Abstract: A friction lock buckle apparatus for tightening a strap is provided having two opposing side walls and a plurality of cross rails spanning there between. The friction lock buckle is provided with one cross rail comprising a removable coupling screw for being received into the closed loop end of a strap. The coupling screw is removable so as to enable the buckle to be used to replace a failed buckle or repair a strap having a failed buckle. The buckle includes a friction lock member to frictionally engage an opposing end of the strap to the buckle. The replacement buckle replaces failed buckles on strapped articles such as backpacks, reduces waste and saves money by reducing the necessity of replacing the article.