Get Wired

 

Buy high-quality extension cords,
and protect them from abrasion to
keep your tools running strong. This
pigtail model includes a GFCI.

You get what you pay for

Short and fat may not describe the ideal body type, but it's a good rule of thumb for choosing an extension cord. "Short" means picking a cord that's no longer than necessary because long cords can cause a loss of voltage. "Fat" means wires with a large cross section, enabling the conductor to carry more power. The gauge numbering system for electrical wires is counterintuitive: the smaller the number, the larger the wire. For example, 10-gauge wire is substantially larger than 14-gauge.

If you're doing projects outdoors, make certain that you plug your extension cord into an outlet with GFCI protection. Some outdoor cords include GFCI protection plus a multiple outlet block that allows you to have several tools connected at once.