Some of the most practical tool inventions come straight from the jobsite by innovative contractors. Woodworker Brooks Lawrence is one such innovator. Frustrated by cord disconnects, wear-and-tear, and the occasional arc flash, and dissatisfied with taping or tying cords together, he devised an alternative.

Lawrence’s system consists of three parts: a hardened plastic shell, a rubber cord stop that attaches to an extension cord, and a rubber stop that attaches to the tool’s cord. The rubber stops are available in cord sizes #10 to #16. Once attached to the cord end, the stop stays there until the next use. With the tool plugged into an extension cord, the shell wraps around the stops, and Velcro straps lock everything together. The stops interlock with the shell so the cords can’t be pulled apart. The shell also protects the junction and won’t mar most finished surfaces. The system is compatible with after-market cord plug ends, as well. A set costs $25 (includes one #14 and one #16 stop); each additional stop is $7. industrialcordconnector.com

Chris Ermides is a senior editor at Tools of the Trade and at JLC, where this article first appeared.