Ran over lawnmower cord. Not completely severed. Fixable?

MalMonroe

If it were me, but then I'm a pretty big scaredy cat, I would not fix that cord under any circumstances.  It'd have to be a brand new mower for me (darn the expense) with a cord I can hold up off the ground while I'm mowing. Or I'd hire a gardener. Simply because I prefer to live. But that's just me. Some years ago, my friend's dad was killed instantly when he did exactly what you've done. I guess electric cables are safer these days but I'd prefer to have a whole new machine with a whole new cord.

George_Michael

MalMonroe said:

If it were me, but then I'm a pretty big scaredy cat, I would not fix that cord under any circumstances.  It'd have to be a brand new mower for me (darn the expense) with a cord I can hold up off the ground while I'm mowing. Or I'd hire a gardener. Simply because I prefer to live.

Providing that the damage is repaired using a suitable connector and carried out by someone who knows what they are doing, a mower with a connector on the lead will be just as safe as a new one.

Martin_the_Unjust

MalMonroe said:

If it were me, but then I'm a pretty big scaredy cat, I would not fix that cord under any circumstances.  It'd have to be a brand new mower for me (darn the expense) with a cord I can hold up off the ground while I'm mowing. Or I'd hire a gardener. Simply because I prefer to live. But that's just me. Some years ago, my friend's dad was killed instantly when he did exactly what you've done. I guess electric cables are safer these days but I'd prefer to have a whole new machine with a whole new cord.

But it's not you and this is a money saving site.

The advice given re connectors or replacing the lead entirely is spot on.

Jonesya

MalMonroe said:

If it were me, but then I'm a pretty big scaredy cat, I would not fix that cord under any circumstances.  It'd have to be a brand new mower for me (darn the expense) with a cord I can hold up off the ground while I'm mowing. Or I'd hire a gardener. Simply because I prefer to live. But that's just me. Some years ago, my friend's dad was killed instantly when he did exactly what you've done. I guess electric cables are safer these days but I'd prefer to have a whole new machine with a whole new cord.

You can cut the cord of any mower, even a brand new one, so always make sure that when using outdoor tools you are protected by an RCD and if your fuse board doesn't have one built in, then buy an RCD adaptor. https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-rcd-adaptor/63731 Or better yet, fit an RCD plug to the power cord so it is always protected. https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-rcd-plug/44855

prowla

With a connector it will be exactly as safe as it was with the continuous wire.

Remember to wire the connector with the socket half on the part of the cable which goes to the mains plug and the bit with the exposed pins on the mower end.

I tend to loop the cable over my shoulder when I'm mowing the lawn, so as to keep it well away from the sharp bits.

roddydogs

But why use that type of connector unless you need to keep separating the leads? Always the chance of pulling it apart while mowing. Get the permanant type with clamps.

Davesnave

MalMonroe said:

stuart45 said:

Easy to fix with a connecter. My wife does it all the time with the hedge strimmer.

Your wife does, eh?  Do you think she might be trying to tell you something?! Can't YOU start using the hedge strimmer?!

Good God, yes! We can't have women wrecking stuff that's obviously in a man's domain, can we? They'll be asking for the vote next! 

neilmcl

MalMonroe said:

If it were me, but then I'm a pretty big scaredy cat, I would not fix that cord under any circumstances.  It'd have to be a brand new mower for me (darn the expense) with a cord I can hold up off the ground while I'm mowing. Or I'd hire a gardener. Simply because I prefer to live. But that's just me. Some years ago, my friend's dad was killed instantly when he did exactly what you've done. I guess electric cables are safer these days but I'd prefer to have a whole new machine with a whole new cord.

Not sure why you're posting on the DIY/Moneysaving forum then. 

neilmcl

roddydogs said:

But why use that type of connector unless you need to keep separating the leads? Always the chance of pulling it apart while mowing. Get the permanant type with clamps.

Nothing wrong with that. If I buy a garden tool that has a fixed lead the first thing I tend to do is cut the cable near the machine and replace it with a connector. I find far more convenient and safer to have a cable that can break away if it gets caught or tangled in something.

Mickey666

That cable is as good as fully cut through.  Anyway, as pointed out above, the damaged section now needs to be cut out and ends rejoined using a proper connector.  The repair will be as safe as the original cable if done properly.  Simple if you know how, pay an electrician to it if you don’t. Scrapping the mower and buying a new one would be a stupid waste, but sadly an all too prevalent attitude in today’s throw-away society.