Spools for Cordage?

[Gqgeek81]

How big of a spool are you expecting to end up with?

I'm imagining spools no thicker than say a nalgene bottom. Maybe you have a LOT of cordage.

If you have some basic tools you could fab up a toolbox like I posted out of MDF and a rod from the hardware store. Get some thinner wood and make some discs and you could divide the handle into segments so it becomes a spool rather than just a spool holder. Add a handle on the end for cranking.

For the separators you could probably use the cheap knock out test caps from the plumbing section.

[gargoyle]

Spools take up space.
I gather up any extra line, wrap each individual length into seperate small bundles, wrap a rubber band around said bundle and deposit into a quart size ziplock bag. When I need to access some line, I can see into the bag, pick a color/size and go.

You could do smaller bags inside a larger bag, if you'd like. Once bundled and banded I haven't had an issue with tangles.

[hppyfngy]

I guess I'm just sloppy. Whenever I want 12' for a whoopie, it takes me about as long to get the 12' out as it does to make the whoopie...

I got the hardware guy to save some spools for me. I want the ones that are 5-6" in diameter with a 1" or so spindle.

[Darby]

I have built spools before using 1 1/4" PVC pipe and 3/8" plywood. I cut the holes in the plywood a shade small, sanded the edge of the PVC, applied some 5 min. epoxy, tapped the plywood on and let cure. I still use them 4 years later.

[GaHammockGuy]

I use THESE for my Christmas lights and they work great.

[TiredFeet]

I have an easy solution to your problem (easy for me at least ).

Just ship some of those "loose ends", say 100' of Amsteel, or 100' or 50' of Dynaglide to me. Problem Solved. I'll even pay the shipping if done by USPS, first class.

I'll bet there are even others on the forums that would be willing to help you solve your problem.

[olddog]

Don't recall where I saw this. Use the small mesh bags that produce and such comes in, start loading the cord from one end into the bag until you reach the end,poke end thru mesh and tie off bag. Will look like a bag of worms, just pull on the free end to remove the cord needed. I carry 50' of 550 in my pack this way.

[hppyfngy]

Don't recall where I saw this. Use the small mesh bags that produce and such comes in, start loading the cord from one end into the bag until you reach the end,poke end thru mesh and tie off bag. Will look like a bag of worms, just pull on the free end to remove the cord needed. I carry 50' of 550 in my pack this way.

That's Cool. I can see how that would work!

I'm going to go Darby's way though and make a few spools. I have a length of 1/2" pvc and plenty of scrap luan plywood. I can make several for free until my hardware store comes through with nice light plastic ones. A little rack would go together in a few minutes and help me stay more organized.

Maybe I'm weird but I just can't keep these loose skeins of cordage from getting tangled up.

[olzeke]

call your local electrical construction company and ask them if they have any spools left over from the #12 wire. I bet it is the same thing your hardware store guy is saving for you. Most companies have several spools sitting around.

Or, you could just ask Opie to send you some leftovers from the last group buy.

[Festus]

I saw these popcicle holders at Wally World and thought they'd make good spools. Rather than holding the icecream or popcicle, you could wrap the cord around the center (handle) portion.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Trademark-...-of-4/16516689

Another method I've used is a wooden dowel with caps from spray paint cans. I cut a hole the size of the dowel into the spray paint cap. After sliding the cap onto the dowel, I drill a small hole in the dowel and put a pin/kotter key though it to keep the cap from sliding off the end of the dowel. By leaving a small portion of the dowel exposed, I can then attach it to my portable drill and wind the excess cord around the dowel mechanically.