What do you do with power tool cords

[NewLou]

Recently I bought a circular saw. It was my first 'real power tool' purchase (Hitachi 9C). The 9C is a bit of a BEasT and I must admit I was a bit intimidated
and worried about getting it right safely and trouble free (Don't wanna loose my fingures).

As I flew into giving the 9C her first test run I found myself wondering ggeeeeezzzz what do I do with the power cord. In high school we were taught to place the power cord over your shoulder while using a power tool:

1. So that you know exactly where the power cord is
2. To keep the power cord well outta the way of the power tool being used.

In comparison I have also seen a number of online video's (Mostly American) where they leave the power cord hanging naturally out of the road.

Am wondering what does everyone generally do with powercords when using power tools like Circular Saws; Routers etc etc. Feedback to help me stay safe really appreciated.

Regards Lou

[Ian007]

workshop has over head power points so leads hang out of the way

if working outside or on site over the shoulder

Cheers Ian

[E. maculata]

What you mean there's a safe power tool crikey what is it? where can I buy it? :confused: .......but seriously folks if I'm in the shed overhead power points are the go, outside of the shed over shoulder works fine for me.

[journeyman Mick]

Lou,
when the saw is being constantly picked up and put down (ie: docking cuts) I generally let the lead dangle. I've usually got the lead coming from behind the saw in this situation. If I'm ripping a board or cutting a sheet of ply etc then I hang the lead over my shoulder.

Mick

[ozwinner]

I went for "other", just to balance things up.


Al :confused:

[gatiep]

Another poll?

Anyway, when I was at school it was all hand tools. I usually let the cord dangle out of harms way or don't have much of a problem because in my shed I have as many overhead power points as on the wall. 8 double outlets on the wall and 8 doubles on the ceiling including 2 x 15 amp circuits of 1 outlet each. I believe that like clamps, one can never have enough power points.

Oh, and I didn't vote.

[Grunt]

I usually plug them into a powerpoint.

[Ben from Vic.]

Pop them in the mouth, Uncle Fester style.

Although I have heard of the Over the Shoulder Power Cord holder, the idea never really sparked off.

Besides, power tools are double insulated now days. :eek:

[vsquizz]

I usually plug them into a powerpoint.

Bugger, Gazumped by 51 minutes

Cheers

[scooter]

You & me both Squizz....damn you and your cotton socks Grunt :mad:


Sean

[mat]

Regardless of where the cord is make sure you have an earth leakage circuit breaker either on your main electricity board or a portable plug in one.

[CHJ]

Regardless of where the cord is make sure you have an earth leakage circuit breaker either on your main electricity board or a portable plug in one.

Second that, most important of them all.

This fact for one:

Besides, power tools are double insulated now days. :eek:

Has more to do with the fact that manufactures can't guarantee the earth connection (them/user) and twin flex is cheaper than three core.

No earth core protection for operator if you chop the cable.

Chas.

[Ben from Vic.]

No earth core protection for operator if you chop the cable.

Chas.

Bugger.

I was, of course, joking.

We have one of those supper fast circuit breakers fitted to the house, I rely on that instead.

[CHJ]

Bugger.

I was, of course, joking.

We have one of those supper fast circuit breakers fitted to the house, I rely on that instead.

You would not believe the number of times I have repaired 'chopped' electric mower cables from people who thought "Double Insulated" mower meant they were not at risk out in the garden.

All new UK installations now have RCB's fitted at incomming main, but of course there are all sorts of protected and unprotected combinations of past installations in the bulk of homes.

[Ben from Vic.]

Truth is I had been told that Double Insulated meant that I was somehow protected if I cut my own cord.

That didn't make me any less carefull though. :eek: