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"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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What do you need it for ? Extension cord to power what ? Go where ? You buy what you need. Remember what-ever you buy you'll have to carry, uncoil, and recoil every time you use it. For a sander, biscuit joiner, or a drill, always close to an outlet you need a 14/3, maybe 25' indoors and 50' outdoors; a 12/3 to run a saw; for long runs, heavy draws, and/or continuous operation, you'll be buying/making a 10/3 or a 10/4. You can run a charger, radio, or work-light on one of those 100' cheapies people buy for Christmas lights/lawn mowers.
*I would add that while the best prices on cords are usually at the "big box" stores, the wire the cheap ones are made from is an "SJ" (SJO, SJT, SJTO,...) type grade, which means junior hard service. Fine for occasional use or continuous use if you don't abuse your cords. If you want a cord you can drag around, drive over and generally beat-to-heck you should look for an "S" grade (S, SO, STO, STW,...) which will have a thicker outer jacket of insulation. It will cost more, weigh lots more, and last the better part of a lifetime unless you are really abusive. You may want to get a short SJ cord to plug into the heavy cord so you aren't dragging around the big cord every time you move a few feet. HTH
*Carol Frog Hide 12/3 100 footers.cool green color supposed to have lifetime guarantee. I,ve been using them for about two years now and have not had a better cord. They stay flexible down to at least 0 F. (that's as cold as I need to work). I think you can get them at the Depoooo for about fifty bucks.jim
*Jim- Will these things really stay flexible at low temps? I see that claim all the time but havn't had much success. BTW: tried putting that hanger on some time back but the screws they supplied were wrong. Still working on it... Sam
*Yellow jackets....big box stores....multi year warranty....Mine are old and still perfect...Work in any temp.near the stream using my cheap cords for lights,aj
*Aj, great minds think alike.I use the yellow jackets too. Occasionally, something goes wrong and I turn them in for a new one. I only buy 50 12/3's. I hate coiling those 100's. I would prefer a 70' one but they don't make them.blue
*"Agricultural" cords will stay flexible way down into the minus temperatures (usually green or shinny black) and have the added bonus of being highly wear amd chemical resistantant. Downside, they are heavy and expensive. If you like the yellow cords that are about the thickness of a finger, then they're often cheaper at a trailer/motorhome outfitting place.
*SamYes indeed they do stay flexible when it gets very cold. If you're looking for a good hose see if you can find anyone who sells Flexeel bran (Coilhose Pneumatics). They are a bluish clear hose and they stay wiggly when it gets down near stay home cold.Try putting that hook down on the track like I first suggested. That gun is still in pretty good shape with no signs of damage or weakening on the track. Or if you have the time go yell at the guys who sold it to you.;^)jim
*One more vote for the Yellow Jackets. Been using mine for about 4 years now and have no complaints. I like the 12/3 50 footer, and a few 14/3 25 footer for inside work. Good to hear Blue mention that he has been able to exchange problem ones for new ones. Saw the grantee but never had to use it. Didn't know how they would respond. Sounds like one more reason to stick with the Yellow Jackets.
*blue, just bought one from WildWire 70' (I'm pretty sure, could be 80') from depot. 20 bucks for a 12/3 seemed like a good price, so I figure I'll try it out - I hate coiling 100's, but sometimes 50 not quite enough. Ditto the 25 and 50 foot yellow jackets; haven't had any problems with them yet. rich.
*Hope you keep that Wild Wire nice and warm. When they get cold (20 F. and below) they get a little stiff. Go with the Froghides. They cost two or three times as much for a reason.;-)jim
*12/3.I like to make my own using hospital grade cord caps. But most times I just buy the cheapo's at HD.Ed. Williams
*Brand is less important than looking at the wire for the NEC codes.SJTW is a good outdoor-rated cord, that can take some abuse.For cold (under 40 F) use, look for SJTW-A rating.(12-3) SJTW-A is what the YellowJacket cords are rated.
*Carol also make a cord that's rated for -59', but it's not a Frog Hide and some orange cords that looked really tough - they're all rated at severe/low temp, makes it tough to choose.
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What size/brand/length do you guys prefer for your power? Where do you get them?
Jon