Cord Reel Suggestions or Comments

[John in OH]

If you don't need a reel, a 5 gallon bucket with a metal coffee can screwed to the bottom works great. Cut a hole in the side at the bottom to let about 6' of the male plug out, wrap the rest around the coffee can.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157144

Nice setup, Rick! This isn't exactly the sort of cord reel I want for my shop, but this looks as if it would work great as a work-site extension cord useage. I'm a little confused with your comment, "....a coffee can screwed into the base with a standalone gfci outlet in it." Is the GFI outlet mounted in the coffee can? Can you post a closeup pic?

 

[John in OH]

http://www.nationalelectricmfg.com/heavydutyreels.html

The tool truck rebadge National electric, which is made in the USA. If 10amps will work for you this high is a quality product. Have several of the lights with this reel and it will last.

http://www.tooltopia.com/national-electric-23t50.aspx

In addition to this National Electric unit, if a 16/3 cord is sufficient for your needs, there is at least one other unit that is made in the USA. The General Manufacturing, SafTLite model 2630-3000 has 30' 16/3 cord, a 10 amp circuit breaker, and is made in USA.



For my use, the 16/3 cord wasn't sufficient.

 

[Aquamach]

I've been looking all over the web for a decent cord reel and the quest has given me nothing but a headache. I don't want to spend $200 for a reel and in fact have budgeted $125. Thoughts on the following:

http://www.tooltopia.com/lincoln-lubrication-91029.aspx

It's likely Chinese but I can't find anything on it.....no reviews.

 

[John in OH]

I've been looking all over the web for a decent cord reel and the quest has given me nothing but a headache. I don't want to spend $200 for a reel and in fact have budgeted $125. Thoughts on the following:

http://www.tooltopia.com/lincoln-lubrication-91029.aspx

It's likely Chinese but I can't find anything on it.....no reviews.

Well, it "looks" OK ... and the technical specs are OK. During my search I didn't come across this particular unit and it doesn't look exactly like any of the other Chinese brands so you may have found something good here!

You may have already looked at these, but if you are looking for a reel with 50 ft. of 14/3 cord you might also look at:

Bayco model SL-8903 ranging from $88-$114 at various sites
Saf-t-lite model 2200-3002 for $84 at NTX Tools
Voltec model 07-00283 for $90 on Amazon

I'm not necessarily recommending any of these, but they are some similar units for you to look at. Probably all Chinese origin.