Carretes

Carretes are devices used to wind and store flexible materials on a cylindrical core. They facilitate controlled winding and unwinding, prevent tangling, and keep material organized for storage or use.

They appear in several domains: fishing reels store line and provide drag-based casting and retrieval; textile and craft reels wind threads or yarns; cable, wire, and rope reels manage long lengths of conductor or fiber; film reels store and feed film in projectors and editing equipment; and magnetic tape reels hold recording media in some legacy systems.

Structure and operation vary by application but share common elements. A typical reel consists of a central hub or core with flanges on either side to guide the material during winding. It sits on a rotating axle and may include a manual handle, gears or a motor for winding, and braking or drag mechanisms to regulate unwinding. The design and components are chosen to suit the material’s thickness, stiffness, and required tension.

Materials and maintenance also vary. Reels are made from metal (such as aluminum or steel), plastic, or composite materials, depending on strength and environmental exposure. Industrial reels may be heavy-duty and steel-lined, while fishing reels emphasize corrosion resistance and smooth drag. Regular inspection, cleaning, and lubrication help prevent wear, tangling, and operational failures.

See also: reel, spool, winch.