Most compact automatic cord reel?

[tarbellb]

Hoping to get some help finding a
_ compact
_ automatic
_ only need 2 amps
_ 6ft-12ft cord length (longer is fine)

looking to mount one of these into a cabinet for 2 uses a week so it doesn't need to super robust.

I've looked in the usual places, no luck for something that checks all the boxes.

- thinking something along the lines of a hair dryer or curling iron that has these built in? or?

Thx!

 

[The Cobbler]

add a scrap vacuum cleaner to the list

 

[72Anthony]

Some clothes irons have a built in retractible cord reel.

 

[tarbellb]

I'm trying to avoid ripping apart a item to scavenge the cord reel.... it's my backup plan tho.

 

[GeoBruin]

TROND Retractable Extension Cord Power Strip - Travel Power Strip with 3 AC Outlets 3 USB Ports (2 USB C), Ultra Thin Flat Plug 5ft, Cruise Ship Essentials, for Home Hotel Dorm Room, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGZJSVVJ?tag=atomicindus08-20

Auto Retractable Cord Power Strip，Bototek 6 Outlets with 3 USB Ports (1 USB C), Auto Retractable 6 ft Extension Cord, Flat Plug, Portable Travel Power Strip for Cruise Ship Home Office Dorm Room https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3BVSSYZ?tag=atomicindus08-20

Really small but not great reviews on the retracting mechanism.

Nexhi® Zip-PWR-EX1 Retractable AC Power Extension Cord (5 feet, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BPT7BGK?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks legit, maybe harder to get.

https://www.hunterspringandreel.com/products/retractable-power-cord/general-purpose-power-cord-reels/retractable-power-cord-reel-6in-reel-10ft-cable

 

[RTM]

Really small but not great reviews on the retracting mechanism.

Nexhi® Zip-PWR-EX1 Retractable AC Power Extension Cord (5 feet, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BPT7BGK?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have one like this for an aux cable. It is kinda finicky, you have to keep both sides flat and even as it rolls up, else it jams. This one “ rolls to the center”, which might be a pain depending on your application. I think mounting the reel, and pulling out the socket end would be best, but you need to make that call.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have one like this for an aux cable. It is kinda finicky, you have to keep both sides flat and even as it rolls up, else it jams. This one “ rolls to the center”, which might be a pain depending on your application. I think mounting the reel, and pulling out the socket end would be best, but you need to make that call.

Mountable.

Designcord 10 ft. 16/3 Auto-Rewind Extension Cord Reel 80300 - The Home Depot

This extension cord reel has a unique, convenient auto-rewind function; just press the button and the extension cord automatically retracts. The fixed sockets ensure that the sockets/plugs stay in place

www.homedepot.com

 

[tarbellb]

Funny how Amazon and others still feel antiquated when it comes to search algorithms

If I simply used "travel" in my original search quest I would have likely found something similar to what @GeoBruin (Thanks!) found

I did try plenty of other descriptors, none netted these more promising products???

Either way this is looking good.

My application requires a female plug at the end and preferably a short pigtail male at the reel end. Much like a shop reel. I will modify as necessary if needed.

 

[GeoBruin]

Funny how Amazon and others still feel antiquated when it comes to search algorithms

If I simply used "travel" in my original search quest I would have likely found something similar to what @GeoBruin (Thanks!) found

I did try plenty of other descriptors, none netted these more promising products???

Either way this is looking good.

My application requires a female plug at the end and preferably a short pigtail male at the reel end. Much like a shop reel. I will modify as necessary if needed.

The Amazon search algorithm is terrible. I use Google and limit the results to Amazon if I want. Travel did yield some promising results.

 

[RMERR]

Sears had a vintage small retractable reel. They're still quite available on Ebay. Another vintage reel (with slightly better mounting braket) is Cordomatic, also on Ebay sometimes. The reel itself is only about 7-8 inches in diam. I used a pair of these on some light stands I built. These have work lights on the end, easily replaced with a plug.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[tarbellb]

Sears had a vintage small retractable reel. They're still quite available on Ebay. Another vintage reel (with slightly better mounting braket) is Cordomatic, also on Ebay sometimes. The reel itself is only about 7-8 inches in diam. I used a pair of these on some light stands I built. These have work lights on the end, easily replaced with a plug.

Pardon Our Interruption...

I did come across both of those reels, the Cordomatic looks solid. The Craftsman model looks ok but commands $50+ a piece

Thanks but I'm looking for a much smaller package

 

[honcho]

I'm trying to avoid ripping apart a item to scavenge the cord reel.... it's my backup plan tho.

The vacuum cleaner idea is a good one though, I scavenged a reel out of a Miele vacuum years ago for one of the kids' projects.