Abstract: A device for winding a strand onto a spool having at least one tapered flange comprising a strand guide and a mounting arm. The strand guide is pivotably connected to one end of the mounting arm and the strand guide is pivotable about this end. A traverse beam longitudinally travels along an axis parallel to the spool axis, the second end of the mounting arm being securely connected to the traverse. The strand guide is securely connected to one end of a lever. A wand is securely fastened to the other end of the lever. A simulated flange is dimensioned to correspond to the angular dimensions of the tapered flange on the spool, and the simulated flange is positioned such that the wand will contact the simulated flange simultaneous to the strand contacting the spool's tapered flange. A switch is located on the lever, the switch being activated upon the wand contacting the simulated flange. The switch controls a drive assembly which dictates the direction of travel of the traverse.