Strap wrenches are good to have around. This might not be the sort of tool you use on a daily or even regular basis, but it’s the sort of tool that can get you out of a bind really quick.
You can use them on knobs, pipes, larger diameter fittings, and other types of cylindrical or cylindrical-ish objects that are difficult to tighten or loosen by hand. And since straps are typically made from rubber, webbing, or similar materials, they’re non-marring and won’t damage whatever you’re working on.
Every strap wrench is more or less similar in design. You have an adjustable strap which typically locks into position passively, and a handle by which to apply leverage. Strap wrenches are usually designed to be used in one direction, as it’s tension during use that keeps the strap adjusted and locked to length.
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If you don’t yet have a strap wrench in your toolbox, I recommend starting off with a 6″ size. That way, if you don’t use it very much for your projects, you could always use it in the kitchen as a heavy duty jar opener.
If you already have a strap wrench, what kind of things do you use it for?
Budget Strap Wrench
These are your basic plastic-bodied and rubber-strap strap wrenches. They’re effective most of the time, but can be frustrating to use on smoother parts since the band can slip. The band can be difficult to adjust at times, as they require you to start turning a part before they tighten up.
This two piece Craftsman set is currently less than $10 at Sears. I think I paid $6 or $7 for just the small 6-inch one.
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There’s also an updated set that looks a bit better built for a couple of dollars more.
If you want to go even cheaper, there’s a WorkShop strap wrench for about $6 via Amazon.
Locking Strap Wrench
Empire makes a strap wrench that’s built with a separate cam-action knob that helps make the adjustment and tightening process a lot easier. I hadn’t known about this strap wrench before today, but you could be sure that I’ve added it to my wishlist.
I wouldn’t have spent the $17 and change on this as my first strap wrench, but the troubles I’ve had with my simpler Craftsman strap wrench make the Empire a very desirable-looking upgrade. You also get a reinforced band for the extra money.
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Heavy Duty Strap Wrench
Maybe you want a heavier-duty model. Klein Grip-It strap wrenches feature an I-beam handle and heavy-duty urethane-coated belting. The textured strap might provide better grip than wrenches with smoother-surfaced ones, but the strap-gripping area looks smooth and not toothed like the other models discussed above.
They’re available in 6″, 12″, and 18″ sizes, with the smallest model being priced at $14 and change.
User reviews aren’t as glowing as I would have thought for a Klein-branded tool, but that might not mean anything.
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If you want to step up to an even heavier duty model, a couple of commenters have recommended OTC ($27 via Amazon) and Ridgid ($32+ via Amazon) strap wrenches. The OTC is likely designed more for automotive use, and the Ridgid models for plumbing applications.
Pablo
Any feedback on the BOA brand? They’re the highest rated on Amazon, which is quickly becoming the first place I look when I have no direction on an item I need.
Looks like they’re similar to the Empire, but have an aluminum version.
Stuart
BOA looks to be the OEM for Craftsman’s basic strap wrenches, and the one I own. They have passive locks, unlike the Empire which has that extra active lock.
Chris Pyfer
Koehler makes an active lock similar to the Empire pictured but with a curved handle and possibly a tad beefier strap.
Pablo
Also of interest, Lowe’s carries a Gedore strap wrench!
For the low price of $93.
Dave L.
These are real handy for replacing screw-on old style door knobs, because the first time you put a new pair on you’re actually cutting threads in the knob ferrule. You can do it with just your hands but it’s a lot easier with a strap wrench.
SteveR
I have the plastic-bodied Craftsman set, but have never used the larger wrench. I keep the smaller one in a kitchen drawer, using it daily to loosen the lids on spaghetti sauce and any other vacuum-sealed jars. I swear by it for that use.
Don’t forget that Reed/Ridgid also make strap wrenches, albeit with woven fabric straps. Their versions are much sturdier than these, with a cast iron handle for strength. The straps (when dry) don’t grip well, so it’s recommended that the user wet the strap to make it conform more readily to the object’s shape.
Jim Felt
I’ve had the Klein version for years and my only “complaint” is that since it’s actual metal the handle might mar some surfaces. The glass filled handle variants might well eliminate this possibility.
