The Recoil Winder was a compact, spring-loaded organizer for everyday cords: fold a cable in half, hook the fold onto the device, and give it a small tug to wind it up. Its 2012 product report described three sizes for earbuds, headphones, USB leads and other lightweight cables, with length and cable weight affecting fit.
How the Recoil Winder worked
Unlike a passive wrap or tie, the Recoil Winder used a spring-loaded mechanism to draw in a folded cable. The user folded the cable in half, hooked the fold onto the winder, then gave it a small tug. New Atlas’s February 6, 2012 report also said that unwinding was quick and easy in a video response. Demonstrations included chargers, Wii Nunchuk cables and USB cables, so the device was not limited to one connector type. New Atlas product report, February 6, 2012.
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Recoil Spring-loaded Automatic Cord Winder EL875 | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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YAMAKATO Recoil Starter Spring for Honda gx120 gx140 gx160 gx200 | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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RECOIL SPRING | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Prime Line 7-03412 Recoil Spring | $12.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Mtanlo 5x Recoil Starter Spring 28442-ZE2-W01 for Honda GX240 GX270 GX340 | $14.48 | Buy on Amazon |
Which cables the historical sizes were designed for
The 2012 report described three winder sizes and a rack. These were intended-use specifications at the time, not verified specifications for a product currently sold.
| Model | Reported intended use | Reported length limit |
|---|---|---|
| Small Winder | Apple earbuds, including earbuds with small integrated microphones | Not stated in the 2012 report |
| Medium Winder | Other headphones and lightweight USB or charging cords | Up to 47 inches (1.2 meters) |
| Large Winder | Small-diameter cables | Up to 60 inches (1.5 meters) |
| Rack | Held three winders of any size | Not applicable |
The report cautioned that the device was not meant for heavy, armored electrical cable. Length alone was not enough to determine fit: the cable’s diameter and weight mattered too. A lightweight headphone lead could suit a different size than a thicker or heavier cord of similar length. New Atlas product report, February 6, 2012.
#1 Best Overall
How inventor David Alden developed it
David Alden told New Atlas that the idea followed a move into a home where cords and chargers had no assigned storage place. He first tried winding cords around fishing reels, then experimented with modified tape measures and a wire hook. Alden said the tape-measure approach had serious flaws, and refining the mechanics took nearly a year. One particular challenge was preventing the spring from spinning out when no cable was attached.
He described the process as organic: “The creation of the Winder was entirely organic.” Alden also recalled the scale of the iteration: “At least 75 versions over about 6 months. No kidding.” These development details come from New Atlas’s February 28, 2012 interview. New Atlas interview, February 28, 2012.
Rank #2
- For Honda GX 120 GX 140 GX 160 GX 200 and Chinese 168FA 168FB 170F 5.5 HP 6.5 HP 7 HP gasoline engine, for John Deere 180A, 180B, 180C, 220A, 220B, 220C, 260B and 260C Lawn mowers.
- Easy to install and operate, no extral parts are needed, you can easily install this starter spring, save your time and effort.
- The 100% brand new and high quality. Made of high quality metal material, sturdy and durable.
- Packing: This start starter package includes a starter spring.
- Replacement for original part. Please check part comparibility to see if it fits your model.
What the 2012 Kickstarter figures mean
The campaign numbers reported in 2012 are funding snapshots, not evidence of current sales or demand.
- On February 6, New Atlas reported a US$10,000 Kickstarter goal and US$50,251 raised from just over a thousand backers, with 19 days remaining in the campaign. That was a mid-campaign snapshot, not the final total. New Atlas product report, February 6, 2012.
- In the February 28 interview, New Atlas characterized the campaign as having raised more than 14 times its original US$10,000 target, without stating an exact final dollar amount in that statement. New Atlas interview, February 28, 2012.
What to consider when choosing a cable organizer
For a spring-driven winder or any other organizer, check the cable’s length, diameter and weight against the product’s stated compatibility. Also consider whether you want a quick wind-up mechanism, a simple wrap or tie, or storage for several cables together. The historical reports describe the Recoil Winder’s design and intended cable limits, but do not provide controlled performance or durability comparisons with other organizers.
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Rank #3
The sources describe the Recoil Winder and its rack as historical products. They do not establish whether the original device is currently manufactured, in stock or available from a retailer; a present-day cable winder should not be assumed to be the same product.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Compatible Models] Recoil starter spring for Honda GX240, GX270, GX340, GX390, GX610, GX620, GX670, GXV270, GXV340, GXV390, GXV520, GXV530, GXV610, GXV620, GCV520, GCV530 Chinese 188F Engine Motor Gasoline Generator Water Pump
- [Replace Part Number] Recoil starter return spring replace for Honda 28442-ZE2-W01, 499901; compatible with Stens 155-304; compatible with Stihl 1111-195-1600
- [Package include] 5 x Recoil Starter Spring
- [Engine repair solutions] The starter spring effectively fixes common issues like the recoil cord not retracting and hard starting, caused by a broken or worn starter spring
- [Easy to install] This recoil spring is a standard-size direct replacement, allowing for a quick and simple swap
Rank #4
- Replacement for Model: Briggs & Stratton 262594, 491889
- For models 99700, 12E700, 12E800, 12F700, 12G800, 12S800, 12T700, 12T800, 127700, 127800, 128700, 128800, 129700, 129800, 13200, 133400, 133700, 135200, 135700
- For models 99700, 12E700, 12E800, 12F700, 12G800, 12S800, 12T700, 12T800, 127700, 127800, 128700, 128800, 129700, 129800, 13200, 133400, 133700, 135200, 135700
- For use with 7-03463 Rewind Pulley
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
