Preparing the Reel

• An effective and easy-to-use cord reel can be completed in just a matter of minutes using a bucket, a power drill and a knife, or some shears or sharp scissors. If you have a bore saw, or a drill bit larger than the male end of the plug being applied to the reel, you won't even need the cutting implement. Create a hole near the bottom of the bucket, large enough for the male end of the cord to fit through. The hole will be on the side of the bucket, but only 1 or 2 inches above the bottom. If you have a large bit, simply drill a hole; however most owners will find their bits are too small, which can be remedied by drilling multiple holes, in the shape of the male end of the plug. Use the cutting implement to cut out the area between these holes, creating a hole for the plug.
  
  

Using the Reel

• To use your newly constructed reel, simply slide the male end of a cord through the hole, starting from the inside of the bucket and passing the male end out of the bucket. Load the rest of the cord into the bucket by coiling it around the outer edge of the bucket for a neat and tidy storage of the cord. When ready to use it, simple put the bucket down near an outlet, plug in the male end, and plug the female into your power tool. As you walk away from the bucket to do your work, the cord will unravel itself as needed. When you're done, just unplug from your tool and the outlet, recoil the cord and place the bucket back in storage.