Most hardware tools and equipment require power, and while extension cords can be of great help, they can also cause unwanted halts in a project. Besides this, long cords lying on the ground are also a safety hazard for people, which is why it’s a good idea to get extension cord reels. These reels help you get the cord out of others’ ways. You can mount them at the center of your ceiling for convenience and safety. The best extension cords come with a number of features. We’ve picked out the best extension cord reels for 2023 and listed them below for your ease.
Anybody who is familiar with power tools will be familiar with an extension cord reel. These nifty devices are perfect for anybody who works in their garden or yard, or just anybody who needs to extend their power source to a hard-to-reach area. But what should you be looking for when you buy one?
We have created a guide that will tell you everything you need to know about cord reels and their uses.
Invented in the early 20th century, extension cords are an extended length of power cable with a plug on one end and multiple sockets on the other. They are often used around your home so you can plug a number of electrical outlets into one mains socket.
An extension cord reel is a modified version of the rudimentary extension cords. Basically, it is an extension lead that can roll up around the sockets (of which there are usually 2 or 4). You can buy them for your home or outside use. Many construction job sites will use industrial contractor cords, which are much stronger l than the usual reel.
Check the video below to learn the best ways to wrap an extension cord.
An extension cord reel will come in handy in a variety of situations. It doesn’t matter whether you are a homeowner or a professional, you will probably need to use one of these at some point in your life.
The most obvious job which requires an extension cord is a construction worker. You can purchase robust cord reels designed for construction work. These are called contractor cords. They can handle more than your average cord reel, which is why they are preferred on a lot of building sites.
Anybody who has worked behind the scenes at gigs or productions knows just how many extension cord reels are needed for a show. When you are dealing with multiple lights, amplifiers, and PA systems, you are going to need a lot of sockets. Extension cord reels give you these sockets and also allow you to place your equipment where you want to without worrying about being close to the mains power source.
Extension cord reels come in all shapes and sizes, which means you need to know what to look out for before making a purchase.
The general rule of thumb when buying an extension cord reel is to find one which stretches longer than you need. The beauty of these cords is that they can be lengthened and shortened to suit the job at hand. Basically, the longer the cord reel, the more versatile it is going to be.
If you are a professional who needs a cord reel for power tools, look for one which is thicker. Thicker cords are capable of carrying more power, which means they’ll be able to run all your equipment safely, unlike the cheaper versions you can find in most stores. If you need a heavy-duty cord reel, we recommend cords measuring 10,12, or 14 AWG (gauge).
Ideally, you want a cord that is rated for 15 amps or 125 volts. These will be able to handle any household appliances and tools. If you are a professional, you may want to pay the extra money and purchase a contractor cord. These can handle up to 300 volts. If you are just using the cord around your home, the cheaper option should be fine.
Generally speaking, you will want to find a cord that is suitable for cold-weather environments. These cord reels are generally more flexible and will be able to stretch around any workplace or home set-up. This information is usually available on the packaging.
You may be persuaded to purchase a multi-outlet cord reel, which is perfectly fine if you are only using it at home. However, if you plan on plugging in power tools and work lights, you could easily overload the cord. Obviously, we don’t want that. If you are a professional, we recommend a single-use extension cord reel with a thick wire.
As you may already be aware, you can find a number of different extension cord reels in your local hardware store. They include:
The indoor extension can be purchased as grounded or ungrounded in a variety of lengths. They are usually low wattage and intended to be used with everyday household appliances like lamps and clocks. You can also buy more industrious cords with higher wattage which can be used for more demanding electrical appliances.
Outdoor cord reels are weather-resistant and can be used both inside and outside. They are built to withstand freezing temperatures and can handle the most powerful tools that you may need for gardening or minor construction work.
Contractor cord reels are made specifically for job sites. They withstand extreme cold and heat. They are very high wattage and are usually oil and chemical resistant.
Extension cord reels vary in price depending on why you need them. The cheapest indoor reels can cost less than $20; whereas the more expensive cords can cost over $100. If you want one that will do a good job and can handle a variety of appliances and tools, you will end up paying around $50-$70.
This is an 11-inch cord reel designed in the US with quality materials. It’s made of heavy-duty impact-resistant plastic for sturdiness and can hold up to 100 foot 16/3 SJT or 75 foot 14/3 SJT cord.
The Bayco reel can be used for tactical, outdoor, and recreational levels. It has been tested for durability and safety in the toughest situations, so you can work without any worries. This extension cord reel is sturdy yet lightweight and comes in a bright orange color for increased visibility.
This is a 2-in-1 extension cord reel that comes with both a mounting bracket and an easy-grip handle. It has 3 power outlets for simultaneous use and offers automatic retractability for easy and efficient use.
Quality with excellent functionality – that’s what defines this cord reel. It has a number of impressive features, including a heavy-duty strain relief for optimal performance, and a slip-resistant design along with a water and oil resistant vinyl covering that protects cords against moisture, abrasion, etc. All this makes this reel one of the best options.
This contractor-grade cord carrier has been designed for contractors and professionals. It can store up to 125 feet of 14/3 cord and 150 feet of 16/3 cord and is suitable for rope, hose, and dock lines.
If you’re a professional looking for an extension cord reel for onsite work, the Alert Stamping carrier is an excellent choice for you. It’s simple yet sturdy and offers maximum efficiency along with ease of use. The reel can be mounted on the wall or carried to the job easily.
This heavy-duty cord storage wheel is ideal for extension cords, lights, hoses, and rope. It has a lightweight design with a handle for easy transportation and a hook to keep the cord in place.
With a lightweight design and an easy-to-grip handle, the cord wheel is a great choice for work that requires frequent moving. This extension cord reel can hold up to 150-feet of 16/3 gauge cord or 125-feet of 14/3 gauge cord, which is good enough. Generally, it’s an option worth looking at.
This extension cord comes with a number of impressive features, including a slip-resistant design, a durable strain relief, a circuit breaker switch, and a 3-prong plug, and a flexible vinyl covering.
This cord reel is the true definition of quality and outstanding functionality. It’s a 16-gauge, 3 wire extension reel that comes with a mountable bracket so you can easily attach it to your garage ceiling and reinforced blades that protect prongs from bending or breaking. To sum up, it’s one of the best extension cord reels out there.
A: We recommend using a 14V indoor cord reel for your bedroom and any other room in your house. These will be able to handle most electric appliances in your home. However, big items such as your television or refrigerator should be plugged directly into the mains socket.
A: No, you cannot. Contractor cords are the only suitable cord reels for construction site use. Indoor and outdoor cords cannot handle the required wattage to satisfy workplace safety requirements.