Plus each brand I’ve seen or used seems to have a different kind of strap. Each slightly better for specific jobs. All very entertaining.
mike aka Fazzman
Ridgid makes some really nice Strap wrenches as does OTC. Have used them alot.
Michael
I don’t use one of these often but they are nice to have when you need them. I use a chain wrench quite a bit at work on pipes. It is the same principle but uses a chain instead of a band. I also have a band filter wrench that uses a 1/2″ wrachett that works very well .
Nathan
great finds – I’ve always wondered why there hasn’t been a strap wrench with some textured or other coating on the band. Hell I thought by now a Goodyear or an Dayco belt company would brand one with that nice rubber and cord they use on serpentine belts these days.
Craig H.
I use my strap wrench for removing and installing the aerators on my faucets. It makes it easier to clean the mineral deposits off the aerator and also remove any small particles that have become trapped inside the faucet by the aerator.
lametec
Bought a couple Harbor Freight versions of these years ago. A year later the rubber was crumbling, making them useless.
Dave L.
In a pinch you can use a round extension cord or a v-belt to open/remove things. Sometimes camera filters stick and you need even pressure all around to get them off. Extension cord works well for that.
fred
Straps and strap-wrenches are indeed very useful but if you want to see purpose-made camera filter and lens ring wrenches – try “Googling” Flexiclamp Wrench. They come in various mm and inch sizes and some are made out of plastic or resin impregnated fiber – while others are brass. Mirco Tools sells a variety of these wrenches as well as other camera repair tools.
Other variants of strap wrenches like the Briggs and Stratton #19433 and old KD Unistrap (#3284) are also meant as engine specific tools.
fred
Plumbers have used strap wrenches for decades – particularly on chromed and polished brass fittings to prevent marring. Ridgid and Reed (probably others too) make ones with 12 inch handle (noted in the post) and even larger ones with 18 inch handles . Ridgid also offers different strap lengths for each handle – and a different strap material designed for plastic pipe. Old plumbers (like me) are also familiar with a very different concept – Parmelee wrenches that provide differently sized handles and “girths” that wrap around and tightly grip a pipe – sort of like you hand might – without marring it. I have 2 sets of Parmelee wrenches that date from the pre WWII era.
Daniel
Some tools you will rarely use, but when you do need them, they are the only tool that will do the job. Strap wrenches are on that list. That being said, I often use Rigid aluminum strap wrenches at work. Other than the paint having some capatibility issues with certain aviation hydraulic fluids , they have always been great.
Benjamen
I have the Craftsman ones and like SteveR have used the small one on jars. It works well it the jar isn’t super tight. The problem I have with them is that while the rubber strap does grip well it stretches too much. I’ve never been able to use it to turn pipes. it just keeps stretching until it slips.
crb
The Snap-On JH Williams 40221 12-Inch strap wrench on ebay from 17.21
Allen
I use a strap wrench that has a handle 90* from the strap. The handle takes a 3/4 wrench or 1/2 socket in the end. It gets in places nothing else will.
fred
Auto and motorcycle oil filter wrenches work this way. I have one from Motion Pro (08-0069) – that works so-so for its intended purpose – better if you add a strip of coarse sandpaper.
Lisle (60200), ATD (5375), CTA (2596) and Gearwrench (3529D) have similar ones for cars listed on Amazon
DHCrocks
I have the Craftsman set for what must be over 15 years now. I rarely use it since it’s so frustrating to use. The band stretches, the band slips out of the slots when pressure is applied if not holding it perfectly perpendicular. But when you need it, there’s no replacement for a non-marring method of gripping an object. it works but I think I need to find a better option.
Rand
As a coffee technician I routinely use a Grip It Klein 12″ for unsticking old espresso grinder collars. A little finesse is all it takes and I can then screw off the collar and clean the threads that are thick with old coffee grounds. The strap wrench is a better alternative to the PVC/oil filter plier because the strap won’t damage the softer collar.
Michael Dowling
I have a pair of dollar store strap wrenches that I keep in the broom closet for opening pasta sauce jars. I use the larger one on the jar,and the smaller one on the lid. Works great every time.