This month's item is a fence stretcher (sometimes called a tensioner or tightener) for welded wire (farm) fences. This handy tool does exactly what it's name claims: It stretches (thereby tightening) loose fences. 

This particular stretcher is used by removing the nuts and bolts on the front of the tool and taking off the metal plate. The fence is then sandwiched between the board and the plate and the nuts and bolts are put back on. Next, log chains are attached to the hooks, the chains are attached to a come-along, and the come-along is attached to a stationary object. Ratcheting the come-along tightens the fence. We found this stretcher in the barn of a family member who uses it on his farm. He attaches the chains to the back of his truck. There are a variety of ways to get the job done, but you get the idea.

There are all kinds of stretchers. Don't believe us? Just do a quick search of "fence stretcher" on Google patents. To see a 1904 patent of a stretcher resembling ours, click here. To enlarge the pic above, click here — or here to enlarge the pic below.

This is a pretty simple tool. To watch a short video (less than 2 minutes) on how to make (and use) one, click here. It's a 2-part video. To watch part 2 (also less than 2 minutes), click here.



We want to thank Gary M. of Mt. Sterling, IL, for supplying us with this month's mystery item!