Abstract: A reel body is formed with a stop. At least three shell portions are mounted on and expansible relative to the reel body and comprise at least one first shell portion and at least one second shell portion. Expanding and clamping means are operable to expand the shell portions relative to said reel body. The expanding and clamping means comprise a first radially movable clamping bar, which is in engagement with the first shell portion and defines a clamping gap therewith and is also in engagement with the second shell portion at one side of the latter, and a second radially movable clamping bar, which is formed with a bearing surface in slidable engagement with the second shell portion on the side thereof opposite to the first clamping bar. The first clamping bar being radially outwardly movable to expand said first shell portion into engagement with the stop and adapted to clamp a strip end portion in the clamping gap when the first shell portion is in engagement with the stop.