Retractable Cord Reel
One of the biggest hassles of working with corded power tools is getting them plugged in. In between your saw, drill driver, sander, and work lamp, you could find yourself plugging and unplugging cords all day! Not to mention the inconvenience of winding and unwinding long coils of extension cord over and over again, and finding a place to store the cord(s) when not in use. A convenient solution to this problem is to purchase a retractable reel cord.
Two of the best ways to do this is by using reels, and making them retractable ones. A reel is, quite simply, a spool, around which a length of cable, cord, or other line can be wrapped neatly. A retractable reel is mounted on a spring mechanism, which allows the user to pull out the amount needed, and then return it back to its place, with the reel turning itself (as opposed to cranking or turning it manually). There are many, many applications for retractable wheels; in the following articles, you’ll find ideas and reviews on products that can help you manage all the cords in your life.
A retractable reel cord looks something like a tape measure, but instead of a wound-up ruler, it contains a wound-up extension cord. You can give the cord a tug and pull out the length you need to reach your work station – and when you’re done, just tug again, and it will retract.
An excellent option for a garage or workshop retractable cord reel is Northern Industrial’s 33-foot, 10-amp model. An earlier version of this cord, at 40 feet and 15 amps, was widely panned as being too fragile. Users complained about cracking in the casing and a less-than-tight fit into the outlets. What was even worse was that the cord itself was hard to latch and reel in, jamming or bunching up.
Fortunately, its most recent model has improved. Like the previous version it has three outlets (which should be adequate for most jobs), but it also has a convenient adjustable cord stop, and 180-degree swivel. It is ideal for mounting in the center of your garage, or near your work station – keep it above your head and you can just reach up for it every time you need an extra outlet. The adjustable cord stop lets you choose your preferred cord length – especially helpful if you are generally always working in the same area.
The retraction function has improved greatly, as well as the overall durability of the design and materials. Some users have found that it still has trouble “catching” at certain lengths, but otherwise works very well, without the jamming problems that plagued the previous version. You will want to buy mounting lag bolts to install it, as they are not included.
But once it is installed, having a retractable cord reel like this Northern Industrial model will be a convenience you wondered how you ever lived without. Plug in your power tools, shop vac, electric lawn mower – whatever you need, without worrying about coiling long lengths of extension cord, or finding a place to store it without pinching or damaging it – or about potential tripping or fire hazards. For safety and convenience, a retractable reel cord is ideal.