3 Things to Know About Matching Tool Plugs and Extension Cords

Use a cord that matches the tool’s prongs exactly If the tool has a two-prong plug, use a two-prong cord. If it has three prongs, use a three-prong cord. That is all that matters.

Adding a ground prong to a two-prong tool does nothing Old two-prong tools are either double-insulated or predate grounding requirements. The tool itself must be designed to use a ground for it to work.

Never cut off the ground prong or use a cheater plug improperly Cutting off the ground prong on a three-prong cord to fit a two-prong tool is pointless—just buy a two-prong cord. A three-to-two adapter only works if the outlet box is actually grounded, which is rare in old houses.