Abstract: A hand carrier for cumbersome cylinders such as tanks and the like where it is desired to carry the cylinder in a longitudinally vertical position, the carrier comprising a strap having two generally opposed handles carried on the strap, the handles including pivotal friction plates that orient to the configuration of the cylinder by action of the strap when drawn tightly around the cylinder, the strap having ends that are interconnected by a clamp buckle having means to cinch the strap around the cylinder with sufficient force to frictionally engage the friction plates of the handles with the cylinder.