Abstract: A cable spool for use in automated cable winding applications, said cable spool comprising a barrel having an outside diameter and a length, and two annular flanges located at opposite ends of said barrel, wherein each one of said flanges has an inward facing side directed towards said other flange and an outward facing side, each one of said flanges includes at least one through-hole extending between said inward facing side and said outward facing side, wherein each one of said through-holes forms a start hole, and each one of said flanges includes at least one reinforcement portion positioned between said barrel and said through-holes, wherein said at least one reinforcement portion has a height measured in a radial direction from a lateral surface of said barrel to a distal edge of said at least one reinforcement portion.