Does the cable "lock" to length when you pull it out or is it constantly under strain trying to retract?
1885664
it locks to length when you pull it out. It has several locking lengths. I love this.
1885665
It works similar to a seat belt, pull it out to lock. Pull out again to retract.
2215457
Letting the cable out is free wheeling, but you should hear the ratchet as you lift. I hope this helps.
477058
No, it basically works like a measuring tape that you pull and then retract. Except with this you pull both sides of the cables and they both retract into the middle section. Hence why it is very portable and you don't need to worry about wrapping it up
1093552
It's supposed to be loose so it doesn't clog up or get hard to move. Mine is held on by a rivet and would be impossible to pry off by hand, but still flicks back and forth easily. It still has a little gap when closed; it's not going to seal airtight.
410244
Also if you're talking about what actually secures the cable back to the "cocked" position it's actually a disc type thing that rotates in front of the cable when it's all the way back. You can't see it when it's not cocked and if it doesn't lock back you just need to pull the lever down more to fully cock it.
2055660
The cord and center (so not counting the plugs which add to the length different amounts) is about 27.5".Unlike another person who answered, I don't have any problem with only extending the cable partway--you just need to pull from both sides instead of only one, then it stays locked.
591202
You can partially retract. As you partailly pull the cord out, it stays at the current lenght until you push the retract button. I never pull the cord out entirely.
1730993
There should be a small metal circle that the cable passes through on the frame. You need to loosen the metal piece so you can get the cable into the loop. Once in the loop re-tighten and the pull is on the frame. That is how mine was.
1530076
The entire 50' of hose comes unwound off the reel. It goes through a roller guide, and the reel has ratcheting locks, so it doesn't free-wheel during retraction at all. It's a very safe and sturdy set-up, and the hoses pays out, and retracts under full control.
1733736
It took me a little while to figure out too. Just PULL, don't twist. I had to use something to pry it out the first time because it was set in pretty tight.
638058
It retracts a little bit, but after you stretch it out it mostly stays that far stretched.
2153727
No, The user has to release the ratchet lock and pull the cable out by hand.
2033141
It does lock on pretty tight but I found that if you twist counter clockwise it will release easily. Once you get it down it will be easier it took me a little time to figure it out too.
2260710
It extends very smoothly and easily to about 28". Pull somewhat harder and you get about 32" max extension. Getting it to retract when at full extension is a bit difficult as the arms are almost completely closed and they want to pivot instead of retract.
477713
It does not lock in place,but I am able to pull it behind me with no problem.
1745609
It is not retractable. I don't remember the exact length, but I did install these and ended up trimming the wire. I would guess the cord is about 18" long or so.
1026959
It does retract, but needs to be guided by hand slowly. Otherwise the screen will tear at the top channel. Initially I was not pleased with the unit, but I have been able to deal with its drawbacks by compromising!!