Filament Spool Extension Cord Reel

What to do with the empty filament spools?

Another good answer... An extension cord storage reel.

A filament reel will store a light duty 50ft extension cord or a 25ft heavy duty extension cord.

This project uses any filament spool with a 55mm central opening. The versions shown here are made with Hatchbox spools as they feature heavy sides suitable for re-use. Minimal modifications are needed to the spool, one hole drilled through the central section to feed the cord through, two small holes for the retaining clip mounting (see photos).

One end of the extension cord will be cut away and replaced with a Leviton R50-515CV (or any similar Leviton 5-15 15amp receptacle, such as the R51-515CV, R60-515CR, etc.) available at home centers and hardware stores for about $5 US). The receptacle screws into the cord reel hub printed part. The strain relief and screws from the Leviton part are also used to secure the cable (see photos).

Parts Needed

• A filament spool with a 55mm central opening and about 70mm wide
• An extension cord
• A Leviton R50-515CV or similar
• Two #8 1-1/2" flat head sheet metal screws
• Two #8 3/8" pan head sheet metal screws

Need to adapt the design to you own uses? The SCAD source is provided. Use the SCAD configurator to select parts and views.

The hub and retainer clips need to be printed with support. The rough surfaces that result are not a problem.