Degenerated rubber

[Osvaldo Cristo]

I purchased my first hand power saw around thirty years ago. It was a Bosch Industrial series 6-inch blade saw, I cannot remind the model number. Boy, that saw saw a lot of action. Very well used... but eventually it was dying. I purchased my second power saw around ten years ago. It was a DeWalt 7 1/4-inch blade saw model DW352. It saw very light use all these years. It runs reasonably smooth but it is loud... no problems at all, except yesterday when I look for it I repaired the power cord is slightly cracked, but the cord protector is completely arruined. Yes, the tool can run but I do not like to work under such unnecessary risk. The insulator looks some kind of rubber and it is done.

I called DeWalt Service and they did not have such cable in their inventory - it wasn't clear if they did not have it momentously or if it is an out-of-live part.

Today I purchased a new Makita 5007MG...
......

After that "introduction" my question to you: did you also have tools with insulation degraded by time?

It is interesting as I live in a region with very clean air with no (known) serious contamination but it is not the first time it occurs. I can remind I had three other similar histories in the last 15-20 years: with a Big Agnes tent, a LowePro DryZone backpack and a casket in another equipment... all presenting serious degradation in their rubber like compound. Interestingly I have a number (hundred?) of other rubber contained stuff with no problems at all, some older than thirty years!

Thank you to take your time to share your experience.

[Mike Kees]

Osvaldo I have the same problem with power tool cords here in Alberta. We have a dry climate as well. I think it has more to do with repeated flexing over time. I get Dewalt parts from ereplacements.com (I think) . With my cords they eventually wear if they are not cut off first. Stuff happens on a framing crew. Mike.

[Matt Day]

Rubber degrades over time as it dries out, just a fact of life. Bicycle tires (and motorcycle and car for that matter) are a good example. It’s called “dry rot” in yer industry and is probably the most common reason tides are replaced.

I’ve replaced the cords on every one of the vintage machines I’ve bought. Table saw belts dry out too - guess what they’re made of?

[Osvaldo Cristo]

Just a follow up: I discovered near home an authorized Dewalt Service shop! They replaced the cable and guard in a few minutes. Great service.

Now I have two hand power saws!

[Bruce Wrenn]

If memory serves me correct, and it may not, the sparking at the brushes generates ozone, which is tough on rubber. What grips me on cord sets is the thermo plastic ones from the far east. Wish Viagra did for me what cold weather does for them.

[michael langman]

Osvaldo, If you can buy a product called Armor All original protectant it will help your rubber to last .

[Kevin Beitz]

Tons of them on E-bay... Just search for (rubber cord protector)