Abstract: A hand-held tension-weld strapping tool for sequentially tensioning and welding together overlapping portions of strapping comprises a handle, a motor control arm arranged to actuate a motor, a weld actuating arm and a mechanical interlock for holding the motor control arm in an actuated position during a welding cycle. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanical interlock is a cranked extension portion of the motor control arm which, in use, is trapped between the handle and the weld actuating arm when the weld actuating arm is moved to an operative position for actuating a welding cycle.