Questions about reels and pickups
Short answers to what people ask about empty cable reels: who takes them, what they're worth, how many fit on a truck, what they weigh, how take-back programs and returnable reels work, whether they go in the green bin, and where we pick up. Each answer starts with the answer.
The three questions behind every pickup
Almost every request comes down to three things. How many, of what size? The flange size and count set the share of a deck, and with it whether you ride along or get a run of your own. Where, and when? The ZIP puts you on a lane; the dock hours set your pickup window. What shape are they in? Condition decides whether reels are resold or recycled, and so what the stack is worth. The form asks exactly these, in that order.
If your question isn't here
The guides go deeper on measuring, grading, staging and what to do after a job. The truckload pages carry the full figures by flange size. Or email info@lawoodenspools.com.
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All questions
Who buys empty cable reels?
Contractors who wind their own cable, hose or rope; growers and nurseries; pallet and crate shops; makers who build tables; event planners; and resellers. We collect reels from yards and pass the sound ones on to them.
Is reel pickup free?
Sometimes. Resellable reels in common sizes can cover the cost of collecting them; broken or rotten reels cost money to recycle. Send counts and photos and we say which applies.
Do you take part loads and mixed brands?
Yes. That is most of what we collect. Six reels of three brands in two sizes are a normal ride-along.
How many empty reels fit on a truck?
On a 53 foot, 102 inch flatbed, roughly 416 at 24 inches, 102 at 36 inches, 26 at 48 inches, 20 at 72 inches and 16 at 96 inches. Small reels are stacked flat; large ones stand on edge in two staggered rows. Estimates.
How much does an empty wooden reel weigh?
From about 23 lb for a 24 inch reel to over 1,000 lb for the heaviest 96 inch builds. A 36 inch reel is 64 to 77 lb; a 72 inch reel 204 to 592 lb.
How do I measure a reel?
Across the round end at its widest point: that is the flange size, and it is all a pickup needs. For reuse, also measure the drum, the inside traverse and the overall width.
What makes a reel resellable?
Flat, whole flanges; tight staves; a round arbor hole; dry, sound wood; and no owner's stencil. Missing any of those usually means recycling.
Should I use the cable maker's take-back program instead?
If you have a full truckload of that maker's reels in good condition and it runs a program, yes. Mixed stacks and part loads are what we are for.
What is a returnable reel?
A reel the maker or distributor wants back, usually stencilled with its name or a reel number, sometimes on a deposit. We set those aside for their owners.
Do you take steel or plastic reels?
No. They nearly always belong to someone; contact the company named on the flange. Our runs carry wooden reels.
Can a wooden reel go in the green bin?
No. Reels carry nails, staples and bolts and may be treated, so they are not yard trimmings. They go to a wood recycler.
Do you pick up in San Diego County?
No. Our runs cover Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Temecula, at the bottom of the 15, is as far south as we go.
How soon can you come?
It depends on the lane and the load. A part load or full deck sets a run of its own, usually soonest. A small stack rides along with the next run that passes. We reply with a window.
Do I need a forklift?
For reels of 48 inches and up, yes, or a crane. Smaller reels can be hand loaded. Tell us on the request and we plan around it.
Can you pick up every week?
Yes. Distributors' docks and busy contractor yards often book a standing slot, weekly or every two weeks.
Do you sell wooden spools?
Yes, the sound ones from our runs: single spools for tables and gardens, matched sets for events, or a trailer of empties for the trade.
Do you deliver spools?
Yes, on a run toward you, inside the four counties. Small spools can also be collected by arrangement.
Will you take reels with cable still on them?
No. We collect empty reels. Cut off any leftover cable or set those reels aside.
Are your truckload figures guaranteed?
No, they are planning estimates from published loading charts and reel tables. The count on the day decides.
How do I book?
Use the request form: choose sell, recycle or buy, then give the count, flange size, ZIP and how the reels can be loaded. We reply by email.