Abstract: A strip accumulator characterized by a plurality of circumferentially arranged guide assemblies which positively define a spiral strip path for strip material with adjacent turns thereof being maintained in radially spaced relation, and a common drive for uniformly moving the strip guide assemblies to radially expand and contract the spiral path for the strip material for increasing and decreasing the length of accumulated strip material. In one embodiment, the guide assemblies each include a radially movable guide roll basket which contains and guides multiple turns of the strip material along the spiral path with adjacent turns being maintained in radially spaced relation, and uniform radial movement of the guide roll baskets is obtained by a common drive and drag brake assembly or alternatively by a radially extending drive worm in mesh with a rack in the guide roll basket.