Steel reel returns

A steel reel is expensive to make, so manufacturers expect it back. In Southwire's chart, steel reels run from the 60 in S-62 at 340 lb to reels over 150 in across that weigh several tons. Its reel charges for them run into the thousands of dollars. Treat every steel reel as someone's property until proven otherwise.

Step 1: Identify it

• Find the serial number, stencilled on the flange or on a tag. Okonite uses a red steel reel tag with the reel number on it.
• Read the Aluminum Association code if there is one. "RM" marks a returnable metal reel, and "RMT" one with I-beam tires. See reading reel stencils.
• Match the reel to an invoice. The reel charge line tells you who billed it and when, and so who owes the credit.

Step 2: Request the return the way the owner asks

• Southwire: email, the web form or the reel app, with consignee, ship date, invoice number and serial numbers. It does not take requests by phone. Returns within 12 months are credited in full. Details.
• Okonite: the online steel reel return form, or by phone with the reel numbers. Details.
• CommScope: steel reels go to its listed steel vendors, Reel-Logix or G&H Recycling. Details.
• Blue Diamond (conduit): at least 50 flanges, with free pickup and no credit, or your freight and a per-inch credit. Details.

Step 3: Wait for instructions before you ship

Southwire's policy says no reel should come back without its consent, and freight above its least-cost method can be charged to you. The same caution applies everywhere: get the return authorised, then load.

When scrap is the answer

A steel reel becomes scrap when nobody will take it back. It may be a reel with no owner on record, one past its credit window that the owner confirms it doesn't want, or one so damaged it can't be used. Scrap yards buy steel by weight. Cut off and separate any wooden lagging first.