The spool assembly for storing and handling a wire or cable, especially a pintle (3), has a spool (11) that is annular in shape and devised to define a radially outwardly opened rim of U-shaped cross-section in which the wire can be wound. At least one of the side walls of this rim has an outer edge with teeth formed in it. The spool (11) is freely mounted and retained in a spool-receiving member (31) having a surrounding wall with an outlet (63) through which the wire may exit. A brake (37) is provided to prevent the spool from rotating when such is not required. The brake comprises a tiltable arm extending tangentially close to the spool. One or more teeth project from the arm towards the periphery of the spool so as to engage the teeth of the spool and thus prevent the spool from being rotated unless the arm is lifted up. One or more stoppers (69, 71, 73) may also be provided to lock the wire. The assembly is preferably made of plastic material. It is very simple in structure and very handy to use.