Abstract: A device is provided for applying tensile forces to a flexible cord to draw the cord toward the device. The device has a base, a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the base and a pair of traction rollers within the plane of the drive wheel. The cord circumferentially engages the drive wheel and is urged against it in secure frictional engagement by the rollers. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers are carried at opposite ends of a connector link which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the base. The cord extends around the drive wheel as a loop and two leads of the loop are guided outwardly from the wheel by the rollers. The rollers and the connecting link are arranged such that tensioning one lead of the rope by rotation of the drive wheel causes the corresponding roller to move away from the drive wheel, forcing the other roller and the other lead against the drive wheel.