Abstract: A strap tightening device for cinching an elongated strap to firmly hold cargo in place on a carrier is provided. The strap tightening device includes a frame having a drum rotationally mounted thereto. The drum has a longitudinal axis of rotation and three longitudinally extending slots for receiving the strap. A locking means is provided for selectively preventing the drum from rotating in at least one direction. To utilize the device for tightening straps, the elongated strap is threaded into the drum through a first one of the slots, out of the drum through a second one of the slots, back into the drum through a third one of the slots to form a loop (between the second and third slots), and back out of the drum through the first slot. Cranking means are provided to facilitate rotating the drum about its longitudinal axis to wind the strap about the drum.