How do you make a Power Cord Spring?

Question

I am replacing the power cord on a Radial Arm Saw and unfortuately, the manufacturer does not just supply the cord but you have to buy the cord with the motor. The power cord is coiled (like a spring) so as the saw moves across the arm, the cord is stretched and as it moves back, the cord contracts into a tight spring and stays out of the way. I plan on getting an extension cord to replace the bad one, but the question is: How do you make a straight cord to contain a permanent coil?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

RayV · Accepted Answer

Try a post to rec.woodworking but post the brand and model number.

Pop · Answer

You can't. There is a separate "spring" material and design inside those cords to make them spiral like that, and they have to be manufactured that way. You'll have to buy a cord of the same type in order to successfully replace it.

HTH Pop

Edwin Pawlowski · Answer

Correct.  You may get lucky scouting for a dead saw and rob the cord though.

Charlie Bress · Answer

Do a Google search for "retractile power cords"You should find something to use or adapt.Charlie

Brad · Answer

Thanks everyone for the help.  I found a company that sells these typesof cords on the internet at: were pleasant to deal with and promised a quick delivery time.Thanks again for your help.

Toller · Answer

I have one I took off a dead craftsman RAS.I don't think I will ever have a use for it; be glad to send it to you for $5 to cover expenses.

Richard J Kinch · Answer

Buy a coiled extension cord at Home Depot, and cannibalize.

mm · Answer

Before they invented self-coiling cords, didn't they use a plain cordwith a spring holding up the center of it.  (Yes, they did, maybe noton RASes but eleswhere.)

Steve Barker LT · Answer

buy a coiled extension and butcher it into the cord you need.

How do you make a Power Cord Spring?

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