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Review: Multi-Use Strap Wrench
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Small Jobs OK; Heavy-Duty Jobs Not
The bottom line on the Multi-Use Strap Wrench is that it works fine for some jobs, but not so good on others.
The Multi-Use Strap Wrench is a very simple tool. There are only two pieces in its construction, a plastic handle to which is attached a rubber strap. The idea is that the rubber strap can fit around things of odd shapes and sizes, things that a regular pair of pliers or regular types of wrenches simply can't handle.
The packaging says that Strap Wrench owners can "loosen all those hard to open jobs! It grips, loosens and tightens almost anything, any material, any shape!"
The back of the package gives some specific suggestions: "Use for a positive grip and ratcheting action to easily loosen or tighten container lids, plumbing fittings, oil filters and garden hose connections."
We tested our Multi-Use Strap Wrench on two of the items mentioned, container lids and garden hose connections, with very different results.
With container lids, the Strap Wrench worked well. Ours was for use on items up to 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) in diameter.
It's simple to fit the Strap Wrench onto the item being worked on. The rubber strap is wrapped around the item, in this case the lid to a jar, and the loose end is slotted down through the plastic handle. Pull the strap tight, and turn. "Teeth" on the plastic handle grip the rubber strap, which is gripping the container lid, and it's easy to turn the lid.
We feel that for small jobs, particularly around the kitchen, the Multi-Use Strap Wrench can be a handy item. Especially for folks who, because of their strength, age or ailments, have a hard time twisting off tightly closed containers.
For heavier-duty jobs, well, the Strap Wrench let us down. We have a pair of garden hoses out back that we swap out, depending on what type of watering we'll be doing. And the garden hose connector is always a bear to loosen from the tap.
So, we thought, the Strap Wrench will save our hands a lot of wear and tear. Alas, it was not to be. We tightened the Strap Wrench around the garden hose connector and turned ... and nothing happened. So we turned a little harder, and this time something did happen. Unfortunately, what happened was that the rubber strap simply twisted around the connector, without moving the connector itself.
Worse, the rough edges of the connector actually chewed off some of the rubber from the inside of the strap. Not good.
On the other hand, we got our Strap Wrench for less than $2. And when you're buying a tool for less than $2, you're just not going to get something that can handle heavy duty chores.
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