Plug-It SYSTEM HACK! Bringing non-Festools into the fold

[BUTTER]

I just got my socket #491725 (thanks "Mahala Homecraft" for the number) and mine didn't have the notch, so I grinded one with my dremel.  Is it okay to use this socket with a DeWalt track saw?  That's what I was going to use it on like how the OP with his non-Festool tools.

Thankls,
Rob

First off, to all viewing this thread, in case it isn't obvious, a hack like this invalidates your warranty, and I personally don't condone or encourage to do the same as I have,  you do so at your own risk.

Second, to Rob, there's no call to make a notch in the plugit socket - you should be using a 16ga cord with a track saw.  Using an 18ga cord (which has the triangular doohicky) to connect to it will supply less than ideal power and may run down your motor prematurely.

 

[rjwz28]

I was going a little crazy, ready to order parts from Europe (again), and then I found this thread.  What a great idea, can't believe I didn't think of it myself!  Just ordered a few of the ts55 sockets to install on various tools. 

Part number by the way is 491725, and that's for American 110 V.

Thanks again!

Is this part no. for the heavier 16 gauge wire?  I got this exact one for my DeWalt track saw and want to make sure it is the right one.  It seams like it may not be from the previous post.  Just double checking.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Yes, it is.  This is the socket that comes with the ts55, so it should be sufficient for another track saw.  The issue is not the socket, it's the plug it cord you're using.  The 18 ga cords have that extra triangle so they won't fit into the ts55 socket which lacks the cutout for said triangle.  Using this part, you just need to pair it with the proper 16 ga plug it cord which also lacks the triangle.

 

[Corwin]

Years back I had the thought of dealing with my non-plugit tools in a different way…  My thought was to run a standard cord down the hose, instead of the plug it cord.  Then you could shorten all corded tools such that their cords were nothing more than pigtails.  Also make up a pigtail for you plugit tools from a 16 gauge plugit cord.  Haven't actually done this, but it may prove easier than trying to install these plugit sockets into your tools.  Just a thought...

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

That seems like a pretty easy option, but it still involves opening up the tools.  I have an electric drill that I use mostly for kreg drilling, and for that I'm getting a short plug it extension, but for keeping one plug it cord velcroed to your vac hose, having the socket installed within the tool will keep things neater and you won't have that extra loop of cord at the end of the hose.  With my drill situation, the hose goes to the jig and the cord goes to the drill, so having some extra cord will actually be handy.

 

[rjwz28]

Yes, it is.  This is the socket that comes with the ts55, so it should be sufficient for another track saw.  The issue is not the socket, it's the plug it cord you're using.  The 18 ga cords have that extra triangle so they won't fit into the ts55 socket which lacks the cutout for said triangle.  Using this part, you just need to pair it with the proper 16 ga plug it cord which also lacks the triangle.

Now I get it.  I didn't realize until now that the different Festool tools use different gauge power cords.  Bummers.  I thought I could make my DeWalt easier to use.

Thanks.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

...you can.  You just need to get a 16ga plug it cord to go with the part number I listed for the socket.

 

[rjwz28]

...you can.  You just need to get a 16ga plug it cord to go with the part number I listed for the socket.

Exactly right.  The only thing is I already have the other power cord in the sleeve with the shrink tubing over with the boom and don't want to do it all over again and also buy the other cord when I have 3 cords of the smaller gauge.

Thanks for the info.  Much appreciated.

Rob

 

[DrD]

[member=182]Corwin[/member]

Years back I had the thought of dealing with my non-plugit tools in a different way…  My thought was to run a standard cord down the hose, instead of the plug it cord.  Then you could shorten all corded tools such that their cords were nothing more than pigtails.  Also make up a pigtail for you plugit tools from a 16 gauge plugit cord.  Haven't actually done this, but it may prove easier than trying to install these plugit sockets into your tools.  Just a thought...

Have you done this yet?  I am planning on getting rid of the cords attached to my RAS and RS2 - both are now out of warranty.

Thanks

 

[Corwin]

Have you done this yet?  I am planning on getting rid of the cords attached to my RAS and RS2 - both are now out of warranty.

Nope. I was just using my RS2 yesterday and I just don't find the cord issue bothersome enough to modify the non-plugit tools.

 

[Aclaw]

I just made a plug-it pigtail with a female qwik-lok plug on the other end of the pigtail replacement thread mentioned on here many times, and have it velcro'd to hoses.  When the need arises for a non-plug-it tool, I just fold over and connect the plug-it to the pig tail, plug in the other tool and keep moving.  I took this approach because of the almost inability to get the plug-it repair kits here in the states, and its worked well so far.

 

[jeh]

Can someone help get the pictures so that they are viewable? When I click on the pictures I get an error message.

 

[amt]

For those who have ordered this part, are you ordering directly from Festool or from a dealer?  If a dealer, does anyone know which dealers are willing to order parts from EKAT?

 

[jeh]

Why not just order it direct from Festool? It only takes a few minutes. I guess you might get out of shipping by going through your local dealer though.

 

[tvg]

Would installing the 18g socket on the tools, and using the 16g plug (that is attached to the hose) be ok?  That way you might not have to remove the tabs or fiddle with the plugs.