Why I HATE the "plug-it" cord!

[Wim]

My only problem with the Plug-it system is with the TS55. The socket is placed in a tight corner. I don't have big hands, but it is every time a struggle to plug in or out. If there were a few grooves lengthwise, you could use a sort of wrench to turn it off or on.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Check this thread out: Easy access for the Plug-It on the TS saws.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/ts-plug-it-cord-access-simplified-another-end-user-training-tip

 

[Wim]

Thanks Shane. I was used to a TS55 under a CMS-table. Now I'm using it on a rail, so I have to learn all the tricks anew. I guess I better leave the lead on the saw, that is a lot easier.  ;D

 

[richard.selwyn]

I don't know - maybe I have small hands, but I unplug my TS55 probably on average several time each day and don't even think about it - I find the twist fixture much easier than unplugging and plugging a regular plug from an outlet here in France, which can often be quite hard.  Maybe some cords are a stiffer fit than others.  I must have at least a dozen but only use two - one on the boom arm and one on site.

Richard

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have had a milwaukee sawzall for 7 years with it's own plug-it cord.  It has never let me down, and if you are a remodeling carpenter, you know that sawzall has been there and back, several times.

All my Festool plug-it's are great, except for the sander one that some how got wraped up in my TS-55. 

 

[summerwind]

well i hate it when people who bring up old old topics, but i want to let you all know that i tossed all the "plug-it" cords in the trash and hard wired all my machines.
everything has worked perfectly for the last 2 years now.
i need a part for the older RO 150 to get the grinding action back, but that's it.
still love Festool for all my work needs (solid surfacing), but the "plug-it" cord is to me the biggest buggaboo bt Festool since they came out.

 

[AlexThePalex]

but the "plug-it" cord is to me the biggest buggaboo bt Festool since they came out.

Well, if it doesn't work for you, then it's good you can revert back to a normal cord. I myself never have any problem with it and think it's a very comfortable feature.

 

[jmbfestool]

I have never had a problem with Plug it cord.  No faults and no problems not having enough room turning the plug it on my TS or anything else as I dont use my entire hand to turn it a finger and thumb is all I require you lot most have very weak hands  [poke]

As to the cord coming out never happened to me I have tugged on the leads a few times by accident mainly standing on the lead and then picking the tool up not realising im standing on the lead end up tugging the lead a little to hard. I done it to my TS that many times the lead sleeve has come out of the plug it and I can see the blue and brown wires but its still working fine I have bought a new one sitting in my van ready for when the lead stops working

JMB

 

[tjbnwi]

If you make sure the bottom line of the unfilled arrow head is aligned with the indicator on the tool you should have no problems with the cord.

Tom

 

[summerwind]

If you make sure the bottom line of the unfilled arrow head is aligned with the indicator on the tool you should have no problems with the cord.

Tom

well tell that to my dealer and rep as they swore it was my cord that caused the problem.
after 3 plug-it cords failed and YES, all 3 were attached properly.........the machine went in for yet another look by the dealer and rep. that time they said "oh, it's the receiver that is shot".......and it was that way from day one. they did nothing to help me, and it cost me a considerable sum to find out that the Rx was shot?
for reference though, each time a plug-it cord started to fail on the Rotex, i then used it on the jigsaw and had no problems.
in the end though i went for the hard wire to eliminate any more down time.

 

[Brice Burrell]

If you make sure the bottom line of the unfilled arrow head is aligned with the indicator on the tool you should have no problems with the cord.

Tom

well tell that to my dealer and rep as they swore it was my cord that caused the problem.
after 3 plug-it cords failed and YES, all 3 were attached properly.........the machine went in for yet another look by the dealer and rep. that time they said "oh, it's the receiver that is shot".......and it was that way from day one. they did nothing to help me, and it cost me a considerable sum to find out that the Rx was shot?
for reference though, each time a plug-it cord started to fail on the Rotex, i then used it on the jigsaw and had no problems.
in the end though i went for the hard wire to eliminate any more down time.

It's funny, we I talked about you in recent Festool door and drawer class, you don't want to know what was said. [tongue]

 

[summerwind]

If you make sure the bottom line of the unfilled arrow head is aligned with the indicator on the tool you should have no problems with the cord.

Tom

well tell that to my dealer and rep as they swore it was my cord that caused the problem.
after 3 plug-it cords failed and YES, all 3 were attached properly.........the machine went in for yet another look by the dealer and rep. that time they said "oh, it's the receiver that is shot".......and it was that way from day one. they did nothing to help me, and it cost me a considerable sum to find out that the Rx was shot?
for reference though, each time a plug-it cord started to fail on the Rotex, i then used it on the jigsaw and had no problems.
in the end though i went for the hard wire to eliminate any more down time.

