Wire strainers that hold tension year after year.
Ratchet-style steel strainers for grape trellis and fence wire. Mount one at the end post, turn it with a wrench, and the pawl locks the tension in. Galvanized steel, in sizes for wire from 1.0 to 5.0 mm.
What you get with CHANGE wire strainers.
1. Product introduction
A wire strainer (also sold as a wire tensioner or fence strainer) is a small steel ratchet you mount on the end post and wind the trellis wire around. Turning the spool with a wrench pulls the line tight; a spring-loaded pawl locks the spool so the tension stays. It is the classic way vineyards and farms keep cordon and fence wire taut, and it lets you re-tension a sagging line in minutes without rebuilding the end assembly.
Ours are stamped and welded from Q195/Q235 steel plate, hot-dip galvanized, with a toothed spool for fine control and a locking notch on the frame. No raw edges, no plastic parts that crack in the sun — just a galvanized ratchet that does the same job for 10+ years.
2. Applications
Grape trellis — cordon and catch wires at the end of each row. Orchard and cane fruit support wire. Farm and ranch fence lines, barbed or smooth. Greenhouse and shade-house wire. Any long wire run that needs seasonal re-tensioning.
3. Specifications
| Model | Wire diameter | L × W × H | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Ø1.0–2.0 mm | 95 × 30 × 20 mm | 80–100 g | Light trellis wire |
| #3 | Ø2.0–3.0 mm | 100 × 35 × 25 mm | 100–120 g | 12.5 ga high-tensile standard |
| #4 | Ø3.5–5.0 mm | 120 × 45 × 30 mm | 180–200 g | Heavy fence / brace wire |
4. Key features
- Anti-reverse pawl — the wire cannot slacken once tensioned.
- Toothed spool — fine, controlled tensioning, no slipping.
- No special tools — an open-end wrench is all you need.
- Hot-dip galvanized frame — no raw uncoated edges.
- Re-tension any season — fully re-usable for years.
- Sizes match 12.5 ga high-tensile wire and heavier lines.
5. How to install
Step 1 — Mount: Fix the strainer to the end post — wrap the frame with wire or bolt it on.
Step 2 — Wind: Wrap the trellis wire once or twice around the spool, leaving the end free.
Step 3 — Tension: Turn the spool with a wrench until the line is tight. The pawl holds it.
Step 4 — Set: For 12.5 ga high-tensile wire, tension to roughly 250–300 lb — by feel, that is firm but not singing-tight.
Step 5 — Winter: In cold climates, ease tension in winter: a 500 ft run of 12.5 ga wire gains about 130 lb of tension between 80°F and −20°F, enough to pull posts over if left tight.
Send your wire size, quantity and target price — we respond within one business day.
Standard sizes in stock, custom models and private label available. Tell us which model (#2 / #3 / #4) fits your wire.