jmarkwolf
Well-known member
I'm trying to find a "shortish" retractable power cord reel to attach to my shop vac. Don't need a 100-footer, more like 25, in a compact size.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
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power cord reel
- Thread starter jmarkwolf
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gahrajmahal
Well-known member
I bought something like this during one of my away from home jobs. It’s a little different than this one as it has a knob to crank the cord back onto the reel. It’s nice when you are running more than one tool and can plug them all in. And at 15 feet reaches across most rooms inside.
30 Ft. Retractable Cord Reel https://share.google/jH6eJISIi1KvjUIjE
Attachments
I have one of these from HF. It's OK but the plug receptacles all got loose after only a few weeks of usage.
I've got a pair of these mounted on the ceiling
They seem to go on sale a couple times a year in the 80 to 100 range, but have been very happy with them. Good cord, nice retract mechanism, zero issues so far
They seem to go on sale a couple times a year in the 80 to 100 range, but have been very happy with them. Good cord, nice retract mechanism, zero issues so far
logical
Well-known member
If he wants it attached to the shop vac...that thing is backwards (male at the reel). I have a few of those, 3 different brands, but not sure if any of them could easily be reconfigured to work the other direction. Then again, how hard could it be?
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That's a good point, but aren't most retractable cord reels going to have the female end retractable?
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I have had one of these in my basement for 20 years works fine if you don't cut the cord with a circular saw...
Somebody dig up the RoboReel thread! That was an adventure..
Found it: Roboreel #2
I just looked to see if you could still purchase a Roboreel. Alas, I think the product has gone the way of the sock puppet. I couldn't find it one 2-3 different sites.
I will admit to having bought one when it was probably half price on Amazon one time. I cannot say I loved it at my shop - just never seemed to work well and when you hooked something high power up to it, the safety systems kicked in - I don't really need safety systems in my extension cord.
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bwringer
Well-known member
Where do you want the reel to sit? Near the shop vac, or near the wall? Or are you trying to Frankenstein something together with the reel mounted to the vacuum (which would be pretty useful, actually)?
Also, 16AWG might be a little light for a shop vac or other tools, especially if you'll use it partially retracted very often; the coiled wire can get rather warm. You'll definitely want 14AWG, and maybe 12AWG if it might get repurposed for higher-demand tools.
Also, 16AWG might be a little light for a shop vac or other tools, especially if you'll use it partially retracted very often; the coiled wire can get rather warm. You'll definitely want 14AWG, and maybe 12AWG if it might get repurposed for higher-demand tools.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Just like HF--what AWG are the wires?
lolaetype
Well-known member
Attach a 25" cord reel to the vacuum, buy repair terminals for the cord and put the male where the female was on the original reel cord and the female where the male was.
I assume you want to do this because of the short cords that come on most appliances. I got around that by buying a 15" black, round, 3-prong extension cord, cutting off the female end, and using the cord to replace the original short cord. I just coil it around the top of the vacuum for storage. A simple, convenient, inexpensive fix. I've done it to all three of our shop vacs and it works great.
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Beerhippie
Well-known member
I do this with any corded tools that need new cords. I think my Skilsaw has 20' on it.Attach a 25" cord reel to the vacuum, buy repair terminals for the cord and put the male where the female was on the original reel cord and the female where the male was.
I assume you want to do this because of the short cords that come on most appliances. I got around that by buying a 15" black, round, 3-prong extension cord, cutting off the female end, and using the cord to replace the original short cord. I just coil it around the top of the vacuum for storage. A simple, convenient, inexpensive fix. I've done it to all three of our shop vacs and it works great.
drokihazan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2018
- Messages
- 271
I bought a Goodyear-branded one because it was blue. It's not exactly a Cox clone, but it's pretty decent quality and has given me no issues. I expect the reel to last longer than the cord.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I have this one in the wood shop. It doesn't get used often but works well when it does. I've had two of the big brother 50 footers in the garage for several years, use them a lot and so far they are perfect.
If you're really wanting to attach a reel to the vacuum you'll have to cut the ends off and put new on, the male and female are going to be bass-acwards.
www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-cords-surge-protectors/extension-cords/flexzilla-reg-25-16-3-3-outlet-retractable-extension-cord-reel/fz8160253/p-4364363664684256-c-6410.htm
If you're really wanting to attach a reel to the vacuum you'll have to cut the ends off and put new on, the male and female are going to be bass-acwards.
www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-cords-surge-protectors/extension-cords/flexzilla-reg-25-16-3-3-outlet-retractable-extension-cord-reel/fz8160253/p-4364363664684256-c-6410.htm
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