Abstract: A turnbuckle ratchet tightening tool which is used in rapidly tightening and loosening barge turnbuckles used with lashing lines to lash a plurality of barges together. The tool has an extendable overcenter lock holder that fits over the turnbuckle that is resting on roller supports. The turnbuckle carrier body is free to rotate. A foot operated lever is ratchet connected to an enlarged actuator whose teeth engage the teeth on the turnbuckle carrier body. In this manner, downward movement of the foot operated lever rotates the actuator which in turn rotates the turnbuckle carrier body in its holder.