A line strainer for use in an electric fence system is described. The line strainer includes a unitary body made of electrically non-conductive material, having two opposing arms, a spool mounting element for rotatably mounting an electrically conductive spool having at least one toothed flange between the arms of the body, wherein the spool is configured to have a first line secured to it. The line strainer further includes a line bearing support member about which a second line is to be passed and tensioned. A releasable pawl is attached to the unitary body and configured to engage with the at least one toothed flange to restrict rotation of the spool in one direction when the spool is rotatably mounted to the spool mounting element.