It's funny, we I talked about you in recent Festool door and drawer class, you don't want to know what was said. [tongue]

bout what i would expect from a remodel contractor that needs to go to school to learn how to make doors and drawers....LMAO
funnier yet, when i won my apprenticeship contest back in 1982, we never needed tools like this to do the work, nor did we have to go to school to learn about millwork.........nope, we had the real oldtimers who gladly passed on the secrets of the trade if you gave them the respect they deserved.............but today?..........you guys need a class?...........that's hilarious :

 

[CharlesWilson]

Folks, I'm a complete idiot!!  I wasn't turning the twist-lock far enough.  You folks were right -- it felt like I had twisted it far enough, but I used a little more force and the twist-lock works perfectly.

Sorry Festool!!  I never should have doubted you.   :-\

TP

Except for those of us who happen to be steam fitters or professional wrestlers, we have all had this experience!

Charles

 

[Steve R]

My work partner had the same problem of the cord coming out....until he caught me loosing it every time he set it down [thumbs up].

Cheers,
Steve

 

[tjbnwi]

If you make sure the bottom line of the unfilled arrow head is aligned with the indicator on the tool you should have no problems with the cord.

Tom

well tell that to my dealer and rep as they swore it was my cord that caused the problem.
after 3 plug-it cords failed and YES, all 3 were attached properly.........the machine went in for yet another look by the dealer and rep. that time they said "oh, it's the receiver that is shot".......and it was that way from day one. they did nothing to help me, and it cost me a considerable sum to find out that the Rx was shot?
for reference though, each time a plug-it cord started to fail on the Rotex, i then used it on the jigsaw and had no problems.
in the end though i went for the hard wire to eliminate any more down time.

It's funny, we I talked about you in recent Festool door and drawer class, you don't want to know what was said. [tongue]

bout what i would expect from a remodel contractor that needs to go to school to learn how to make doors and drawers....LMAO
funnier yet, when i won my apprenticeship contest back in 1982, we never needed tools like this to do the work, nor did we have to go to school to learn about millwork.........nope, we had the real oldtimers who gladly passed on the secrets of the trade if you gave them the respect they deserved.............but today?..........you guys need a class?...........that's hilarious :

I guessing that Brice directed that comment at me. I was his class (or lack there of) partner.

That said, it is pretty stupid to insult someone for advancing their knowledge. I choose the attend the class to learn something from fellow participants of this forum, and the instructors. I am that old guy who the teaches the young who care to learn. As the saying goes, the dumbest question ever asked, was the one that wasn't. I truly feel sorry form you if, you are unwilling to gian new knowledge in your life.

Tom

 

[Frank Pellow]

Just wondering . . . Why can't Festool mold indicator marks on the tool bodies and on the plug it cords that line up when properly inserted?

Joe

Yes, I wish that they would do that.

 

[tjbnwi]

Just wondering . . . Why can't Festool mold indicator marks on the tool bodies and on the plug it cords that line up when properly inserted?

Joe

Yes, I wish that they would do that.

They do, take a look at the handle or the socket on the TS. There are index marks, in the form of raised bosses.

You also found the thread you asked about, read the comment about 5 posts up from summerwind.

Tom

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Frank, I just PM'ed you this thread, but obviously you've seen it, so now you know.  [smile]

 

[Frank Pellow]

Just wondering . . . Why can't Festool mold indicator marks on the tool bodies and on the plug it cords that line up when properly inserted?

Joe

Yes, I wish that they would do that.

They do, take a look at the handle or the socket on the TS. There are index marks, in the form of raised bosses.

...

Tom

That is quite an obscure way the mark the required position.

 

[peter halle]

A little insight into this thread might be in order.  This thread was active in 2009, just before the End User classes started.  This situation was mentioned because it was - and is - relevant to users of all experience levels.  The plug-it cord can be difficult to twist when new, and can remain that way especially if it is never removed from the tool - a situation that many owners (including myself) experience.  It is possible that if the cord is not attached properly the receiver can be damaged as the tool is used.  If a new cord is installed, it is then possible for the receiver to damage the new cord.  It doesn't happen every time, but it can.  If the cord is damaged and used on another tool, it is possible to then damage the receiver on that tool, and the cycle can go on.  It doesn't always happen, but it is possible.

In every Festool class that I have attended, the instructors go over how to install the plug it cord and how to make sure that it is properly tightened.  The tip about how to bevel the TS-55 saws to get adequate hand clearance is mentioned.  At no point in any of the classes I have attended has a member been mentioned by name - just the situation - and it has been used as a learning tool.  That is what the classes are all about. 

I believe that a post here that was intended to have some humor to it was taken by another member to be an insult and there was a reaction.

So let's keep this thread about the cords, not the other stuff.

Peter