[Heatercathodeshort]

Agree. Many of these old tools required an earth and were lethal when used outdoors or on damp surfaces. The earth wire could be cut, pulled from the plug or come into contact with the live wire due to cuts etc. It was the same problem with early electric lawn mowers. They are all double insulated these days or run from a 110v isolation transformers for safe use for outdoor applications such as building contractors.
Enjoy your old tools but only use them through an RCD.