Emergency AC Adapter Cord Fix.

Ten years ago I was in middle of the Arabian Desert. My company commander came to me with a ruined power cord and asked “can you fix this?” He had tripped over the cord to his lap top; ripping the plug end right off. I said “sure, where’s the plug?” “Gone.”

We couldn’t exactly go to Best Buy, so I used what I had to make it work. With a couple paper clips, straw, coat hanger and, some chewing gum, it lasted until the mail was up and running. By then he had a new power cord shipped to him. I’ve recreated that emergency repair for this instructable. I used only a multi-tool, just like I did back then.

Use the blade to separate the wires. Next strip the ends with the cutting parts of the pliers. Only use light pressure or you’ll start cutting the individual wires.

Cut out a section of coat hanger wire. This wire is very close in diameter to the pin that makes the connection at the receiving side. Wrap a paper clip around it until it’s is too difficult to bend by hand. Then make a thimble out of the coat hanger to further push the wire around. The last little end of wire can be coiled with the pliers.

Here’s where the straw comes in. Cut a section of straw down the side. Roll it between your fingers until it reduces in diameter. Place it over the inner coil which is still on the section of coat hanger wire.

Wrap a second paper clip around the straw and inner coil. Use the multi-tool to even the coil out so it’s the lengths match. Cut a new section of straw since this one gets mangled in the process.

Crimp the paper clips onto the wires. Place the straw insulation around the inner coil. After it's together, trim off the excess insulation.

Yes you can chew the gum but, I think a little water is better for this application. Wash any powder off the gum and kneed it until it looks like regular old chewed gum. Form it around the plug and let it sit. Make sure it doesn't interfere with any other connections. As it dries it will harden; supporting the wires and serving as a grip.