Does anyone have a retractable power cord?

[NewShockerGuy]

I was thinking of mounting a retractable power cord from the ceiling since I can plug it in right next to the garage door plug.

I have no clue what are good ones and frankly don't want a cheap one that is going to stop working or worse yet stop holding and then fall on my car...lol

Looking at the following:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CVTKI8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225BD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000256R9G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not sure out of those three if one stands out to anyone?

One question I noticed most of these have a ring on the top, how does one go about mounting this on the ceiling? Just a hook through the joist then put the ring through the hook?

This would be used for light use meaning I don't have to have 12gauge wire..etc. Not going to be plugging anything crazy into this. My porter cable , light, etc.. Nothing like a compressor or shop tools.

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[dirtmister16]

i have a craftsman like this one
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03483928000P

but i belive its 50' its a bit older from the 90's im sure. it comes with its own hook for the joist as that is how i have mine mounted. also a wall mount too.

i got the regular craftsman not the pro. as i prefered the way the plug in for my tools was lined up. hope this helps.

use mine most of the time works great had since new. very happy with it.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I have a few of these and I am very happy with them.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...nHBIWosQPEnszMBA&ved=0CFgQ8wIwADgK#ps-sellers

They coil back very smoothly and controlled, unlike most of them that whip around...possibly damaging your car or self.

 

[haulna]

Check out the Rockler 12 GA retracable extension cord reel.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10673&filter=reel

 

[e-tek]

Don't install it with a turnbuckle unless you use locknuts:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70970

 

[lametec]

I have one of those Alert Stamping units. It works, no issues so far. I've had it since September '09.

Edit: Now that cold weather stiffness was brought up.. no such issues with the Alert Stamping unit. It has a very soft and flexible cord.

 

[Stuart in MN]

One of the few things I've bought at Harbor Freight was a retractible cord trouble light. It works, but I wouldn't recommend it - the retracting spring is pretty weak so it's difficult to get the thing to fully retract. In addition, in cold weather the cord gets as stiff as a board.

I used to have a Craftsman much like the one posted above and it worked fine for many years, but they have rotating contacts inside to conduct the electricity and those things eventually burned out.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I also had my electrician change the plugs to be the type that twist in and lock so I never have to worry about them working their way loose every time the earth shakes a little out here.

 

[Duker]

I have a Coxreel that I have mounted on my ceiling using a 2x6 to span the joists. You can find these on eBay quite often for less than half of what they run retail.

 

[Lightfoot]

I have a Dayton (30 footer) plugged in by one of my garage door openers. It's probably 20 years old. In a previous life, i worked at an automotive supplier factory, they remodeled, updated and i bought 10 of them for 5 bucks each. Sold all but the one i kept- for 25 bucks each. Craigslist is a wonderful thing.