A device (24) is provided for the electromagnetic braking and clutching of at least one storage spool (7). Each storage spool is located on a hollow shaft (5) and can rotate around its longitudinal axis (25). Each storage spool permits strand-shaped materials to be drawn therefrom and strand-shaped materials to be wound thereon when the storage spool (7) is driveably connected to the hollow shaft (5). The electromagnetic braking and clutching device includes a star-shaped support unit (31) that is securely affixed to the hollow shaft (5) and has a number of radially extending holding devices (37) distributed around its periphery. The support unit (31) holds at least one electrically excitable magnet coil (45) radially by using of a holding device (37), at a distance from the hollow shaft (5). The device is particularly suited for braking and clutching storage spools (7) with large outside diameters, which are located on a hollow shaft (5).