Photo by: Nicholas Paul

—Brian L., Plymouth

Hi Brian,
I understand the frustration. I have plenty of heavy-duty extension cords, and they are worth every penny compared to the less costly light-duty ones. When working with power tools, they are much safer to use.

As long as your repair re-connections are solid, chances are one or both ends of the plugs could have been shorted out when the trimmer ripped through it. The good news is that you can replace both plugs for under $15.

Photo by: Nicholas Paul

At your local hardware store, pick up a heavy-duty replacement extension plug and receptacle. Because the plug is typically the first to need repair, I would begin here. (If the cut was in the middle of the cord, and you want to maintain the length of the cord, you can pick up a heavy duty cord connector which allows you mend the cord in the middle and protect it with a plastic housing).

First, (ensure the cord is not plugged in), cut off the plug with wire snippers. Then take wire strippers and remove the plastic coating that encapsulates the three wires. Next strip away approximately three-quarters of an inch of the plastic around each wire, leaving the copper exposed.

Then attach to the replacement plug, ensuring the brass screw (hot) is connected to the black, the green wire is connected to the ground screw, and white or Neutral is connected to the chrome screw. Reconnect the housing of the plug and test.

Photo by: Nicholas Paul

If it works, congratulations. If not, replace the receptacle and repeat the steps above, and you will have a “good as new” cord.

Handyman Tip: If your electrical cords are a tangled mess whenever you use them, then here is a little tip to never have a tangled free cord every time.

First untangle the cord. Next, connect the two ends together, and grab it with your hand. With the opposite hand wrap the cord around your elbow, back over your arm and hand then repeat until you come to the end. Wrap this remaining piece around the middle of the “doughnut hole” portion of the cord and slip through the middle.

Use remaining cord to hang on your workbench or man, (women), cave. Next time your ready to use your power tools or Christmas lights, Walla! You’ll have a tangle-free extension cord. This really works.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Business, Make It Happen” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.