Retractable Electrical Cord - Anything I Should Avoid?

[TOYSTRY]

I've read all the post related but nothing specifically stated what to avoid, just what people bought. With that, there doesn't seem to be a profound backing of any brand either.

From my research it appears that the big ticket items are:

- springs failing
- gauge of cord
- length of cord
- amperage of cord
- number of plugs on cord (single/triple)
- retracts easily without fuss

Right now I'm looking at the 40ft harbor freight version since it's a heavier gauge, 50 ft and HF offers 20% discount.

Not concerned about the price, just want something reliable without a bunch of fussing with it.

http://m.harborfreight.com/40-ft-retractable-cord-reel-with-triple-tap-62952.html

 

[Z2V]

I'm also in the market for a cord real. I found this one the other day. I requested a price quote, should have been my first clue, and fell out of my chair when I received the quote.

25 ft, 12/3. Made in USA
$585.62 plus shipping
Is cost an issue?
All BS aside, I wouldn't settle for less than 12/3 wire, 25-30 ft length. There are many out there but it seems the majority are plastic housings. I'd much rather have a metal case.
Good luck in your search.

 

[TOYSTRY]

I'm also in the market for a cord real. I found this one the other day. I requested a price quote, should have been my first clue, and fell out of my chair when I received the quote.

25 ft, 12/3. Made in USA
$585.62 plus shipping
Is cost an issue?
All BS aside, I wouldn't settle for less than 12/3 wire, 25-30 ft length. There are many out there but it seems the majority are plastic housings. I'd much rather have a metal case.
Good luck in your search.

Ok maybe price is a concern lol. At $585, that's a brand new table saw that I'd get more use out of.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

I've had this metal-housed one for almost ten years and it's been great.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord-reel-retractable-with-30-ft-extension/p-03483928000P

I haven't run into any issues with it being 16 gauge but you could step up to 14 gauge if that was a concern.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30-ft-cord-reel/p-03483929000P?rrec=true

I know you're looking for 12 gauge but these are pretty close and are a hell of a lot cheaper than that $600 reel Z2V mentioned (I was more than slightly thrown off by that price).

-Brian

 

[Sh40674]

not retractable.. gotta wind it.. but you could pick your cord (as long as you're mounting on the wall) i was actually looking for one for my wall... think i'm gonna get this.

 

[Sh40674]

forgot link haha
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ontent=28107&gclid=CL3tjaHXh9MCFcK2wAodfEAJAA

 

[Sh40674]

otherwise flexzilla makes one.. around 100 bucks, 14 gauge but has great reviews

 

[Sh40674]

actually looking at your harbor freight one... only 7 reviews but they're good. you have 90 days to take it back if you hate it.. harbor freight is easy to return things to

 

[JimH74]

I bought the 40 ft 12/3 retractable from Northern Tool. Frequently on sale for 69. They also have coupons, but I've not seen one for a while. Downside is that it has a plastic case. Doesn't get heavy usage, but does what I need it for. Best price I could find at the time. Definitely get at least 12/3 for your heavier power tools.

 

[MrBalll]

I've got the Flexzilla one and I'm really enjoying it. No issues so far.

 

[holt2ton]

forgot link haha
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ontent=28107&gclid=CL3tjaHXh9MCFcK2wAodfEAJAA

^
I've had one of these for 10+ years. No major issues other that I won't work if the cord is slippery, like if it's wet or oily. It works by pushing the black paddle at the top as you crank the handle, which in turn forces another wheel to press against the cord and drum wheel. Friction by pinched between two rubber coated wheels is what pulls the cord in.

 

[A**holes Garage]

http://www.rockler.com/12-gauge-retractable-extension-cord-reel

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I am lucky enough to have been given a Coxreels E-Z Coil 50', 12/3 quad for free. List on that bad boy is around $550.00. My only complaint is that the rewind tension could be better. IDK if the springs are worn or if it's just the nature of the E-Z Coil's safety system.

Tommy

 

[Farmall450]

I'd be wary of the triple with a reset able fuse built in.

Ours got to the point it would no longer reset, so I chopped it off and put a single female outlet on instead.

While it was nice having more than one an angle grinder would pop the old one...

 

[stang2007]

What do you intend to run off it, a trouble light, or something small, the HF 50ft will be awesome and give you more money to spend on something else. i have the Costco ""snap on"" it was $30 and came with a light, will handle any of the light stuff i ask of it.

then again if you are running tools (like a grinder) off it it may be a good idea to spend the $$$


all depends on use.

 

[jahn]

I've got (3) of these
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bayco-30-ft-3-Outlet-Metal-Retractable-Cord-Organizer/1233131

I have one outside near the lake for a bubbler at end of ice season and for battery charging. Metal color is fading


Another on just inside the garage for my powered blower & snow thrower, I change the triple to a single. Cord in PVC and have a few broken sections due to the cold weather.

Last one at bench and works great for my needs

Price was right, thought about trying to rewire to a SJO cable

 

[oxycodone]

25 ft, 12/3. Made in USA
$585.62 plus shipping

Reelcraft is a slightly better value: https://www.grainger.com/product/REELCRAFT-Red-Retractable-Cord-Reel-13A882

50ft, 12/3 Made in USA - $398

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, you want cord with insulation rated at at least SJOOW. SOOW is heavier and should last longer.

 

[-Brent-]

I have a CoxReel hose/cord combo. Yes, they're a pretty penny. For me it was a complete splurge after finding a decent deal. A couple things I'm liking about it (save for the price) is that they're in one unit and I could choose what I wanted for cord and an end. I use the cord more than I assumed I would.

If I were to get another cord reel alone, I'd go with the Flexzilla. I have heard good things and the price is decent.

