Cable reels are necessary tools if you're using electric cord that extends over long distances. The standard products available have long been wood cable reels, but there are now plenty of metal or plastic cable reels on the market that can store just as much cable and are often lighter with more mechanical options. For help winding heavy or long cables, look for a power cable reel or retractable cable reels.

With the large variety of cables that exist for every industrial need, you can find a cable reel appropriate for every application. Find cable reels with many options available, including:

1. Locate cable reels online to carry cables of any length you need, or accessories like cable grips and stops to help with winding and unwinding cords.
2. Purchase electric cable reels with the ability to automatically feed or retract cables.
3. For large or specialized industrial operations, find heavy duty large frame reels that will carry industrial-sized air vents, hoses and cables.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare cable reel information from multiple distributors

Because there are so many different types of cables available, of all lengths and sizes, completing an online search can be frustrating. If you know the specifics of the cable reel you need, find a vendor that lays out descriptions of all the products they offer so you can make quick comparisons and find the cable reel you need.

I recommend: L.K. Goodwin has a large selection of models of their POW-R-MITE cable reels. See their online pricing and specification guide to find the model that has the size, weight, and cable length you need. Also browse for cable reel accessories like pivot bases, cable stops and cable grips. Conductix sells cable reels in different product categories, including economy cord reels, standard cord reels, and hazardous duty cord reels. Search by the category that includes cable reels that match your needs.

Find motor driven electric cable reels

Make your job easier with cable reels that include a power source or retract your cable automatically. Don't worry about extension cords to power your electric cables, and keep your workplace free from tangled cords that you have to sort out by hand.

I recommend: Gleason Reel sells a variety of electric cable reels for use in heavy duty industrial settings. Find cable reels that may be mounted on a wall or moving machinery. For a variety of motor driven welding cable reels and hose reels, see the selection Coxreels offers on their website.

Buy custom or specialty cable reels

Standard cable reels may not meet requirements for many projects. If you've got large or lengthy cable that can't be wound on most cable reels, contact a cable reels distributor specializing in large or custom reels.

I recommend: For large frame or custom reels, see the Nordic Series of cable reels from Reelcraft. Find cable reels for air vent reels, aircraft refueling reels and more. If you don't see a reel that works for you, contact them to design a custom cable reel. Reelcraft also sells a full line of standard reels, including welding cable reels. For plastic cable reels of all sizes contact Reel Core, or contact them to create a custom plastic reel.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A good way to compare prices is to request a quote on products from multiple cable reel suppliers. Many vendors have an online request submission form, but if not, call any supplier for a quote.