Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A hand tool for gripping an article in locking relation generally consisting of a pair of elongated members connected together for pivotal movement about a first axis, providing a pair of jaw portions at one set of ends thereof cooperable to engage the article therebetween and a pair of handle portions adapted to be grasped by a hand of the user thereof; one of the handle portion including a segment having an arcuate surface disposed coaxially with the first axis; and a lever member connected to the other of the elongated members for pivotal movement about a second axis, having a first end engageable by at least one finger of the user's hand grasping the handle portions of the elongated members when the jaw portions thereof engage the article therebetween, for angularly displacing the lever member about the second axis, and a second end engageable with the arcuate surface in wedging relation to lock the article between the jaw portions of the elongated members.