Small cord auto-reel -- do they exist?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ryanb9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 05:45:58 pm
content: Things like my dremel tool have a long cord and I would like a desktop auto-reel that declutters my work bench. Any ideas of where I can find one? I have looked but I can only find very big ones meant for heavy duty type stuff such as this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/25-Ft-Retractable-Spring-Loaded-Auto-Rewind-Outlet-Cord-Reel-Indoor-Extension/123348629023?hash=item1cb826b61f:g:xmcAAOSw-ABbjPwkBut my dremel cord is like 3-6 feet long, so the use case doesn't match up. What do you guys do to solve this problem?This is my first post, sorry if its in the wrong place.

author: L_Euler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 09:42:28 pm
content: I have not seen a reel for small cords. How about a festoon arrangement on something like a shower curtain rod with slide hooks.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 10:54:07 pm
content: Maybe you could adapt a vacuum cleaner cord reel.https://www.amazon.com/Electrolux-Cord-Reel-Assembly-2198345-66/dp/B005M4ACMU

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 01:20:16 am
content: Would need to rewire it so socket was on the end.But being cheap and from china you'd probably want to open it any check it out inside anyway.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000117359463.html

author: ryanb9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 04:51:13 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on September 10, 2019, 01:20:16 amthanks!

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 05:04:33 pm
content: They make rotary tools with batteries now. Just an FYI.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 05:25:50 pm
content: Get one of those retractable reels used for ID badges that people need to scan all the time (e.g. anyone working with prescriptions in hospitals or pharmacies). Attach it to an appropriate spot on the cord with a zip-tie.Or you can go even simpler and zip-tie a string to it. Route the string over a eye hooks or pulleys and weight the other end. Same effect as a retractable reel.

author: ryanb9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 06:09:42 pm
content: Quote from: Nusa on September 10, 2019, 05:25:50 pmThe dremel power cord is much bigger than that. I have an employee id zip badge but the entire thing is smaller than the piece of the cord that plugs into the wall! >.<The tool is on a shelf above work bench at eye level and there is no space in the back behind it (the wall is behind it) otherwise that would work.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2019, 08:29:43 pm
content: They make dog leashes in reel form as well. I suspect those would be heavy-duty enough.Or maybe a lightweight bungee cord of the right length would do it.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2019, 04:01:44 am
content: Many irons (the kind used on clothing) come with a retracting reel. Perhaps something could be hacked from these.