Christmas light storage reels

[Polar33]

For the past few years I've been using storage reels like the one shown in the attached photo. This year several of them have fallen apart and it's time for replacements, but I can no longer find these anywhere. The only kind of reels I've been able to find are the smaller ones that hold a max of 300 minis and fit into a storage bag. I use the smaller ones too, but for my display most of my lights are 4 different colored mini strands zip-tied together so I need something that can hold at least 400 minis. Has anyone come across these larger reels recently, or perhaps something similar?

[tfischer]

For my fence lights which are permanently tied together, I use the orange extension-cord reels. It takes 4 of them to do about 400 linear feet of lights.

[fremontlights]

Here is what you need to do. Check out the link. There is a video link at the bottom of that page as well. I do something similar to this but not as good as what you will see on this link. This is from one of the members here.
http://www.bazillionlights.com/Tech/LightsTechStorage.html

[strrchristmas]

One inexpensive and eco friendly solution is empty wire feed welder, wire spools. Welding shops through these away by the dozens. They are a good size for minis and C-7s. They come in two basic styles, solid sided and wire frame. Both work well, stack well, and protect the strings very nicely. Having a center hole, for mounting in the welder, you can build a pole stand to stack them up on and move them around easily. Something low cost to consider.

Good Luck,
Terry

[Dave H]

I have become a stalker at the "wire-go-rounds" at the local Home Depots and Lowes. Just look for any empty reels or neer empty reels. Most employees will gladly give them to you. The full plastic ones are the best and can be exposed tothe elements, however the ones with the heavy cardboard center cores can take some water before deforming.

I like to cut / drill a holes in the center core to allow the female receptacles for each string to slide in. Saves space on the reel and keeps them from spinning. I can get anywhere from 2 to 4 of my mega tree super strings on each small reel.

Merry Christmas

Dave

[Jason Rose]

i'm sure you already know, but i'll post the idea anyway... Yarn balling your lights. Not necessarily all of them, but at least any you use for wrapping things...

I also just made my own light wrappers. Just a piece of plywood about 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. Then knotched out either end about 2" deep leaving just a half to 3/4 of an ench "leg" on both sides. I can then wrap the lights right on there pretty fast. The cord reels you posted I have about a dozen of and mine fell apart too. Glad I got them at 75% off a few years ago.

I need to make some more of my wooden cord wraps for this year. Oh, I just store them in large totes, or even just stacked up on the shelves.

[Polar33]

Thanks for the ideas everyone, I only have about 7 of these strands that I need to store so a few of the larger capacity setups may be a bit overkill but definitely something I'll keep in mind for the future. Looks like yet another day of wandering around Home Depot until I have an epiphany needs to be scheduled. Thankfully I have a few good places to start looking.

[Lukeslights]

Here is what you need to do. Check out the link. There is a video link at the bottom of that page as well. I do something similar to this but not as good as what you will see on this link. This is from one of the members here.
http://www.bazillionlights.com/Tech/LightsTechStorage.html

That helps a lot with some storage ideas!

Thanks!

[deleskie]

I've coiled mine and stacked in the large garbage can's on wheels. Easy to move around such.. I did make sure to get a different color then the regular garbage cans though would hate a mix up :)