burrell[/member] , thanks for a better explanation than I gave!

Peter

 

[Ivan T]

What Bryce and Peter said is right on for a new tool.

I would add another thought though. You may want to consider a HKC 55 instead. I do not know what type of work you plan to use the HK 55 for, but I really like that I can go cordless with my HKC55. I tried the corded and because I was cutting construction lumber I returned it and got the cordless. It is so much more convenient at a job site not to need to plug in the saw. It does cost more money but it is worth it in my opinion. I usually have my corded TS 55 with me also but I rarely take it out of the systainer unless I will be making several of the same cuts. I use the the HKC on both the FSK Rail and standard rail. I wil be getting a TSC 55 at some point just because of the convenience.

 

[tools4me]

Thanks for the reply regarding the plug issue.  I ordered another saw since this one was only two days old.  Yes I read about the cord gauge difference, that makes sense.  I’m not a carpenter, just a home owner thats renovating two locations, and I like a quality product. 
I tried numerous times to get the connector to sit flush so it would turn, and it’s just not going to happen, ever. You can see the gap in the photo. It’s like that half moon plastic piece that sits down inside the socket is not set down deep enough. Curious they didn’t seal the entire opening.  I wonder if someone out there has one that looks different? Let’s hope the next one I get on Wednesday is fine.

 

[pixelated]

The plug on my HK was really tight when I first got it, the saw is a little over a year old now.
Since then, I've not had much reason to unplug at the saw so I just keep the cord attached all the time.

 

[tools4me]

Thanks, I wish it was that easy.  This plug would not go in anywhere close enough to even get close to turning. It’s not that it’s tight turning, it will not go in far enough to allow it to turn.  Oh well mistakes happen with all tools during manufacturing.  No big deal, it’s still a great saw.

 

[tools4me]

Update:  Replacement HK 55 arrived, plug is very tight, but at least it twist locks.  It may break in over time or I will leave it attached. [big grin]