Abstract: A tensioning hoop for sealingly closing a container, such as a drum or barrel, with a matching lid; the hoop is made of an elongated metal member for substantially encompassing the periphery of the lid and the rim of the container aperture; the ends of the elongated metal member form a variable slot and are provided with two substantially flat members forming a hoop actuating device; one end of each flat member is pivotably connected with the flanged upper hoop portion near the slot and both flat members are pivotably connected with each other. The actuating device is shaped in conformity with the hoop so as not to protrude from the outer periphery thereof and can be operated repeatedly for removal of the lid from the container and for closing the container with the lid. The novel tensioning hoop provides for substantial cost reductions and is suitable for use in automated container packaging without manual operation of the actuating device.