Updated post on - Recommend a retractable extension cord

[LSU]

I’m a weekend wrench turner. I don’t have a 4 post lift nor do I have Snap On tools.

I’m looking for a 50’ retractable cord reel. 12 or 14 gauge. Something I can run my hand tools off of.

I want something I can put up and not worry about.

I’ve searched and reviewed the previous posts but I’m looking for a current update.

Thank you.

 

[sparky 1971]

I've had two 50', 14/3 Flexzilla retractables for about three years now and so far, so good. They don't get used all that often, but when they do, the lock and return mechanism perform flawlessly. The only thing I don't like is the triple tap cord end. It gets caught on about everything when it retracts. One of these day's I'm going to cut the end off and put a regular, single end on on it.

 

[ForrestT]

Thanks for the rec, Sparky!

 

[RTM]

Mine is a vintage pro reel industrial 40 ft tri-tap cord reel model 8040T-P It has been hanging up in my garage for about 10 years now and ever the weekend warrior I have not worn it out yet. I have gotten lazy and just left it out in the driveway a few times cuz it's about 3/4 of a car length inside the garage storage facility.

I since put a smaller shorter one in on the other side of the garage for powering tools in the garage and use this one almost exclusively out in the driveway now.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I’m a weekend wrench turner. I don’t have a 4 post lift nor do I have Snap On tools.

I’m looking for a 50’ retractable cord reel. 12 or 14 gauge. Something I can run my hand tools off of.

I want something I can put up and not worry about.

I’ve searched and reviewed the previous posts but I’m looking for a current update.

Thank you.

I have six retractable cords. One or two are permanently mounted to machines. The female and male ends have to be swapped for machine mounting.
All but one of my retractable units came from garage sales or Craigslist.
My only recommendation is to buy a retractable with a higher amp rating than you will need in the heaviest loading. The electricity conductor contacts can be the first fail point from an over-load. The better models will have a circuit breaker.
Costco used to sell a red retractable with the Snap-On name. These units are OK. I have taken two apart to check them out. I may keep one Snap-On lights because they are not tungsten bulb.
I have opened the models pictured to replace the power cords. It was my experience to buy a good extension cord for this. The extension cord will have good factory ends.
I always use Milwaukee cordless trouble lights. The trouble light shown will be removed and sent to recycling. Trouble lights can be adapted to permanent machine mounting with a simple shop-built bracket.

 

[Steve_P]

Lots of threads on this. Can't go wrong with reelcraft if you want quality.

 

[mike93lx]

I've had two 50', 14/3 Flexzilla retractables for about three years now and so far, so good. They don't get used all that often, but when they do, the lock and return mechanism perform flawlessly. The only thing I don't like is the triple tap cord end. It gets caught on about everything when it retracts. One of these day's I'm going to cut the end off and put a regular, single end on on it.

We can help walk you through that upgrade, don't stress it

 

[sparky 1971]

We can help walk you through that upgrade, don't stress it

Any suggestions as to what kind of plug in end to buy? I was thinking a 50 volt 220 amp since it has to be more heavier duty.

 

[mike93lx]

Any suggestions as to what kind of plug in end to buy? I was thinking a 50 volt 220 amp since it has to be more heavier duty.

220, 221, whatever it takes.

 

[tarbellb]

Goodyear is a decent economy brand
Flexzilla is ok as well
Reelcraft is very good industrial/pro line

I would avoid Cox, anything but the top tier stuff seems like a compromise

 

[mepstein]

I got this one a couple months ago. It took me 2 minutes to install and I love it. When you don't have to pull out and then put back an extension cord, it makes corded tools so much more convenient. Not tripping over it as easily is also a bonus. I didn't do any research, just click and it shipped.

 

[beemerphile]

Any suggestions as to what kind of plug in end to buy? I was thinking a 50 volt 220 amp since it has to be more heavier duty.

Go big. You know, the future and all.

 

[Wrench97]

Any suggestions as to what kind of plug in end to buy? I was thinking a 50 volt 220 amp since it has to be more heavier duty.

Switch over to battery power and forget about extension cords

 

[isb cornbinder]

220, 221, whatever it takes.

50 volt 221 amp. What is that? The best advice is to limit the plug's rating to that of the retractor.

 

[mike93lx]

50 volt 221 amp. What is that? The best advice is to limit the plug's rating to that of the retractor.

Hear that?

It's the sound of that joke sailing right over your head

 

[isb cornbinder]

Hear that?

It's the sound of that joke sailing right over your head

I live on a YVR flyway. Everything passes over. Explain.

 

[mike93lx]

I live on a YVR flyway. Everything passes over. Explain.

That and @sparky 1971 is a sparky...he doesn't need help with changing a plug

 

[sparky 1971]

I live on a YVR flyway. Everything passes over. Explain.

It was a shot at the clueless people wanting to DIY their own electrical projects.

 

[sparky 1971]

I live on a YVR flyway. Everything passes over. Explain.

Read posts 2, 7, 8, and 9 to set the context.