Abstract: A plier-like device for gripping and turning closure caps of jars and bottles has two pivotably interengaged levers that control a compliant inelastic strap forming a loop forwardly of the device. The size of the loop is adjusted to the size of the cap by a spool located in one of the levers and upon which excess length of the strap can be spirally wound. Undesired rotation of the spool is prevented by a ratchet mechanism.