Selling and pickup
Do you pick up empty cable reels?
Yes, across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, from jobsites, supply branches, utility yards, plants, warehouses and shops. See reel pickup.
What's the smallest load you'll collect?
There's no fixed minimum. A handful of reels is fine; they may be combined with nearby pickups to make the trip sensible.
What's the biggest?
Hundreds of reels, over several trucks or several visits. See big loads.
Do you pay for reels?
For sound, reusable reels in demand, often yes. For broken ones, we may charge to haul them. We price the load before the truck comes. What empty reels are worth explains why.
Do the reels have to be one brand?
No. Mixed brands, sizes and builds go on the same truck. See mixed-brand loads.
What do you need from me?
The count, the flange sizes, the ZIP code, and how the reels can be loaded: forklift, dock or ground level.
How do I get the reels ready?
Stand them in rows next to a truck lane, on firm ground. See staging reels for pickup.
Take-backs and returnables
Will the wire maker take my reels back?
Some makers run programs, for their own reels only and with conditions. See manufacturer return programs.
Does Encore Wire take its reels back?
We could find no published Encore Wire reel take-back program. See our Encore Wire guide.
Will my supply house take reels back?
Usually only deposit or program reels. See do supply houses take back reels?
Do you take returnable reels?
Only if they're yours to give. Reels stamped with another owner's name go back to that owner.
Recycling and disposal
Do you take broken reels?
Yes, with the sound ones. They go to wood recycling. See damaged reels.
Can I burn old reels?
No. Texas restricts outdoor burning, and reel wood can be treated or painted. See how to dispose of wooden reels.
Will a scrap yard take them?
Metal yards rarely want wooden reels. See do scrap yards take wooden spools?
Buying
Do you sell single spools?
Yes, including large spools for tables and ranch use. See buy.
Can you deliver?
By arrangement, across the Metroplex, or you can collect. See delivery and collection.
Can I choose the size?
Tell us the flange size, traverse or table height you need and we'll match what we have.
Do you make new reels?
No. We sell used reels only.
Reels themselves
How do I measure a reel?
Flange diameter across the face, traverse between the flanges, and drum diameter. See measuring a reel.
How much does a reel weigh?
From about 23 lb at 24 in to over 1,000 lb at 96 in, by published figures. See reel weights.
What's the difference between nailed and plywood reels?
Board flanges nailed together, or plywood flanges held by bolts. See nailed and bolted reels.
How many reels fit on a truck?
About 24 reels of 48 in on a 48 ft flatbed, for example. See reels on a flatbed.
About us
Where are you based?
We serve the whole Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. See areas.
How do I contact you?
Through the request form or at info@dallaswoodenspools.com.
Payment and paperwork
How do you pay for reels you buy?
We agree the amount and the method in writing when we quote, before the truck comes.
Do I get a record of what you collected?
Yes. We confirm the count and sizes by email after loading, which is useful for site records and closeout files.
Do you need a purchase order?
If your company issues them, send one with the request and we'll reference it.
Site visits and access
Do you need to see the reels first?
Usually not. A count, sizes and a couple of photos are enough to quote. For very large or awkward loads we may ask to visit.
Can you collect outside normal hours?
Sometimes, by arrangement, when a site can only be reached early or late. Tell us in the request.
What if my site has a gate code or induction?
Put it in the details box on the form, and we'll plan around it.
Odd reels and edge cases
Do you take reels with cable still on them?
Tell us first. Short tails are fine if you cut them off; full reels of usable cable are a different matter, and we don't buy cable.
What about reels painted or branded for a company?
Fine, as long as they're yours to clear. Painted wood may limit some recycling routes.
Do you take huge reels over 96 in?
Ask. They need specialist transport, and we'll tell you honestly whether we can handle them.
Do you take wooden cable drums from overseas?
Yes. Metric sizes are fine; just say whether you measured in millimetres or inches.
Weather and seasons
Do you collect in the rain?
Light rain, usually yes. Heavy storms, flooded yards or lightning nearby mean we reschedule, because wet ramps and soft ground make loading unsafe.
Is there a busy season?
Construction runs year-round in the Metroplex, so reels do too. Book ahead around holidays and the end of a quarter, when many projects close out together.
Still stuck?
Who do I ask about something not covered here?
Write to info@dallaswoodenspools.com with your question and, if it's about specific reels, a photo. We answer every message.