Retractable cord reels

[jeepman1]

Hi guys.
I am currently in the market for a retractable electrical cord reel. I have never had one but I think it would be handy to mount it over the top of my bench.
incidentally I have some rebate money I'd like to use at Menards. After looking on Menard's website I see they have a robo real and a smart electrician reel.... Unfortunately neither is in stock at my store.
. Has anybody used either of these? Any input would be appreciated... Thanks in advance.


http://www.menards.com/main/mobile/...2-3-40-tri-tap-cord-reel/p-1784858-c-6410.htm


http://www.menards.com/main/mobile/...matic-power-cord-system/p-1914958-c-13968.htm

 

[kunkernator]

I actually just bought a cord reel and am very impressed with it. (although not from Menards).

It was on sale at Northern Tool, so I pulled the trigger. For $69.99, you get 12 gauge wire, 3 plug end, with a built in circuit breaker. The reel rotates on the bracket, and is actually not terribly heavy. The housing is completely plastic, but I am VERY impressed in the quality. So, if I were to make a suggestion, this would be it.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200237924_200237924

I bought this model (40 foot), I think there is one longer, and one shorter. This one is still on sale.

If you are interested in knowing more, or seeing how I mounted it, let me know. I can take pics tomorrow.

 

[jeepman1]

That helps.... I was afraid the cheaper model might be junk.... It might actually be ok

 

[kunkernator]

That helps.... I was afraid the cheaper model might be junk.... It might actually be ok

You cant always go by price. That more expensive model looks more like a bells and whistles thing. If you are set on something from Menards, either of those look like good candidates.

Also, be mindful to choose something that is good for your intended use. For instance, mine is 12 gauge with a 20 amp breaker. So I can use more powerful power tools safely. I also like the triple tap.

Some reels come with different features, but what I would mostly pay attention to is the wire size. Both of your choices seem to be 12 gauge, but there are plenty of reels that are 14 gauge.

And out of those two, I would go with the cheaper one.

 

[IndyGarage]

There was a really long robo reel thread hear awhile back. A couple folks who had them really liked them. Most thought they were overkill. The only place I've ever seen one live is at Menards, and I still thought it looked overpriced to me.

 

[WanderingSol07]

I have a 25' from Sears hanging in the middle of the garage. I use it all the time, rarely do I use any outlets on the wall. It will reach 10' out the doors. 14 gauge wire.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

I've got a blue version of that Northern Tool one. I don't remember if it came from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight or where, but it is a pain to get the last 4 or 5 feet into the housing. If you don't get the cord laid on the reel just perfectly while retracting, it gets too high on the reel and will contact the inside of the plastic housing and bind up. It is extremely annoying. I've even considered just shortening the cord by 6 feet to eliminate the problem.

 

[skruft]

I have a cheap old Craftsman probably 20 years old that has worked fine so far, and a drop light reel just as old that has a plug built in. I find these good enough for my occasional use.