A stretch film applicator and method therefor for manually wrapping stretch film supplied from a stretch film roll having a core. The stretch film applicator includes a substantially U-shaped handle member interconnecting a first core cap and a second core cap wherein the first core cap is disposeable over a first end of the core and the second core cap is disposeable over a second end of the core. An adjustably pre-loadable spring member is disposed between the first core cap and the first end portion of the handle member so as to bias the first core cap toward the second core cap and thereby rotatably retain the stretch film roll therebetween and frictionally drag the core as stretch film is supplied therefrom. A body member is coupled to the first end portion of the handle member and includes a through hole for reciprocatably receiving a post coupled to the first core cap, wherein the spring member is disposed between the body member and the first core cap. A lever is pivotally coupled to the first end portion of the handle member and to the post so as to move the first core cap against the bias of the spring member and away from the second core cap so as to release the stretch film roll rotatably retained therebetween. The core caps include a serrated surface engageable with a corresponding end of the core to increase drag on the core.