Some of the most practical tool inventions come straight from the jobsite by innovative contractors. Woodworker Brooks Lawrence is one such innovator. Lawrence became frustrated by cord disconnects, wear-and-tear, and the occasional arc flash on his jobsites. Dissatisfied with taping cord ends together (doesn’t last) or tying them (bulky knot snags on corners), he decided to devise a better alternative.
After several variations and his own personal investment, Lawrence came up with the cord connector system shown in the photos above. His system consists of three parts: a hardened plastic shell, a rubber cord stop that attaches to the extension cord, and another rubber stop that attaches to the tool’s cord. The rubber stops are available in cord sizes #10 to #16. Once attached to the cord end, the stop stays there until the next use. With the tool plugged into the extension cord, the shell wraps around the stops, and Velcro straps lock everything together. The stops interlock with the shell so once the shell is in place, the cords cannot be pulled apart, protecting the joint that typically is a failure point on electrical cords. The system is compatible with after-market cord plug ends, as well. In addition to keeping the cords together, the outer shell will protect from the elements and won’t mar most finished surfaces.
Cost: $25 for a set, which includes one #14 and one #16 stop; $7 for each additional stop. industrialcordconnector.com
