Summary

Walker's patent wire strainer for straining short wires, about 1885. Dumbbell-shaped device of cast iron with hole to grip wire and hole to apply leverage with rod.

Charles Osbern Ralph Walker was granted patent no. 327,126 on 29 September 1885 for a similar (or the same) wire strainer. The patent records his intent:

'This invention has been devised for the purpose of producing a wire-strainer so cheap that it may remain permanently affixed to the wire fencing, and so simple that it may be in stantly used for tightening or slackening the wire at pleasure. It consists of a short roller recessed in the center for about one-third of its length, so that its ends are of a larger diameter than its center. This central recess is the part on which the wire is wound or 1111 wound, and has a hole made quite through it for the purpose of receiving and fastening the end of the wire. Each of the two ends has two holes made quite through it at right angles to each other. These are for the purpose of receiving the ends of the levers by which the strain is put upon or released from the wire, and also for receiving a comparatively short key or lock, which looks against the post through which the wire passes and preserves the strain on the wire.'

'...The method of using is as follows: Supposing the fencing to be already erected, the end of the wire to be strained is unfastened and passed through hole B in the recessed portion B of the roller, so as to press it against the outer side of the post. The ends of two short levers, G, are then placed in the holes A on either or both of the enlarged ends A of my roller, so as to revolve it, and when a partial rotation of the roller has been effected and other holes have been brought into accessible position one of the levers is changed to one of such holes for effecting a further movement of the roller, the other lever being held meantime to prevent backward rotation of the roller. The two levers are thus used alternately for rotating and holding the roller. This is continued until the strain is sufficient. A short stop-key or retaining-pin, D, is then placed in one of said holes A, so as to press againstthepost. Thelevers arethenrenioved and the contrivanee allowed to remain there. If at any future time the wire requires to be again strained or slaekened, it is only necessary to place either or both of said levers in the holes, as before, release the stop-key or retaining-pin, and either Wind or slacken at will.'

The wire strainer type was illustrated in a report of the National Agricultural Society show, Melbourne, 1887 (in the Australasian Ironmonger, Sep. 1887). It is similar to V.R. Patent wire strainer ST 029842.

Physical Description

Rusted metal dumbbell-shaped item with cylindrical solid central shaft and larger cylindrical ends, each with two holes passing through at right angles to the main aixs.

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