Just wondering if the original power cords can be restored or if anyone even does that? I realize the older cords are not anywhere near as safe as the newer versions but a properly "restored" one would look so much more appropriate with AC powered vintage electronics. I just bought this clock off eBay and the cord needs work or replacement. What do most people do in this instance? I'm relatively new to the Phorum and searched the threads but couldn't come up with anything. If there is info on this topic, a link would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!
Craig R.
On radios there are a number of folks that sell cloth cover plastic line cord. It feels a little different that the original cloth covered rubber wire from years ago. For the Philco sets they made the change in 1937 from cloth covered to rubber covered cords.
Terry
Don't even think about "restoring" a power chord. First of, even if you owned your own wire plant, that would require stripping the old insulation and then covering the old copper (which is the same as the new copper so what's the point) with replacement insulation and cloth jacketing.
Just get whatever looks and feels like the appropriate one for the periode.
In short, power chords, unless they are in good condition and just a part of them needs a patch, get discarded, and the further you throw it the better.
Since this is obviously not a "cloth-covered" cord, I don't what the responses you've gotten so far have to do with your post. If the rubber is not too stiff or cracked, why not just cut off the short section where the insulation is missing and reattach the cord to the clock? If the rubber is too far gone (doesn't appear to be from the photos) there are contemporary cord sets that would be a very close match. Perhaps the only difference would be a polarized plug molded to the cord.
Sometime the old cloth covered cords are still usable, where the jacket is in good condition and the wire itself is nice and flexible, those you can attempt a repair on or cut the bad portion out at either end. In terms of the old rubber versions of a two conductor zip cords, once they are gone they are pretty much useless for anything but an antenna wire. I've had rubber cords that were so bad that someone had coiled them up in the back of a radio and the coil had fused itself together and become petrified.
There is an outfit called Sundial Wire that sells a lot of reproduction cloth cord for antique lamps, fans, and other appliances. For replacing the old rubber ones try the hardware store or home center, but maybe get the 16 gauge cord rather then the 18 since it's often closer to the original rubber cords in size. For texture you can try appliance cord, it seems to be more like rubber then plastic, however it usually comes in one colour, black.
Regards
Arran
Thanks to everyone for all of the great responses so far! This particular cord appears to be rubber over top of cloth covered wires. The worst part is at the back of the clock. As Radiodocs suggested, I may just cut out the bad and splice the "fresh" end onto the clock as the rest of the cord is in decent shape with minimal cracks and no separation. Thanks again for the assistance!
Craig R.
If there are any cracks at all in the covering, then don't use that cord. You never know when a crack will turn into a piece of bare wire... and that can lead to a fire. It isn't worth the risk. You can buy a new cord for less than a 1/4 tank of gas...if not yourself, then think about your family, your pets.. all the cool stuff in your house. It isn't worth the risk at all.
I agree with PuhPow - the risk of shock and fire is too high with old power cords. Pick a modern one that closest matches size and color and replace the old cord. You will rest easier knowing that you have done the safest thing. Any cracks in insulation are not to be tolerated if you want to operate the item safely.
New cord it shall be! I was really leaning in that direction anyway as it is the safest choice. Looks are definitely secondary.
Craig R.
Mark Oppat has some nice rubber cords that would be very similar to your original cord. Only difference being that they are black.
I have a friend who buys the cord in bulk and then tops it with a bakelite/plastic plug. He has found the round old style plugs and a rectangular plug that looks pretty retro and works well. The plugs are in home centers or the hardware store.
Paul
Another option is eBay- there is a guy who carries cloth covered wire chords with a plug for about $12. I was going to pick one up for my Philco 40-180 radio when I'm finished restoring it...
Radiodaze sells cloth covered chord by the foot or by the spool.
They also sell those retro round pluigs that look like thos Philco used excpet the do not have Philco embossed on them, otherwise they are exactly the same.