Wire Spool Rack Conversions for Pallet Racking Systems

Not every warehouse has industrial-strength wire spool racks. But virtually every substantial storage space has pallet racks. Even electrical wholesalers who specialize in wire and cable distribution sometimes have more pallet racking, and less cable storage, than they need.  

If you operate an electrical warehouse that needs more storage for wire and cable — or your warehouse is just beginning to stock cable, wire, hose, rope, or chain — the fastest, most affordable option is usually to convert some of that pallet racking into reliable wire spool racks. Here’s how.

Conversion Equipment for Wire Spool Racking

Pallet racks have plenty of storage space. They have uprights that make great locations for the two ends of a reel shaft. But they lack axle brackets to safely support the shafts that hold your cable reels and wire spools. 

To begin your reel-rack conversion, then, all you need is a pair of axle holders and the right attachment hardware (nuts, bolts, washers). But beware: Not all reel axle brackets are designed for both storage and payout, and the wrong choice can slow down your operation or even damage equipment. 

For example, many of the bare-bones axle brackets on the market are made entirely of steel. That’s great for cost, and even for capacity, but what happens when a steel shaft rotates against a steel bracket? 

In addition to lots of noise, the friction can wear away at shafts and brackets alike. With enough time, that can lead to dangerous equipment failure. 

The Axle Holding Kit from BHS, Inc. provides a strong solution. This 4,500-pound-(2041-kilogram)-capacity spool rack system lines both shaft pockets with UHMW pads. This is the same material used on industrial slide strips, a high-performance polyethylene with an extremely low coefficient of friction and strong resistance to wear, tear, and chemical damage. 

In other words, the UHMW lining provides smooth, quiet rotation during cable payout. It’s the best way to hold industrial cable reels for both storage and payout. Each Axle Holding Kit only supports one shaft, however, and once it’s installed, you can’t change the depth at which you store your reels. 

If you’re looking for high-density wire spool racking that supports safe payout and gives you lots of options for exact storage locations, upgrade to the heavy duty Reel Rack System from BHS, Inc.

Achieving High-Density Storage/Payout for Cable and Wire Reels

The key difference between Axle Holding Kits and full Reel Rack Systems is one of size, which contributes to a difference of versatility: The former bolts onto a single upright and holds a single shaft, whereas the System connects to the front and rear uprights of a pallet rack — and it includes three sets of axle pockets. 

That gives you three times the options for exact placement of your reels. You could store wire spools three deep, if you wanted, or place a single large cable reel in the front, center, or rear position. Choose UHMW slide blocks for a payout solution, or stick with powder-coated metal for more of a storage configuration. 

Axle Holding Kits are available in three lengths to match standard pallet racking depths: 42 inches (106.68 centimeters), 48 inches (121.92 centimeters), or 60 inches (152.4 centimeters). Whichever size you choose, Reel Rack System kits quickly transform standard pallet racking into the highest-grade wire spool racks available. 

Higher density storage and more convenient access improve throughput for every cable and wire order you fill. That, in turn, creates a remarkably quick ROI for the relatively modest investment in a Reel Rack System. 

If you need additional features — sizes, capacities, colors, materials, and more — BHS, Inc. can probably provide them. As a Midwestern original equipment manufacturer with a full engineering department at your disposal, we’re uniquely qualified to create custom reel-handling solutions to meet any specification. 

Learn more about wire spool rack equipment and other cable-handling solutions from BHS by contacting our sales team at 1.800.BHS.9500 today.