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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast
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    83
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    178

    Default Power Tools Electric Lead Maintenance

    Does anyone have a solution to keep power leads flexible and stop them getting stiff?

    Guess everything stiffens up with age.

    Thought someone here may have an answer.

    Cheers, Fred

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    4,470

    Default

    These days every thing is made to price and the use of low quality plastics is the reason, not much you can do about it

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Perth WA Australia
    Posts
    828

    Default

    are you facing an issue with them going stiff? Most of my equipment are fairly new oldest probably is 10 years old but have never had any issues with power cords going stiff that i couldnt use the tool?

    However in answering your question the best thing you can do is use them for a decent amount of time and they'll loosen up. This is because when you use them the cable will heat up and soften the rubber casing.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Two of the cheaper ones I have that had gone stiff probably over time lost most of their plasticiser and I thought no amount of maintenance is going to put it back.

    Having said that, I put them in the sun and once they had relaxed a bit, liberally applied a coat of ArmourAll and then bagged them in back plastic and left them in the sun for a few days. I repeated this several times and one seems to noticeably improve but the other stayed stiff

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Conder, ACT
    Age
    77
    Posts
    6,051

    Default

    If a power lead stiffens and is required to flex then something is going to give.
    The lead, inner and/or outer may crack leading to a dangerous situation.
    For the low cost of leads it is better to replace them than take any risks.

    Same applies to the power cords on tools.

    Having said that I now have to.

    DISCLAIMER

    No liability is accepted by UBeaut or the Wood Working Forum's administrators
    or moderators for advice offered by members posting replies
    or asking questions regarding electrical work.
    We strongly advise contacting a Licensed Tradeperson for all electrical work.
    WARNING

    Information supplied within posts is not to be considered as detailed formal instructions to complete a task.
    Members following such information do so at their own risk

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast
    Age
    83
    Posts
    178

    Default

    Thank you China, tonzeyd and BobL. Some of my leads would be 20 years old and following your comments will be renewed.
    Just thought there may have been some solution, like leather softener, that may have helped.
    Thanks again.
    Cheers, Fred

    Thank you also DavidG. Always good to get a reminder to take extra care with any power tools.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    6,127

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DavidG View Post
    For the low cost of leads it is better to replace them than take any risks.
    +1
    At $1 per metre it's just not worth trying to fix them

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