Abstract: A wire strainer intended for straining of wire in a fence structure. The wire strainer includes a body 12 with which a spool 11 having a plurality of teeth 18 is rotatably mounted. An engagement member 12 extend between and is slidingly engaged in elongate slots 20. Legs 24 of the engagement member 21 slidingly engage with the inside wall surfaces of the divergent arms 15 of body 12. The legs 24 thus apply a force to the engagement member 21 so that it engages with the teeth 18. The engagement member 21 can be removed from contact with the spool 11 by sliding against the biasing effect of the legs 24 so as to engage with a step 27 in the elongate opening 20.