There were 2 prong tools back then and not all of them can be converted to 3
prong and run on a GFI circuit.

I own 1950s era a roll around 50 amp battery charger that originally had a 2
prong plug. I thought I'd be smart and rewire it with a 3 prong cable & plug
then I discovered that it pops my outside GFI every time I hook up a battery
and turn it on. It's a honest 50 amp charger that will source 50 amps
continuously, not like the cheap 50 amp chargers you buy today that will
cycle 50 amps on & off.

The unit never shocked me in all the years I've owned it and I believe it's
safe. I believe there must be a low current path somewhere that trips the
GFI.

So, I still have the 3 prong plug installed - I just plug the charger into
another circuit that's not GFI protected.

Tom Hargrave
www.stir-plate.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Alistair Bell
Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2010 7:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Big tools for your big nuts; now Vanagon Tools Rant

yes, I have some metal bodied US made power tools, a "Thor" and a "Van Dorn"
1/2 drills amongst them. Very heavy duty, but I did rewire them for 3 prong,
and made sure chassis was grounded.

amazing that they came with 2 prongs

alistair

On 13-Jun-10, at 4:00 PM, Courtney Hook wrote:

I'm with you Alistair; I have an old Rockwell drill that is bulletproof,
(literally, the case is made of alum. or steel, not plastic) and when you
pick it up it just feels right in your hand. Like a set of old Canadian made
Gray ratchets and sockets. Super quality from the day of pre- computerized
milling machines I think.
Courtney