Shopsmith Forums

A week or so back I was helping someone on a project and using his tools. Most of which were purchased in the last couple of years. One thing I noticed was the familiar black cord tags that have in bold print:

Do Not Remove

Looks like this"

[ATTACH]13973[/ATTACH]

I ask him if he knew what they were, "... some sort of filter..." I said "Nope." next were guesses like a fuse, stain relief, he came up with a few more guesses, don't even recall what they were.

Any of you have any idea?

Would you like to see what's inside?

Would you believe it if I tell you I removed one of them?

Did a black helicopter hover over head and navy seals rappel down?

Am I now 20 stores down in a bunker in the black hills?

Nope just sitting in the computer room typing away.

Are you ready to see the mystery?

OK, I must warn you this is scary stuff....

Last chance to turn away...

[ATTACH]13974[/ATTACH]

It is no big deal if you want to leave them on but at least now you know what it is all about.

(I remember years ago when these first came out. We had a big discussion on the subject, don't even recall which forum that was on. It was humors and included mattress tags. So don't take this as a big deal or loose sleep over it, it is mostly for a laugh or two.)

This is the beginning woodworking area, so maybe this will be of real interest to someone for real.

BTW I can not tell you how to get the part off... the navy seal commander told me not to, sorry.

Ed

Now they won't be able to track you with those black helicopters.

They can be removed with a hammer. But not the one you showed us. How did you open it?

So glad the tag police didn't take you in. Glad you are still a free man. I wonder why they just didn't put that strip in the box so it could be tossed? So many other products are packaged that way.

Any way to make it sorta usefull? Like a fuse holder or plug connection holder?

If I had one, I would try to use it as a cover for an inline power connector to my RV. It could also be where I connect two extension cords together.

Try to get the tool fixed.
I don't know the full text of the law but tool stores can only repair tools that have the original power cord. And only if that cord is in good repair. They can replace the cord but and here is where things get fuzzy it has to be original.

Notice how all the tools in the big box stores have their power cords cut. This is to prevent the tool from being useful if stolen. I know if the inspector comes on site and finds a tool without a original cord the site will be cited.
I also know that every major tools repair checks the cord before they will take it in for repair.

What I don't know is all the particulars of the law. I think it is OSHA or OSAS one of those agencies.

Yes big brother is watching

Ed in Tampa wrote:Try to get the tool fixed.
I don't know the full text of the law but tool stores can only repair tools that have the original power cord. And only if that cord is in good repair. They can replace the cord but and here is where things get fuzzy it has to be original.

Notice how all the tools in the big box stores have their power cords cut. This is to prevent the tool from being useful if stolen. I know if the inspector comes on site and finds a tool without a original cord the site will be cited.
I also know that every major tools repair checks the cord before they will take it in for repair.

What I don't know is all the particulars of the law. I think it is OSHA or OSAS one of those agencies.

Yes big brother is watching

That has got to the stupidest rule I have ever heard of! What pray tell is accomplished by it? One cannot get a service part for a tool more than 10 yrs out of production, so how is one to repair a faulty cord then?????

I have not seen an 'original' power cord recently that was not a piece of junk!

Please someone tell me there is any rational thinking involved in the making of that 'rule'. It does not ensure any safer scenario!

You must realize that not all thing have to logical example potatoes are not taxable but potato chips are! Nuts that are not salted are not taxable add a little salt and bingo cash cow for the government. In Canada a muffin bought at Tim Hortons is taxable, 6 are not. Your government damed near collapsed because of agendas by politicians and you ask about logic. Unfortunately not all things can be rationalized.

JPG40504 wrote:That has got to the stupidest rule I have ever heard of! What pray tell is accomplished by it? One cannot get a service part for a tool more than 10 yrs out of production, so how is one to repair a faulty cord then?????

I have not seen an 'original' power cord recently that was not a piece of junk!

Please someone tell me there is any rational thinking involved in the making of that 'rule'. It does not ensure any safer scenario!

As I understand it, the law does two things prevent store rip offs but most importantly protects the job site from shock hazards where faulty or improper non grounded cord was used.

I don't know the whole story and may be talking through my hat. I was a third part witness to a discussion between a framing carpenter and the tool service person that we refusing to service his tool citing the law that prevented him from working on tools with non factory cords. The service person mentioned they were going to use RFID chips in the future.

I do know that our framing contractor got us red flagged when an inspector cited a non manufactures power cord on a skil saw. My Son in law was the general contractor at time and he handled the issue. I would ask him but he is somewhere in Canada driving truck since the building boom went south.

It is the same thing with non GFI breakers in service cords and on the builders panels. They don't want anyone messing with electricity that isn't certified and only certified factory repair can get manufactures cords.

Like I said big brother is watching. Plus the GC has to pay for him to watch. Before a shovel hits the ground on a site, we have about $10,000 in permits and impact fees. Then figure plan certification, land purchase cost, drafting fees, and etc before any thing is done on the house we have another $10,000+ out not counting property cost.

So the last thing you want to hear is you can't proceed without paying this fine for having a non factory power cord or non GFI extension cord or a non protected service panel.