Abstract: A reel assembly for winding and unwinding filamentary strand or wire-like material such as electric fencing wire is disclosed. The reel includes a cylindrical core with larger-diameter side plates removably attached thereto. The assembly may include a frame with a cantilevered shaft on which the reel is journaled for rotation. The frame also may include an arm directed radially from one end of the shaft, to which arm is connected a handle which the user can hold to support the assembly. A spring-loaded control pin extends through the arm and has a bevelled end for ratchet-like engagement with appropriately shaped recesses in the adjacent side plate. Adjacent the other side plate is an eccentrically mounted crank extending from the shaft which the user can manipulate to rotate the reel on the shaft. The reel assembly is simple to manufacture and use and is sufficiently inexpensive to be disposable after use.