I want to make a retractable string at a specified distance. Think employee ID badge, but on a bigger scale. I want it to be 25-30 feet at full extension, but then coil itself back up. How can I do this?

it's for the cornhole set I'm making... I want to be able to have the string come out of a hole on one set so that at full extension it's the correct dimension for placing the other set.

any ideas?

7/16/2008 10:42:48 PM

Just take apart a badge tether, look at the parts, and recreate it on a bigger scale.

A simpler solution would be to use a tape measure. You could even build in a holder for it so it won't wander off. Don't reinvent the wheel if you don't have to.

7/16/2008 10:45:24 PM

what about one of those clothes line things you sometimes see in hotel bathrooms?

google shopping results

7/16/2008 10:50:17 PM

spring ratchet?

7/16/2008 10:52:44 PM

how are you going to "turn on" the retraction - it can't be on the whole time or that effects the throw - you'll also want it to be longer i'd guess b/c of the arc that some people throw the beanbags at

7/16/2008 11:14:21 PM

^ I think you mis-read the application. It sounded to me like he wants a device solely to space the targets at a set and uniform distance.

7/17/2008 12:49:12 AM

Quote :

"use a tape measure"

thats a possibility.. i thought of that as well. I just think it would be cool to incorporate a design where a string (or wire) is fed through a small hole on the front of the board that reaches the exact distance. The contraption that holds the coil can be hidden on the underside of the board.

that hotel thingy is similar to what i was thinking, but I dont know of a place to buy a similar device and am not experienced enough in the area to create one (without some sort of plans)

so i guess im wondering if anyone knows of something similar to that or an ID badge contraption on a larger scale.. that would go 25-30 feet. (or perhaps someone has done some sort of work with something similar... maybe like a chalk-line device or something)

7/17/2008 1:06:38 AM

i can't read for shit

7/17/2008 8:07:10 AM

^^ How about using a 25-30 foot tape measure? You can set it up to feed out like you described.

7/17/2008 11:07:46 AM