the invention is an improved apparatus for the application of plastics stretch films to materials and items to be packaged and secured as a unit or packaged and secured to a shipping and transporting means . the apparatus consists of a pair of insertable adapters for the ends of a cylindrical core which holds a supply of plastic stretch films and a pair of tubular - like grip means for said insertable adapters . the grip means serves as a control means for the speed of paying out the plastics stretch film material , and as a means for applying tension on the film during the course of applying it to materials and items . the apparatus may be used for manual or machine application of film to materials . brake shoe equivalents of the grip means may be used for machine applications .