The 10 best cable reels to buy in the UK
Whether you’re a craftsman or love DIY projects, you can’t go wrong with a great cable reel. The best cable reels make it easy to complete tasks that aren’t nearby to power sources. Measuring several metres in length, a cable drum lets you easily manoeuvre corded tools and devices without cutting off power. However, finding the right cable reel for your needs is sometimes challenging. There are a lot of models to choose from and features to consider, so it helps to do some research before you buy a quality cable drum. Check out our handy buying guide for all the info you need to find the best cable reel.
What are cable reels?
A cable reel, also known as cable drum, is a type of spool used to gather and store electrical cables. Cable reels come in various sizes to accommodate different lengths of cable, quickly reeling them to and from the spool. Most include several plug sockets to help extend the reach of the electrical cable, being especially useful for craftsmen on worksites. However, the best cable reels are also handy for around the home, letting you easily store and transport electrical cables for DIY projects.
Why should you buy a good cable reel?
The best cable drums neatly increase the reach of power tools and other electrical devices in areas that lack a nearby power supply. Plus, the spool design allows for easier cable maintenance, letting you easily store and transport your electric cables as needed. Overall, cable reels are ideally suited for craftsmen who need regular access to power on building sites, while being useful for home projects, too.
How to choose the right cable reel in 2024?
Unsure how to find the best cable reel for your needs? Here are some things to consider when buying a cable reel:
- Cable Length: Make sure that the length of cable on the cable reel is long enough for your needs. Cable reels come in various sizes, each one accommodating a specific length of cable. The longer the cable length, the more flexibility it offers for projects, although it is larger and more cumbersome. However, longer cable reels are usually more expensive and may be unnecessary for smaller home projects.
- Safety: It’s a good idea to choose a cable reel with integrated safety features like protection from thermal overload and an automatic shut-off. Power tools are electrical hazards, so it’s worth having a cable reel with suitable safety features to prevent accidents from happening.
- Materials: The best cable reels are made from strong, durable materials that withstand rigorous working conditions. For example, cable reels made from heavy-duty plastic that are impact and weather-resistant are recommended for people working outdoors. Also, consider the thickness of the wire cable, which is given in gauges. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire is. Thick wires are better suited to handle the higher electric currents of more demanding power tools.
What is the best kind of cable reel in the UK?
Are you unsure of the best type of cable reels to buy? Here are some of the main options available:
- Portable Cable Reels: Most cable reels are portable devices designed for use around worksites. They’re usually made from plastic and feature multiple plug sockets. The length of cable they store varies from each product, usually between 4 to 10 meters for home projects and 10 to 30m for commercial use.
- Mounted Cable Reels: A mounted cable reel is best suited for home workshops, acting as a cable extension for your DIY projects. They’re attached to a wall and automatically retract cables for quick and convenient use. However, this type of cable reel does lack the portability needed for outdoor and commercial projects.
Top 10 list of cable reels in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their cable reels. Which cable reel is the best?
- MASTERPLUG IS PART OF LUCECO PLC: They guarantee against faulty materials and workmanship…
- ROBUSTILY BUILT WITH LOCALISED ON AND OFF POWER SWITCH: Let's you control the…
- SAFETY THERMAL CUT OUT WITH LED POWER INDICATOR: Prevents the cable overheating when…
- Item length: 10.0 meters
- 2 Way extension connect up to 2 devices
- 10 metre extension lead length
- WITH SAFETY SOCKET SHUTTERS AND 10 AMP MAXIMUM USE: The extension cable reel has…
- MANUFACTERED TO BRITISH SAFETY STANDARDS BS EN 61242: The extension lead has a thermal…
- COMPACT FOR EASY USE AND STORAGE: So simple to use by winding and unwinding, using…
- COMPACT DESIGN – Features a portable, lightweight design, making it easy to…
- WINDING HANDLE – Use the winding handle to neatly store the cable when not…
- 25 METRE CABLE – Offering a longer reach from your mains socket when you need…
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST: Established over 30 years ago, SLx are a proudly British…
- BUILT IN PROTECTION: Ideal for commercial and domestic use, this 13A rated extension…
- BRIGHT CABLE FOR SAFETY: The 30m extention lead has been thoughtfully coloured bright…
- High Power Capacity and Safety Certifications: With a power capacity of up to 3120W,…
- Bright Green Cable for Enhanced Safety: The bright green colour of the cable enhances…
- Safety Thermal Cut-Out with LED Power Indicator: This extension lead features a safety…
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST: Established over 30 years ago, SLx are a proudly British…
- BUILT IN PROTECTION: Ideal for commercial and domestic use, this 13A rated extension…
- BRIGHT CABLE FOR SAFETY: The 10m extension lead has been thoughtfully coloured bright…
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST: Established over 30 years ago, SLx are a proudly British…
- BUILT IN PROTECTION: Ideal for commercial and domestic use, this 13A rated extension…
- IP54 RATED SPLASHPROOF: The 2 fully covered splashproof sockets are IP54 rated weatherproof…
- COMPACT DESIGN – Features a portable, lightweight design, making it easy to…
- WINDING HANDLE – Use the winding handle to neatly store the cable when not…
- 5 METRE CABLE – Offering a longer reach from your mains socket when you need…
- Max current fully unwound: 10 amp
- 5 metre extension lead length
- Compact, space-saving design, handy, useful and really makes life easy
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