cable reel problem

I use a 30m cable reel for my mover, strimmer, etc. It is so annoying! When I unwind it, the cable always jams. When I wind it up, the cable usually overruns and I have to stop, carefully unwind several turns before rewinding the reel. Yes, if I unwound it slowly an inch at a time and rewound it equally slowly, these problems wouldn't arise, but come on, when it's gardening time, you just go and pull on the reel so you can get on with the job....

The reel is an open one. If it were an all-enclosed one, the problems would still happen, only the cable would be jammed inside a case and that would be more frustrating to solve. I gather that motorised cable reels can also suffer from winding jams. So how can I prevent them on my cable reel?

I'm sure a coil spring hooked between the cable and reel frame might balance out the wavering tension during winding operations, preventing jams, and I've experimented with different positions but none has had absolute success.

Perhaps there's a special technique for holding the reel so that jams don't happen?

Can anybody suggest a cable reel on the market which DOESN'T suffer from winding jams?

 

You need to get the tension right every time. Some reels are wound for left handed people and need re-winding so right handers can properly control it (and presumably vice-versa). 'Cassette' type reels are normally the most prone to jam, lift them up and create some tension on the re-wind.

 

I've always hated cable reels, they are a right pain in the backside.

I prefer to just use an extension lead.

Have been know to throw the reel part away and just use the cable.

 

Hello Docjohn , I have had an enclosed 15 metre enclosed cable reel for over 30 years , similar to pic below . No problems with it jamming up. When I am winding it up just keep a little tension on it and roll the drum from side to side , so you get an evenish winding. Do you really need a 30m extension ? Maybe a 15 metre will resolve your woes

 

Harry is right. Its all about keeping a little tension whilst winding up and unwinding. It's one of the necessary evils until all tools are rechargeable me thinks.

 

I was told that with a cable reel you have or are advised to unwind the entire cable. Failure to do so can/could make the unwound cable overheat & catch fire.
never ever had this problem myself and I also have a 30m cable reel and sometimes just unwind say 4 m. I suppose if you have a 4 way reel and using the 4 outlets at same time on high wattage tools it could happen .
What I have trouble with is not he cable reel but the hose pipe reel on the wall. I tend to wind it up perhaps too quick and do not keep tension on it. The result is either it is too loose and does not all go on or I am not looking and one coil goes over the side of reel and gets jammed!!!