Three specimens ratchet and tongs, one for 40-70 pound wire, two for 100-200 pound wire, made by the General Post Office, British, 1900-1969.

These sets of ratchets and tongs were part of the equipment used for maintaining the correct tension in telephone and telegraph wires. Different types were used for different weights of wire. The spring mechanisms were graduated in pounds, to allow for reading of the tension exerted on the wire. The tongs were specially designed to prevent any damage being caused.