Abstract: A hand strapping tool has a lower gripper member incorporated therein which comprises an upstanding or upwardly projecting lip portion or member which is integrally formed upon the upper surface portion of the lower gripper member at an elevational level above the upper crest portions of lower gripper member teeth so as to inherently define a space between the upwardly projecting teeth of the lower gripper member and the undersurface portion of the lower end portion of the overlapped end portions of the strapping material when the upper tensioning wheel is retracted away from its engaged position with the lower gripper member. In this manner, the hand strapping tool, and more particularly, the base member and the lower gripper member mounted thereon, can be easily and readily released and removed from its engaged position with the article or package being strapped as well as with respect to the overlapped end portions of the strapping material.