Retractable Cord Reel

[fornesto]

Has anybody had any luck with a particular retractable hose reel? I am in the market and have read some scathing reviews on the Craftsman model. I want to spend about $25-75. So far, I'm leaning towards the Northern Tool version with the 33' cord for $49.95. Any thoughts?

Northern Tool

[Arne]

I have an air hose reel I use all the time...

I also have one of the electrical types you mention. I find it of marginal use. I have found a regular extension cord hung on the wall with a couple of nails or lag bolts just as good.

The triple end sits on the floor and gets stepped on. Most people move around a lot while working and having that clump on the floor gets annoying real quick. I use a power strip screwed to the work table, which I like a lot better.

If shipping wasn't so expensive, I'd sell you mine cheap just to get it out of my way (it is no longer mounted on the wall, I'm using the extension cord thing).

[halfdome, Danny]

I noticed the link listed a 16 gauge cord. If you run a 10 amp belt sander with that cord you'll burn it up as I know from experience. Look for something with 10 gauge wire and your expensive tools will survive. I had a reel once and found it was limiting and never replaced it when it wore out. Now I just use two 25 ft 10 gauge cords with a single female plug on the end. The triple female ends end up being a tangled mess and hurts to step on. The extension cords that have a round end are dangerous to step on. Danny

[Elumia]

I have a retractable trouble light that I rarely use. Seems the bulb filament gets broken if the reel retracts too fast. I was a hand me down, I would rather just have a normal corded one, but I don't really need a trouble light often as my garage is well lit (and lots of outlets on the wall).

Mark