A wire strainer including a drive means having a mounting block with a drum mounted for rotation relative thereto, and an actuation means connected to the drum for selectively causing the drum to rotate relative to the mounting block. A line member is operatively connected to the drum in a manner such that rotation of the drum in one direction causes the drum to pull the line member relative to the mounting block. Locking means is operatively connected to the mounting block and adapted to selectively lock the drum against rotation in the opposite direction. Gripping means is operatively connected to the mounting block, wherein the gripping means is adapted to be releasably attached to a wire to be strained. The line member includes securing means for releasably securing the line member to a strainer post or similar anchor.