In one of the texts below I saw where someone made a comment that their wife cuts the extension cord while using a hedge trimmer. I had a similar experience myself. I found an old garden hose that was laying around and cut it @ 3 ft long. That length is longer than the trimmer bar on my cutter. While the cord was cut, I slid the hose over it, spliced cord, then used duct tape to keep it located near the end of the cord. Now, when the user lets the trimmer drop downward to their side, (that's usually when the cord gets cut) the hose keeps the cord from entering the teeth of the trimmer. Looks goofy, works great.
I have a old Black & Decker that I have used for 35 years and have yet cut cord (maybe lucky).
Similarly I pull the cord through under my belt with just enough working slack. Never cut the cord after doing that.
My wife and I both cut the cord on our 120v hedge trimmer, so I bought a Back & Decker 20 volt battery one. That is a real nice way to go.
I'll try that the next time I have to repair the extension cord.
Any idea how to prevent cutting #9 fence wire with a hedge trimmer?