Things You'll Need
Electrical wire
Wire strippers
2- or 3-pronged replacement electrical plug
Screwdriver
Electrical plugs terminate electrical cords or wires, allowing them to be plugged into an electrical source, like a wall socket or extension cord. Broken or worn out electrical plugs are not uncommon, especially in old appliances or tools, and should be replaced to ensure reliable and safe operation. Making a new electrical plug for your appliance or tool only requires simple tools and a few minutes of work.
Making a two-prong electrical plug
Step 1
Strip 3/4 to 1 inch of insulation from the two leads of your electrical wire with a set of wire strippers.
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Step 2
Take the cover off of your two-pronged electrical plug. Most plug covers are held in place with a single screw on the face. Loosen the screw by turning to the left until the cover comes off.
Step 3
Slide the cover onto the wire with the back end sliding on first.
Step 4
Loosen the screw terminals on your plug and slip one wire from your electrical wire under each screw. Tighten the screw terminals by turning them to the right to hold the wires in place.
Step 5
Slide the cover over the plug and tighten the screw to hold the cover in place.
Making a three-prong electrical plug
Step 1
Strip 3/4 to 1 inch of insulation from the three leads of your electrical wire with a set of wire strippers. The third wire, the ground wire, is often a bare, uninsulated wire.
Step 2
Take the cover off of your three-pronged electrical plug. Most plug covers are held in place with a single screw on the face. Loosen the screw by turning to the left until the cover comes off.
Step 3
Slide the cover onto the wire with the back end sliding on first.
Step 4
Loosen the screw terminals on your plug and slip one wire from your electrical wire under each screw, with the ground wire underneath the screw that is color-coded green. Tighten the screw terminals by turning them to the right to hold the wires in place.
Step 5
Slide the cover over the plug and tighten the screw to hold the cover in place.
Warning
Never work on a live electrical circuit -- be sure the wire you're working on is not plugged into any outlet.
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