Abstract: A retractable cord take-up reel comprises a drive shaft and a first reel mounted on the drive shaft. The first reel has a central opening and a first side. A drive shaft gear is mounted on the drive shaft, and rotating the drive shaft gear causes the drive shaft to rotate. A first drive gear is mounted on the drive shaft between the first reel and the first drive shaft gear. The first drive gear has a central opening and a first side facing the first reel and a second side facing the drive shaft gear. One of the first side of the first reel and the first side of the first drive gear has an angled surface, and the other of the first side of the first reel and the first side of the first drive gear has a cog facing the one first side. The one first side has two steps for engaging the cog. A first one of the steps is at a low location on the angled surface, and a second one of the steps is at a high location on the angled surface.