MACHINE FOR MENDING BROKEN STRANDS IN WIRE FENCES. 359 
XXVII. Machine for Mending Broken Strands in Wire Fences. 
Invented by ANTHONY Simpson, Forester, Dunrobin Castle, 
Golspie. 
Where wire fences are extensively employed, a machine for 
mending the broken strands is very desirable. No doubt the 
“ratchet” straining-posts are now in frequent use, but they are by 
no means predominant, and being a recent invention, the fences 
erected before their advent require attention occasionally, if not 
frequently; and often a “ratchet” straining-post may not be in 
keeping with the surroundings. 
I have fully tested this machine, and found it to be a marked 
improvement on any others that I have either used, seen, or heard 
of. By the use of it a great amount of time, labour, and expense 
is saved, and I can thoroughly recommend it to all foresters and 
others employed in the erection and repair of wire fences. 
The merits of my invention are— 
(1) It is a more expeditious way of mending broken strands in 
wire fences than any method hitherto known and practised. 
(2) It is so constructed that it can be applied to strain the wire 
at the point where it is broken, so that it can be easily tied there 
again. 
(3) It can also be used at the straining-posts in the erection of 
wire fences as an ordinary straining machine. 
The following illustration shows the various parts of the 
machine, and the method of working. 
EXPLANATION. 
A. Frame; with (4) headstock, and (c) bracket. 
B. Screwed spindle, revolving in the headstock and bracket. 
C. Travelling screwed socket. 
D. Lever for working the main screw. 
EE. Hinged clips, with (aa) lever screws. 
In operating with the machine, run out the travelling socket to the end of 
the screw ; place the ends of the broken wire in the clips and secure them tightly 
by the screws aa, so that they will not slip in the straining; work the main 
screw by the lever D till the ends of the wire overlap sufficiently to form a 
proper knot, which is made in the usual manner; then unscrew the clips, and 
the job is finished, 
