What are the small threads inside my extension cord?

Question

I accidentally cut my extension cord, and I'm trying to splice it back together. Inside the cord are three wires -- black, white, and green -- and also three sets of what looks like orange threads wrapped in brown paper. What are these things? Do I need to reattach those as well as the wires? I've done two reconnections of the wires so far, twisting together and wrapping with electrical tape, but it isn't working again.

Answer 1

GET A NEW CORD.

Answer 2

These are used as guides for keeping the wires together, and the perfect twist as the coating is being applied.

Answer 3

The strings are fillers to make a round cord. They do not need to be spliced to make the cord work. Since you are having problems with the repair, go buy a new extension cord. A faulty repair can prove to be fatal.  This is one critical repair that should only be done by qualified personnel. OSHA prohibits splices of temporary power cords.  

Answer 4

The threads are there to relieve the stress on the wires. The threads have a higher pulling strength than the conductors. When you pull on the cord, without the threads, the wires would break more easily.