Large wooden spools and reels for cable, wire, and rope storage applications
Wooden spools (also called reels or drums) are cylindrical containers made from hardwood construction, designed for storing, transporting, and dispensing cable, wire, rope, chain, and other linear materials. They provide protection during transport and enable controlled dispensing during installation.
Spool Components & Construction
Component
Material
Construction
Purpose
Flanges (Cheeks)
Hardwood/Plywood
Multi-layer laminated construction
Contain cable, provide structural strength
Barrel (Core)
Hardwood/Steel
Solid wood or steel tube core
Cable winding surface, load bearing
Hub
Steel/Cast Iron
Reinforced center bore
Axle mounting, rotation support
Reinforcement
Steel Bands
Metal banding around flanges
Additional strength, edge protection
Standard Spool Dimensions
Flange Diameter
Barrel Diameter
Traverse Length
Typical Applications
36" - 48"
16" - 24"
18" - 30"
Medium power cable, building wire
60" - 84"
24" - 36"
30" - 48"
High voltage cable, transmission
96" - 120"
36" - 48"
48" - 72"
Extra high voltage, submarine cable
144" - 180"
48" - 72"
72" - 96"
Heavy industrial cable, mining
Wood Species & Properties
Wood Species
Density
Strength
Characteristics
Birch
High
Excellent
Premium grade, smooth finish
Oak
High
Excellent
Durable, weather resistant
Maple
Medium-High
Very Good
Good surface finish, moderate cost
Beech
Medium-High
Very Good
Uniform grain, good workability
Mixed Hardwood
Variable
Good
Economy option, variable quality
Cable Applications
Cable Type
Voltage Range
Spool Size
Typical Length
Building Wire (THHN/THWN)
600V
36" - 48"
2,500 - 5,000 ft
Medium Voltage Cable
5kV - 35kV
60" - 84"
1,000 - 3,000 ft
High Voltage Cable
69kV - 138kV
96" - 120"
500 - 1,500 ft
Transmission Cable
230kV - 500kV
144" - 180"
300 - 1,000 ft
Fiber Optic Cable
N/A
48" - 72"
5,000 - 12,000 ft
Load Capacities
Spool Diameter
Empty Weight
Max Load Capacity
Handling Method
36" - 48"
100 - 200 lbs
2,000 - 4,000 lbs
Forklift, crane
60" - 84"
300 - 600 lbs
6,000 - 12,000 lbs
Crane, spool trailer
96" - 120"
800 - 1,500 lbs
15,000 - 25,000 lbs
Heavy crane, specialized trailer
144" - 180"
2,000 - 4,000 lbs
30,000 - 50,000 lbs
Heavy duty crane, special transport
Condition Assessment
Condition
Description
Typical Use
New
Unused, perfect condition
Premium cable applications
Excellent
Single use, minimal wear
High-value cable transport
Good
Light use, minor surface marks
Standard cable applications
Fair
Moderate wear, some damage
Utility grade applications
Repair/Salvage
Requires repair, structural issues
Parts, reclaimed lumber
Transportation & Handling
Loading Methods
• Forklift with extended forks
• Overhead crane with sling bars
• Specialized spool trailers
• Axle-through lifting systems
• Flange-grip handling equipment
• Rolling on/off methods
Safety Requirements
• Proper weight distribution
• Secure blocking and bracing
• Load rating verification
• Personnel clearance zones
• Proper rigging techniques
• Environmental protection
Reuse & Recycling
Component
Recovery Method
Secondary Use
Hardwood Flanges
Disassembly, surface preparation
Lumber, furniture making, crafts
Wood Barrel
Cut to length, surface finishing
Posts, landscaping timbers
Steel Components
Separation, scrap processing
Metal recycling, fabrication
Whole Spool
Refurbishment, repair
Reuse for compatible applications
Key Facts
• Hardwood construction provides superior strength and durability
• Proper spool size is critical for cable bend radius requirements
• Load capacity includes both cable weight and dynamic forces
• Weather protection extends spool service life significantly
• Many spools can be refurbished for multiple uses
• Transportation requires specialized equipment for larger sizes
Important: All used wooden spools are sold AS-IS. Structural integrity, load capacity, and condition may vary. Buyers should inspect spools before purchase and verify suitability for intended cable applications. Load testing may be required for safety-critical applications.