Self Winding Spool?

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by jdworld, Jan 26, 2010.

  1. jdworld
    Joined: Nov 2009
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    Location: Portland

    jdworld Junior Member

    Anyone know of a source for a self-winding spring loaded cable or rope spool? For lightweight aircraft cable. Think miniature windlass type of thing, except no crank or motor - spring loaded and self retracting. Almost like a mini-blind mechanism is what I'm picturing. Seems like I've seen what I'm picturing, but can't think where. There's got to be something out there.....

    thanks!
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Are you thinking of the old style halyard winches with metal strap brake?
     
  3. jdworld
    Joined: Nov 2009
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    Location: Portland

    jdworld Junior Member

    no, i'm needing something much smaller. I want to automatically take up/ wind up some light aircraft sized cable around a spool to take up slack in a line. So I am picturing a small diameter spool, maybe 2", sort of spring loaded so it automatically rewinds the cable when the tension is let off.
     
  4. apex1

    apex1 Guest

    Something like a car safety belt tensioner / roller?
     
  5. ancient kayaker
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    ancient kayaker aka Terry Haines

    What about a replacement part for a vacuum cleaner power flex?
     
  6. portacruise
    Joined: Jun 2009
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    portacruise Senior Member

    How much cable to be taken up? Are both ends needed or will the cable all retract into the spool. Something like a tape measure? Maybe one of these:
    clothes line retractor, spring loaded fishing spool that hangs from branches, fly fishermans small retracting tool holder, overhead shop light electric cord retractor, electric power cord retractors, phone cord retractors, etc.

    P
     
  7. capt-phil
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    capt-phil New Member

  8. wardd
    Joined: Apr 2009
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    wardd Senior Member

    where are you going to use it

    one could be made with a small low power dc motor
     
  9. ancient kayaker
    Joined: Aug 2006
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    ancient kayaker aka Terry Haines

    - retractable dog walking leash
     

  10. Greybarn
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Greybarn Junior Member

    Ronstan has something they call a "Magic Wheel" which would work.
     
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