Coxreels 112Y-12-CM 112Y Series Challenger Storage Reel: 8 GA./150', 10 GA./ 225', Less Cord

This caddy mount cord reel was a great solution to store and manage 75 feet of heavy 10/3 electrical cord that I run from my portable generator to a transfer switch when there is a power outage at home. The capacity of the 112Y-8-CM model is larger than I needed for 75-ft of 10/3 cord, but I wanted a portable caddy reel for my application and evidently this isn't an option for the smaller 112Y-4 model. The caddy provides a more flexible means to dispense the cord if/when the location of my portable generator changes. I’m very glad I opted for this extremely sturdy, steel reel for 10/3 cord instead of trying to make do with a plastic reel typically sold in home improvement stores. It takes some muscle to roll up the heavy cord but the reel handles it very well if I brace the caddy with my feet to keep it steady. Dispensing the cord goes very smoothly while carrying the caddy and rolling it out as I move. Lubricating the bearing surfaces with  Tri-Flow  significantly improved the ease of operation. The icing on the cake was the terrific deal I got on the reel for less than $68 with free shipping as a used item from Warehouse Deals, Inc. through Amazon. All the needed parts were included and the condition was like new as far as I can tell.For reference, the 75-ft 10/3 extension cord that works well in this application is available at Amazon listed as  NBWELL 75 Ft 10 Gauge Extension Power Cord 10/3 Lighted End . There aren’t many options available for a 75-ft 10/3 SJTW extension cord. The NEMA 5-15R female connector on this cord will fit (just barely) through the hole of the 112Y-8-CM cord reel (the 5-15P male plug fits easily). I installed the cord clamp on the side of the reel with the hole and made a loop of cord to the opposite side of the reel (crank) and then back to the hole to exit. In that configuration it’s possible to easily get about 15 inches of this flexible 10/3 cord stuffed entirely into the drum of the reel while it’s rotating and then pull it out when needed. It’s plenty long to reach the ground from the axis of the cord reel. I have a short 7-ft 10/3 adapter cable (5-15P to L14-30R Hots Bridged) that plugs into the extension cord and connects to my transfer switch. I elected to remove the NEMA 5-15P male plug at the other end of the extension cord and replaced it with a watertight Hubbell 5-20P plug ( HBL14W33 ). It plugs into my Honda EU2200i portable generator sitting outside in the weather.

I purchased this reel for a 100 foot 10/3 extension cord. It easily handles that gauge and length. Extension cord of that gauge and length is very heavy and hard to handle even in warm weather so this makes it a lot easier. I ended up mounting this reel on a portable pad of two layers of 3/4" exterior plywood and bolted it down to the pad with stainless 5/8 bolts. It is strong and heavy so I put it on a moving dolly or a truck and transport it to where it's needed. The reel could probably hold 200 feet of 10/3 I don't know. I ended up making myself a 15 foot length of 10/3 extension cord for this rig because it operates better when only a little bit of the male end of reel cord is hanging out of the reel hole during extension and retrieval. I just unwind as much reel cord as I want then plug in the 15 foot cord to the power outlet and connect the other end to the reel and when I'm finished I unplug the 15 foot cord and rewind.I might add this is a very high quality, heavy gauge steel, and smooth operating reel. Built to work a lifetime under hard conditions. Not cheap but worth it.

Heavy duty reel for cord management. Winding action is very smooth, seems very durable with a good paint job.

Coxreels are bulletproof. They are made from heavy gage steel and use bearings that feel like ball bearings. This will last you a lifetime - unless you abuse it and batter it. The 112Y - series - the number after the Y is the width in inches, are meant to be mounted on a wall. Mounting slots are punched in the base as seen in the picture. When installed in this manner, the cord and reel become a permanent part of the building. Another reviewer complained that since his cord end would not fit through the hole in the end of the reel, once you cut the cord and thread the cable through the hole, you now have to carry the reel with you. This is, imho, akin to complaining that a Ferrari is a lousy off road vehicle. He did have a legitimate complaint about the hole size. It should be larger because most male plugs will not fit through it. Another complaint is Coxreels optimistic estimate of the length of cord these reels will hold. Since extension cords come in various insulation thicknesses (example - SO or SJO) for a given size, you cannot specify that a reel will hold 100' of 12 ga cord (unless you also specify the insulation type). All in all, I love my reel. It works perfectly, and I almost always replace the ends with spec grade devices anyway.

Poor quality control - the main shaft on the first unit was bent or welded crooked. Sent it back. Second unit exact same problem. Wouldn't smoothly turn when reeling cord in or out. Sent that one back, too. Bought a Reelcraft reel - excellent in all regards.

Having to disconnect from wall to rotate the crank is a bummer, but other than that the unit is built like a tank, reliable, smooth and easy to use. The exit hole for the cable needs to be bigger - my heavy duty cable didn't go through and I had to remove the plug end to mount my cord. However, that was a one-time inconvenience, and now everything works perfectly!

Very solid. I have modified it and attached a handle to carry it. On the photo it has12 gauge 100ft extension cord.

Working fine very sturdy

excelent

Good product... would you have an identical reel to the unit only about half it’s physical size and cost ?We need one to organize an expandable water hose that goes from 35’ to 100’