Small Electric Fence Reel

INTRODUCTION: I needed a simple, small electric fence reel to divide up a paddock for livestock. It acts similar to a kite wind up reel. Primary design concerns was making it simple, robust, affordable, and can be disposed of at the end of its product lifecycle.

PRINTING:  I have printed the designs in PETG, PLA, and PHA. For longer term outdoor applications, it is recommended to use PETG or PHA. I have deployed 2 PETG and 2 PHA small reel out in the pasture to see how they compare against one another.

For all prints

• Layer height of .3mm
• infill of 20%

For the print orientation see the .3mf file. The handles use a print in place function and need to be printed a certain orientation to make it work

The total cost is around $2-$3 US dollars which is much lower than what is found at the typical farm stores for a small reel, around d $15 US dollars.

I am hoping the PHA prints hold and that the disposal of the assembly at the end of its lifecycle is just in my compost!

ASSEMBLY: The printed handle  components are print in place to rotate so you don't “burn” up your hands while unwinding or winding. The handles inner part(not the rotating portion)are then friction fitted to the main frame,  a rubber mallet is helpful for ease of placement while assembling, figure below shows the components(1 qty of Main Frame and 2 qty of Handles)  before assembly.

The overall assemble after placement of the handles, see figure below.

Next, select you electrical wire and tie it to the hole that is in the center of the assembly, now windup the electrical wire onto the assembly. Note, how much you can wind is dependant on your electrical wire. Finally, attach your electric fence handle to the end last bit of unwound. Now it is ready to be deployed.

USE: The assemble has hooks to attach to different kinds of fencing. It can be attached to cattle panels or other electric wires, see figures below.

The design applies tension if hooking from the top, which is a nice feature.

Now attach your hot wire to the line and it is now live. 

When winding it back up, it is easier if the line has a bit of tension as there is no wire guide(trying to keep it simple) when coiling the electrical wire.

I am working on releasing the corresponding electric fence handle that is used. But you can use whatever one you like.

Let me know if you have any feedback on the design for improvements and thanks for looking.