# Industry Tip – Reinforcing the Barrel Hole of Wooden Cable Drums / Spools
When a **wooden cable spool**, **wooden reel** or any **cable drum** is expected to carry extra-heavy steel wire or to run at high speed on payoff equipment, the **barrel hole** (axle bore) becomes the critical weak point. A proven, cost-effective way to strengthen it is to **drive screws in a "cross" pattern** through the hub before the flange is finally locked. This simple operation can almost double the shear-resistance of the bore and prevents the hub from "egging" or spinning loose during long-distance road or sea transport.
Customers usually request one of two patterns:
1. **Single Cross** – two screws driven at 90°
2. **Double Cross** – four screws at 90°/45°, giving eight fixing points
Both patterns use hardened, corrosive-resistant screws (normally 4 × 60 mm or 5 × 70 mm). The screw heads are countersunk and sanded flush so they never scratch the inner cable jacket.
If your project needs this extra security, just tell us when you send the PO. As a professional **wooden reel and cable drums manufacture**, we can add the cross-screw reinforcement to any size of **wood cable drums**, **wooden reels** or **wooden cable spools** at no extra lead-time and only a minimal cost increase.
Need a different bore diameter, metal insert, or even a third cross? Let us know-**customisable wooden cable drums are available in various sizes and capacities**.