If you are a professional electrician or tradesman and want to rationalise your mobile workshop, a well-organised workspace can improve your efficiency and productivity. An essential tool for any mobile professional is a reel stand.
A custom cable reel holder will not only help you maintain a tidy workspace, but it will also extend the life of your cables by preventing tangling, kinks, and unnecessary wear. With the right approach, you can build a sturdy, functional reel holder using readily available materials and tools, ensuring that your work setup remains efficient and professional.
Read on if you want to discover how to make a cable reel holder step by step to create the perfect electrician tool list to suit your needs.
Table of Contents
The Importance of a Cable Reel Holder
A cable reel holder is more than just a storage solution; it is a valuable asset for any mobile professional. By safely storing your cable reels, you can:
- Protect your cables: Prevent cable damage from kinking, twisting or exposure to the elements.
- Organise your workspace: Create a more professional and organised look for your mobile workshop.
- Improve efficiency: Quickly and easily access the cables you need, without having to search through a cluttered workspace.
- Increase safety: Reduce the risk of accidents by preventing cables from tangling or tripping.
How to Choose the Right Reel Stand
When choosing a reel stand, consider factors such as size to make sure the reel holder fits the size and weight of your cable drums. Choose a durable material that can withstand daily wear and tear and determine whether you prefer a wall or free-standing bracket.
You should also look for additional features such as locking mechanisms, cable guides or integrated storage compartments. This will ensure that the cable reel holder is adapted to the needs of professionals.
These are the common types of cable reel holder:
- Wall-mounted cable carriers: Ideal for fixed locations and limited space.
- Freestanding brackets: Versatile for a variety of applications and easy to move.
- Mobile brackets: Equipped with wheels for easy transport and deployment.
- Hydraulic Mounts: Designed for heavy duty applications and large cable reels.
Cable Reel Holder: Step-by-step Guide
If you enjoy DIY, creating a custom cable holder can be a rewarding project. Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
- Gather the materials: You’ll need wood or metal for the frame, hardware and additional components such as wheels.
- Design the frame: Sketch a plan for the cable tray, taking into account the size and weight of the reels.
- Cut and assemble the structure: Use the appropriate tools to cut the materials to size and assemble the frame.
- Add support structures: Install shelves or brackets to hold the cable drums securely. The structure must be useful to increase productivity, but safety must be one of the most important aspects during installation.
- Finish the rack: Sand, paint or stain the rack to suit the desired aesthetic. If it is a company vehicle, you can adapt it to the aesthetics to give it a more professional appearance.
If you prefer a ready-made solution, there are numerous professional cable carriers on the market. These products are designed to meet the specific needs of mobile professionals, and often offer advanced features such as integrated tool storage or customisable configurations.
In this article, we have learnt how to build a cable reel holder to streamline your mobile workshop, as well as discover the best options for electricians and tradesmen. In this regard, at Tecnolam, a UK-based van racking company, we provide customised solutions and expert guidance for professionals, such as carpenters, craftsmen and installers, ensuring efficiency in their mobile workshops.
