Abstract: A strand or thread feed device, especially for circular knitting machines, is described, having a rotatable storage drum, onto which a predetermined amount of thread is wound and from which the thread is withdrawn in dependence on the thread usage. A brake ring (25) is fitted on the storage drum and consists of a base ring (29) and elastic, bristle-like elements (30) fixed thereon, preferably inclined opposite to the direction of rotation (v) and radially inwardly. In order that the storage drum may be able to accelerate abruptly to its operating speed from rest, without the brake ring (25) being retarded or even not entrained, the peripheral surface of the storage drum is provided with means, e.g. grooves with a sawtooth cross-section, which form abutment surfaces (44) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the elements (30) and with which the bristle-like elements (30) cooperate and ensure form-locking coupling between the brake ring (25) and storage drum in the direction of rotation (v).