Found a vacuum cleaner but afraid to test due to cord condition

Hello everyone:

On New Year's Eve, I found a vacuum cleaner in the dumpster of the beloved apartment complex that I live at. I got it out of the dumpster and noticed that the hose between the rolling brush and the black hose attachment was completely clogged. I knew this by feeling it. So anyways I got that cleaned out, but then as I was getting ready to go test the vacuum, I noticed that the cord has electrical tape on some parts of it and there are some little bits of exposed wiring on the cord. I'm attaching a picture of the cord where wiring is exposed as well as some pictures of the vacuum and the model information on it. I'm wondering if I were to wrap the exposed parts in electrical tape if it would then be safe to test? It's a Bissell Style 7 Walmart Vacuum. If it's determined not safe to test, then I'll throw it out again. I have two more vacuums like this but one sounds like the motor is about to kick the dust on it and that's the reason I got this out so that hopefully it will work after cleaning out the hose.

 

It looks like just the outer jacket was compromised.
Wrapping that with black tape should be fine for testing purposes.

 

As long as there is no copper showing it should be safe for testing. The cord should be replaced if you decide to actually use it.

 

I have another vacuum like it that sounds like the motor is about to crap out on it. It makes a loud noise. But it has a good cord on it and I would consider taking the cord off that one and putting it on the garbage picked one if I can find someone to do it for me.