Goldenrod 415 3-Hook Ratchet Fence Stretcher, 2-1/4" Length, 33.4" Width, 8-3/4" Height

We have miles of fence to maintain on our farm and this tool is our go-to. It can stretch barbed wire, smooth or high-tensil wire. The tool can hold both ends of the wire which makes it easy to splice broken wire with both your hands. The controlled release holding ratchet lets you slowly release the wire when you're ready so you can test stress on the wire. Its steel so a very study tool.

I was concerned about usability with some of the poor reviews. No, the product doesn’t have the paint job of your new car. And it may take five minutes of work to loosen the clamps. But it works fine. I used a rubber mallet to hit each clamp then a wire brush to scrape where the paint had collected at the clamp. Sprayed some WD-40 on the clamp and it works fine. I kept the mallet handy when stretching the wire as the clamps occasionally tighten pretty tight and it was convenient to hit them.The extra clamp does restrict the movement somewhat as there is not as much range for stretching. But the third clamp more than makes up for itself is stretching long runs.The product is quick and easy to use. My younger teenage son used it no problem.

Not sure why I waited so long to buy this fence stretcher. I've mucked along with the winch on my UTV, but doing fence this way by your self is not much fun. I have a number of products made by Golden Rod and all of them are sturdy made in the U.S. products ment to be used.Yes they dipped it in paint so it will not rust in storage or shipping and yes the wire grippers will likely be frozen with dried paint. Tap on it a few times with a rubber mallet, scrape the extra paint out with a knife give it some oil on the moving parts and it's ready to work.I spent 10 minutes or so prepping mine. Two of the springs had a sharp burr on the end that I hit with a file, all the moving parts got looked at and freed up, paint runs got smoothed out if they were around or touching the moving parts and everything that moves got good oil put on it.My children and grandchildren will never remember that it came dipped in paint to preserve it or that the paint gummed up the works the first time or two I used it. The 10 minutes I spent on it during this winter storm will be more than made up with a smooth running piece of equipment this summer while I'm using it.SRC

Yes, as other reviewers have noted... this thing is covered in a sloppy thick paint and doesnt work well as is. But... it’s also a farm tool, so assuming you have a hammer, wire brush and some wd-40 around, it’s not hard to get it working. Once working, it does the job it’s supposed to do.

works great

Excellent quality

As other reviews stated it was painted stiff. I used a rubber mallet and a little oil to loosen it up.In application it does a great job of stretching barb wire. I used to use a come-along and this is much more convenient and takes less time to set up. I love the ability to have the extra holder so that I can reset it and stretch more if needed. Glad I spent a little more for that feature.

I could not find a 3 hook model locally so while I was waiting I got a 2 hook black one at a farm store. It is a clone I think. The reasoning was that 95% or more of my repairs are very short stretches and the extra weight would be a burden. So I am the proud owner of both versions. I have not yet needed the goldenrod (for a long stretch) but it is good knowing it is there. I see no reason why it should not work - admirably. I also got the crimper and some ferrules. This is a GREAT combination! I no longer have to stretch with a claw hammer and do a wrap-splice on this old brittle wire. This saves much time and results in a tighter stronger repair. Actually, the old wire is quite strong, usually, it just breaks if it is bent. So it serves as well as new, if crimp splicing is used. It saves having to roll up and dispose of old wire and what better place than the fence for the old wire? It is infinitely better than a come-along or pulley type for repairs and should be just as good for new construction. The cows will never thank you (for getting one of these). Happy fencing!