 

[HWgeek]

After about 1yr the retraction on the HF stopped latching to keep the cord out unless at a specific angle. First time I dropped the HF unit, the plastic broke and it was done.
The craftsman I have the older red version, dropped multiple times, still works great 10yrs later.
YMMV
Also see the cord reel suggestions or comment thread (189733)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BleedingBlue]

I've had this metal-housed one for almost ten years and it's been great.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cord-reel-retractable-with-30-ft-extension/p-03483928000P

I haven't run into any issues with it being 16 gauge but you could step up to 14 gauge if that was a concern.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30-ft-cord-reel/p-03483929000P?rrec=true

I know you're looking for 12 gauge but these are pretty close and are a hell of a lot cheaper than that $600 reel Z2V mentioned (I was more than slightly thrown off by that price).

-Brian

I have had the first link for about 5 years with no issues.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[nes999]

I've got (3) of these
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bayco-30-ft-3-Outlet-Metal-Retractable-Cord-Organizer/1233131

I have one outside near the lake for a bubbler at end of ice season and for battery charging. Metal color is fading


Another on just inside the garage for my powered blower & snow thrower, I change the triple to a single. Cord in PVC and have a few broken sections due to the cold weather.

Last one at bench and works great for my needs

Price was right, thought about trying to rewire to a SJO cable

My father has several of these in his in heated/uncooled shop. These work awesome.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

 

[ssdave]

I have a 50 foot like z2v referenced. It's a great reel. Even better is that I paid $5 for it at a yard sale. The heavy construction and quality is evident in it; and it works flawlessly. Is it worth the several hundred dollar premium? I don't know as I didn't have to make that decision!

 

[WVBrady]

http://www.rockler.com/12-gauge-retractable-extension-cord-reel

I had one of these. I overloaded it without thinking, because of the 12 gauge wire, but it has only a 15 amp rating. I could have repaired it, but I couldn't get the two halves together again. They are just held together by friction with the hard plastic strip between the two halves. I just put plugs on the ends and use it as ordinary extension cords now.

 

[Z2V]

I have a 50 foot like z2v referenced. It's a great reel. Even better is that I paid $5 for it at a yard sale. The heavy construction and quality is evident in it; and it works flawlessly. Is it worth the several hundred dollar premium? I don't know as I didn't have to make that decision!

WOW!!
What a find. I just don't seem to have that kind of luck. LOL

 

[Trey T]

...

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30-ft-cord-reel/p-03483929000P?rrec=true

I know you're looking for 12 gauge but these are pretty close and are a hell of a lot cheaper than that $600 reel Z2V mentioned (I was more than slightly thrown off by that price).

-Brian

I have that Craftsman Pro one and it's built very well.

 

[nh_yota]

I think a heavy-gauge cord reel is overkill for a home garage. I mean, how often are you going to be running a full 15-amp tool like a table saw, miter saw or air compressor from a cord reel? Most of your high-amp equipment is going to be stationary and located near a wall outlet. Cord reels are good for portable hand tools like drills, sanders, sawzalls and lights, and they are much easier to maneuver if they aren't thick and heavy.

 

[Newell33]

I think a heavy-gauge cord reel is overkill for a home garage. I mean, how often are you going to be running a full 15-amp tool like a table saw, miter saw or air compressor from a cord reel? Most of your high-amp equipment is going to be stationary and located near a wall outlet. Cord reels are good for portable hand tools like drills, sanders, sawzalls and lights, and they are much easier to maneuver if they aren't thick and heavy.

I have an older Bayco unit with a built in 15A circuit breaker built into the back. I've tripped the circuit breaker several times over the years. It's mainly been when using a chop saw and cutting metal in the middle of the shop, but I know other tools have done it too. I know the price jumps up a bit if you go bigger than 15A, but if I had to buy one over again I'd spend the extra money. Then you know you're covered.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I had one of these. I overloaded it without thinking, because of the 12 gauge wire, but it has only a 15 amp rating. I could have repaired it, but I couldn't get the two halves together again. They are just held together by friction with the hard plastic strip between the two halves. I just put plugs on the ends and use it as ordinary extension cords now.

I'm on my second one. The first one lasted 4 years or so, then failed to retract, yeah, good luck putting it back together again.
Good unit overall for the money, bought another one a few years ago.

 

[dw1]

I bought this one back before Christmas, have used it quite a bit, it seems to be working and holding up very well. Looks like its still "On Sale" for what I paid $99 This one has a 65' cord
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665711_200665711

 

[dv8customs]

I have two of the ceiling mount Roboreels I picked up when my Lowes was clearing them out. I wouldn't pay the full price for one but they have worked very well for me.

One wouldn't power on after a storm but a quick call to customer service had a new one on its way and I returned the defective one once it arrived.

http://roboreel.com/ceiling-mount-buy/

 

[rburke65]

I also have shopped on the Internet for a cord reel and about "dirtied my pants" when I saw the prices. I, at first, thought in was a misprint......ah NO.....it was not.

 

[Sh40674]

I think a heavy-gauge cord reel is overkill for a home garage. I mean, how often are you going to be running a full 15-amp tool like a table saw, miter saw or air compressor from a cord reel? Most of your high-amp equipment is going to be stationary and located near a wall outlet. Cord reels are good for portable hand tools like drills, sanders, sawzalls and lights, and they are much easier to maneuver if they aren't thick and heavy.

i run my miter saw, shop vac, table saw, circular saw, on cords. i can plug them into the wall but i like to move them out to the center of the garage for more room. i have a 14 gauge cord. never had an issue with either on it. however, none of them run at the same time on one cord. a 14 gauge cord will handle a 14 or 15 amp saw just fine. generally when you use a table saw or miter saw or the like you run it for a short bit, stop it. run it, stop it. if it was continuously running it'd be a different story (like if i was a woodworker or something)