Retractable (electrical) Extension Cord Suggestions?

[Richard]

Changing direction in garage to add a (probably ceiling mount) cord retractor. Turns out there are a number of brands. Looking for ideas:

Plastic or metal construction? (I prefer metal, but open to better ideas)

I'm looking for 50 feet, 12g, want three plugs on the end of it. I don't care if they're lit or not

I don't want something that's flimsy and going to need replaced in three years. I'm going to guess the weak spot in these would be the return spring?? (I've got a couple retractable dog leashes and the spring wears out on them over time, rendering them useless)

I don't mind paying for quality. Prefer nothing made in china but also realize that might make it hard to find.

 

[JJT]

12g is going to be hard to find. Here's the 14g one I have used for more than a year with no issues:

Harbor Freight, $70 - VANGUARD 40 ft. x 14/3 Gauge Retractable Cord Reel with Triple Tap, Black​

 

[Chewwy]

12awg, 50ft, 3 outlets, but not U.S. made.

3 out of 4 ain’t bad!

https://www.amazon.com/SURAIELEC-Retractable-Extension-Outlets-Circuit/dp/B0BZYZB46K/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uB2xxJFrbr8ajpA5-Krp76i-jpJ8_UpiTt1CVXusqLvBfud4OFwfFmBotJSKQUqLW5X9yVPa4jJ_1IakIPYFEp7cvu55IhIvSoD3LZjWZux9BU816dCY9XzG9wrCBa_C8z_LIi-XjbAnGJIz4khwZTASCoqFH_d_GyPWgn8iCmq5fCBFrg14iQmNCcBUcCNheEcmY2Mg_J8hlrCY_T2rVtKN7JyRCOdcszyFYJLDV_9h8j5UdSka12QyzcB7TFnd89YCFwhftOgaHRvzBZ3yRrUzNuUXF7mYioQDw0mvsWM.AkuWroEG3dVdYdlkpArs54DdLFsbhm1-5yB_f0vxkr8&dib_tag=se&hvadid=694786534758&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=1025498&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=8043947005579038991--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=8043947005579038991&hvtargid=kwd-1026225270212&hydadcr=3641_13539089&keywords=12+gauge+reel+extension+cord&mcid=391ecb392cb139a397b95d9c0030bd91&qid=1744124483&sr=8-9

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[masscity]

I have an Ironton 12 ga, 75 ft and 3 plugs on the end. I think I bought it from Northern Tool. I've had it at least 10 years. They sell some Ironton on Amazon.

 

[caver]

Having dealt with retractable cords the two points of failure I've experienced were the brushes or the molded outlet is garbage. These were in an industrial environment where they got more abuse than a homeowner brands. It doesn't answer your question just my 2 bit coins.

 

[Richard]

I appreciate the comments. I've found most of these listed. I was hoping for folks to be able to say "Brand "X" might be expensive, but you're getting what your paying for"..... or "Brand "X" is simply junk"

Went to two stores today. I was expecting to see something pedestrian which I did. None has 12g wire, couple were 14g and one was 16g. I just scratch my head on something like that.....but it is what it is.

So I guess I've got to just blindly buy something and see what happens. They're not terribly expensive so I can use it as a learning experience!

 

[EarPlug]

Take a look at "Industrial" quality reels

Grainger Cord Reels

 

[bmaverick]

Take a look at "Industrial" quality reels

Grainger Cord Reels

YIKES. Most are over $1,000.

 

[Sportsman762]

Having dealt with retractable cords the two points of failure I've experienced were the brushes or the molded outlet is garbage. These were in an industrial environment where they got more abuse than a homeowner brands. It doesn't answer your question just my 2 bit coins.

This is why I like Cox Reels, Reelcraft, and Appleton reels. I have a few reels, most were bought used. I like the Appleton YSRL's because they are compact, and have a built in swivel, also they are made of cast and machined metal so they are very durable. Cox and Reelcraft are the same quality in my opinion, but Cox is normally a little cheaper. There are so many varieties that these manufactures make that it is impossible to point to a specific model that would be best suited to your needs without asking 50 questions. Also are you sure you need a 50'? 30' reels are a whole lot less expensive.

A Wide Range of Cord Reels and Switches | Emerson US

Emerson’s superior design standards and options meet the needs of a variety of applications and offer a range of rocker, toggle and pushbutton switches.

www.appleton.emerson.com

Hose, Cord & Cable Reels | Coxreels®

USA Made - Heavy duty hose, cord & cable reels from Coxreels®. Find the highest quality reels for the job by spring, hand crank, or motorized rewind.

www.coxreels.com

Reelcraft Hose, Cord, and Cable Reels

Reelcraft is the leading global manufacturer of hose, cord and cable reels for industrial, commercial and professional applications.

www.reelcraft.com

I don't mind paying for quality. Prefer nothing made in china but also realize that might make it hard to find.

All of these are USA made and not cheap, but they are quality. These reels are built to last and are serviceable with the manufactures selling repair parts. None of the chinese reel manufactures sell parts, as they know customers will replace the entire unit.

 

[mrmikey]

Odd that it's 12ga and yet only rated 15A, wonder if it aluminum wire and not copper? I will say tho that it's a nice looking reel and got good reviews.