Donalds Bobbejaan Wire Stretcher

The Donalds "Bobbejaan" (Monkey) Wire Stretcher is an iconic, heavy-duty fencing tool in Southern Africa, renowned for its "indestructible" build and immense pulling power. It is a chain-style strainer designed for tightening long spans of fencing wire, repairing broken lines, or pulling wire around corner posts. Its nickname, "Bobbejaan," comes from its tenacious, monkey-like grip on the wire.

Technical Specifications

• Chain Length: 1.35 meters (1350 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg – 2.6 kg
• Material: Hardened steel claws and high-tensile chain
• Mechanism: Semi-automatic spring-controlled walking claws
• Application: Suitable for high-tensile wire, mild steel wire, barbed wire, and specifically plastic-coated wire (due to the smooth, secure grip).

Key Features

• Swivel Yokes: Both the anchor grip and the pulling grip feature swivels. This prevents the wire from twisting or kinking while you apply tension, which is a common cause of wire failure.
• Hardened Steel Grips: The "S-Grip" mechanism uses a wedge principle; the harder you pull, the tighter the jaws bite, ensuring zero slippage even on weathered or oily wire.
• Semi-Automatic "Walking" Action: The tool features two spring-loaded claws that "walk" along the chain as you pump the lever, allowing for a continuous, smooth take-up of slack without having to reset the tool.
• Versatility: Unlike lighter "wizard" strainers, the Bobbejaan can handle the extreme tension required for professional-grade game fencing or high-strain cattle paddocks.

How to Use the Bobbejaan

1. Attach the Anchor: Hook the "S-Grip" (the one attached to the long chain) to the wire on your right side.
2. Attach the Puller: Attach the second gripper (attached to the lever handle) to the loose end of the wire on your left.
3. Engage the Chain: Place the chain into the claw hooks on the handle. Ensure the chain is straight and not twisted.
4. Tensioning: Pump the handle back and forth. You will see the two claws alternate, grabbing the chain and pulling the two wire ends toward each other.
5. Joining/Tying: Once the wire is sufficiently taut (the wire between the two grips will form a "bow"), you can overlap the ends to tie a permanent knot or use a wire joiner/crimper.

Safety Tip: Always wear safety glasses when straining wire. If a wire snaps under the high tension this tool provides, it can recoil with dangerous force.