Abstract: A brake assembly is configured for a strapping tool tensioning motor having a housing and an output shaft operably connected to a tensioning wheel. The brake assembly includes a one-way bearing operably connected to the motor output shaft to permit the shaft to rotate relative to the bearing in the first direction and to stop rotation of the shaft relative to the bearing in the reverse direction. The bearing has at least two stop members thereon. A brake element is operably mounted to the motor movable toward and away from the bearing for movement into and out of engagement with one of the bearing stop members. The brake element stops reverse rotation of the motor shaft and bearing. A brake release is operably connected to the brake element for moving the brake element into and out of engagement with the one of the bearing stop members. A biasing element biases the brake element into engagement with the one of the bearing stop members.