Since I make a Take Up Reel, I’ve become a pseudo expert about reels in general. One of the challenges with reel is that because they can be expensive, it’s hard to know if one is right for you. Today I’m going to show you how to make a simple locking reel. This reel isn’t something that I would use for a show, it has a big flaw, but it’s something you could use as a “proof of concept” to know if you should invest in a better quality locking reel.
Step one: Buy a reel that you can unscrew. This will typically be a “key reel” and not a “badge reel”.
Step two: unscrew it and take it apart.
Step three: Drill a hole in the cover of it and holes on the spindle that match up with the reel.
Step Four: Reassemble the reel.
Step Five: Bend a paperclip to make the “lock”
Step Six: Tape the paper clip in place
Step Seven: Put sponge under the paper clip
Step Eight: Test it!
The design flaw with this reel is the paper clip. Ideally you want a spring steel, however since this is a proof of concept reel, and not something you should use in a show the sponge under the paper clip will work.
There you go, it’s a locking reel that you can make for under about $15!
-Louie
Ty using a safety pin instead of a paperclip – the safety pin is designed to spring.
I didn’t have any at home when I made this 🙂