this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2024
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I acquired this older Black & Decker Hedge trimmer and it seems to have a special kind of cord. Any idea where I could find this cord or what its called? I have not been able to even figure out what the cord looks like yet.

UPDATE: I cut off the extra plastic to get access to plug it in and the tool doesn't even work anyways. Time for the garbage.

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[–] [email protected] 124 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I had one of those for years. A standard, outdoor rated extension cord will plug right into the back of that trimmer. Bring it with you to the hardware store to make sure the female plug fits into the recess.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Isn't that just a normal North America plug? Most lawn equipment was set up to use standard extension cords so that cables didn't have to be unique.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

A regular extension cord doesn't fit so far but I'll check out the store and see the other options. Thanks.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Does it look like the prongs have dropped into the case further than they're supposed to be? My old trimmer was very similar but the prongs stuck out quite a bit more so that you could use any regular old extension cord on it. I'd try gently pulling on the prongs to see if you can get them out of that recess in the plastic. People are suggesting using an ungrounded cord but I don't think they're very common or easy to find.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I tried to pull them out but they don't seem to move. I'll try harder if I can't find a cord. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Looking at it I'll tell ya right now that's a proprietary slot right over that plug

Dremel it out and any normal cord will work, that's anti-consumer bullshit

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

Thanks this is what I did and it's a good thing too since the tool doesn't even work. Cut off the extra plastic plugged it in and nothing. 😀

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

I wouldn't pull too hard as it might just be a proprietary slot like the other user said. The plastic around the plug looks like it could be easily ground off with a dremel tool and allow you to use a normal extension cord.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

No, it is just different enough that a regular socket won'tly fit. It is close enough that the special cord can be used for other things.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Any extension cord without a grounding lug would work. Take it to the store and try them out until you find one that fits.

I had this exact trimmer, I would use a piece of twine to tie the cord to the trimmer so I didn't lose it constantly; those lock tabs don't work very well, or maybe it was just the cord I had.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 week ago (1 children)

One with a lug works. There is space below.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Look again. The lug is the same length as the tines. Where's it going to go as the plug is inserted?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 week ago

Nowhere - the female end of the cord is what goes in the recess.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 week ago (1 children)

It's a normal plug and a standard extension cord should fit even though it looks weird (I have the same trimmer and many tools with similar plugs in my garage right now haha). The plastic around the female side on the extension cord just can't be too large or weirdly shaped so that it'll fit in the gap, but otherwise should be good.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Okay I'll have to check out the store. All of my extension cords are too big to fit in there. Thought there was going to be some proprietary thing. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

Of course and enjoy the new tool!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Nothing proprietary. It's just not easy to find a cord that doesn't have the big bump that will be in your way for a ground.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Looks like it's just for an extension cord. They probably make a fancy proprietary Black & Decker one for this but any regular cord that will fit should work fine

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

None of mine fit but I'll look for one that does. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago

Looking at it more I think they did it that way so when you put a regular cord in the plug is protected and the extra spaces on top and bottom are the get your fingers in to unplug it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago

Use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. You can find them at any hardware store and they come in various lengths from 25' to 100' usually.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I did a Google search for "power tool extension cord" and got some results that look like they're made to fit the plug on your tool, like it's a standardized shape.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

It looks like there is a lever that will spread open for access to the plug. ?Squeeze or twist? Those tabs might slide out of the way and then grip the cord once it's connected.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That's for a UK outlet plug not an American plug.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Ok thanks for clearing it up nationality wasn't mentioned? You could find the equivalent for US I imagine. I was confused -1 for trying to help good stuff 🤣

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Looks like it's shaped for an un-grounded electrical cord. Which is not something I'd want to use with a hedge trimmer.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 week ago

It's plastic, ungrounded is fine, like most things nowadays