Wire spool from old packing tape core

thingiverse

I use a lot of packing tape, and am left with empty cores all over the place. I also have a common need to put wire onto spools. Hence this thing, it converts an empty cardboard core from packing tape (ID about 76-77mm is pretty standard) into a spool for holding wire. The sides have a couple holes to hold the "inside" end and notches in the top edges to hold the loose end. There is also an optional stand with crank and "cog" to make spooling up the wire easier, you only need one stand just spread the stand sides apart and slot in your empty reel ready for spooling up. Print 2 copies of the reel sides, 1 copy of the other parts. You probably will need to chase out the 6mm axel hole in the reel sides to get the connecting rod through as it's a tight "interference" fit. Use a small screw about 12mm to connect handle to the cog (cog on one side of the stand and handle on the other of course), a drop of glue may help keep them connected. Screw the stand down the appropriate distance apart, mine is just on some cardboard but you might use wood or print a flat plate. It should be easy enough to drill out the "wire capturing" holes to fit your wire if too small. This was made in OnShape and is a public document there called "Wire Spool For Tape Roll", this link should get you there so you can copy and modify it for your purposes: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/24276ffbafa3dda770c54b6c/w/7e0e6be732d66d52ac7fd2ce