Abstract: A tool for use in applying a soft steel wire clamp, having a hook at one wire end through which the tail end of the wire extends to form an constrictable annulus of at least one loop, has a nose portion for engaging the wire loop, a lengthwise channel extending rearward of the nose portion in alignment with a bore in the rear portion to enable the tail to be gripped by a pulling device for constricting the loop, and a hook engaging pawl pivotally mounted in a position to swing along a path over the channel from a first remote position into a fixed position close thereto; whereby, with the tail of a clamp extending lengthwise of the channel and through the bore and the loop portion adjacent the hook in engagement with the tip of the nose portion, the actuation of the pulling device, while contracting the loop, causes relative arcuate movement between the loop and the tail such that the proximate portion of the tail is lifted from the channel and bends about the hook whereupon further actuation of the pulling d