More about Reels

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Used to store an extensive variety of cords, wire, cables, chain and strips, reels are spools set within side walls that facilitate the winding and unwinding of the stored material. The core of the reel is often hollow, and in many cases the side walls are circular; however, a wide range of designs are available. Various materials are used in reel construction, including plywood, plated steel, stainless steel, polypropylene, hardboard and wire. The material chosen typically depends on the nature of the application, as well as the cost limitations of the project.

Reels designs include boxed reels, which have square sidewalls and, often, a free spinning central spool, motor and hand crank driven reels and spring driven reels. Motor driven reels allow for rapid retraction of weights that would be difficult or impossible to manually reel in. Hand cranks help also assist in retraction, and allow users to easily lift large loads with the help of mechanical advantage. Both hand crank and motor driven reels can be stand alone units, or used as components in various types of hoisting and positioning machinery. Spring driven reels automatically reel in extended cable, rope and wire when the inner spring unit is engaged; however, the force of the spring adds to the resistance during unwinding.

Applications for reels include the hardwiring of electrical circuits and telecommunications networks, storage and transport of certain construction materials, shipping, hoisting various loads, and a multitude of marine uses. Key considerations for purchasers are the core and side wall diameter, which, coupled with the diameter of the cable, will determine the length of material that can be held by the reel. For reels associated with heavy lifting applications, maximum load is also important, although generally the cable will fail before the reel. Maximum load is also a concern for spring loaded reels, as the spring will not be able to retract when overextended and overburdened.