Debugging charging problem with MacBook Pro
Apple makes 3 different chargers for their MacBooks that you need to be concerned about:


45-Watt -- For MacBook Airs.
60-Watt -- For 13" MacBook Pros.
85-Watt -- For 15" and 17" MacBook Pros.


You can use a higher-wattage charger than you MacBook requires, but not a lower-wattage one.  Yours was an 85-watt charger.  If your friend's charger was a 60-watt, that's why it wouldn't work.

Also, if your charger is broken, attaching a new MagSafe connector to it isn't going to make a difference.  Assuming your MacBook is OK, you will need a replacement 85-watt charger.



You may also need to reset your SMC.

For your model, according to this Apple document:


Shut down the Mac.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the Mac.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on the Mac.


You should note that your computer will not give you any feedback at all when you do this.  No lights or noises will come out of the computer to indicate it was successful.