Best Strap Wrenches: Get the Leverage You Need

We selected the Ridgid Straplock Pipe Handle as our Best Overall strap wrench because it’s a heavy-duty option that can be adjusted for use on pipes ranging from 3-8 inches. With a total strap length of 31 inches, and a 7-inch handle that features a plastic grip, you’ll have significant torque for tightening or loosening pipes. 

This pipe wrench is ideal for plumbers to use in tight spaces such as under sinks because of the compact size and medium-length handle. Plus, the innovative locking design guarantees that you’ll have a secure grip and that you can quickly make adjustments to accommodate a range of sizes.

A common issue we found with this strap wrench is that it’s not ideal for use on smaller pipes. At times, the strap can slip when you’re attempting to use it for leverage to either tighten or loosen items. And in some cases, it’s not ideal for use in small spaces.

You may be thinking that this Lisle Standard Oil Filter Swivel is an oil filter wrench, but it isn’t all that different from a strap wrench. Its design is excellent for loosening and tightening flywheels, faucets, and any other rod-like object. The tool is developed out of tough stainless steel that has been bonded together for increased strength. The handle is perhaps one of its greatest features. Its ergonomic design makes it much easier and more comfortable to grip. It’s affordably-priced for as strong a tool as it is as well, and it works great on tougher jobs. Changing oil filters has never been easier. It also comes in three sizes to tackle different projects.

The smaller strap wrench doesn’t have a wide band, which can make removing oil filters a bit more difficult. The instructions are less than helpful and understanding how to activate the swivel can be confusing.

Our Honorable Mention is the Ridgid Model 5 Strap Wrench. This strap wrench is perfect for use with polished pipes. The woven nylon strap features a polyurethane coating that improves the strap’s durability. Plus, you’ll like the 18-inch handle that offers enhanced torque and the 29.25-inch strap to accommodate larger projects. 

One of the biggest benefits of buying a RIDGID tool is that all of its products feature a lifetime warranty that protects against defects in the workmanship or material. This strap wrench is most effective on pipes with a diameter as wide as five inches.  

A common issue we found with this nylon strap wrench is that the strap isn’t as effective in gripping items as compared to rubber strap wrenches. But more importantly, the strap can also slip off as you’re trying to tighten or loosen items.

The Titan Strap Wrench works great in tight and difficult-to-reach areas. Its short 12-inch handle makes it easier to crank when working in confined spaces such as a vehicle’s engine or small bathroom. If you need something a bit bigger, you could upgrade to the 18-inch handle for larger, tougher projects. The tool itself is made out of a sturdy polypropylene aluminum mixture. This makes it much more stable under intense pressure or when fighting against something that won’t budge. Best of all, the tool comes with details on how to properly route a strap, which makes a huge difference when you’re preparing to start a job. It’s great for flywheels, sinks, and filters.

However, the strap may not last all that long if you use it to loosen multiple tight objects in a row. There have been complaints it snapped under pressure after several uses. It also may not grip well on slicker metals or surfaces.

The Horusdy Adjustable Strap Wrench is a multi-use tool that can be used on several projects around the house. It doubles as a grip wrench, filter wrench, oil wrench, and is built for plumbers. You also get two strap wrenches for the price of a single tool and that’s quite a good deal. The bright orange color stands out in any toolbox or chest and is easily recognizable as a strap wrench. The strap is constructed out of a high-quality rubber that bends and flexes as well as protects against scratching or scuffing the object you’re working on. The straps measure 6 inches and 8 inches and can be used in tighter spaces.

Unfortunately, the strap does have issues gripping onto slick surfaces like faucets or metal poles. The rubber is great but just doesn’t seem to hold all that well.

Aside from the fact that the Reed Tool Strap Wrench looks like a hot dog, it’s a versatile and capable tool for any toolbox. Measuring in at 5 inches long—with two other larger sizes available—the wrench includes strong nylon and polyurethane coated strap for tighter grips and better traction and control. It’s also rather light and weighs in at just 771 grams (1.7 pounds). It also includes a tough metal head, has an ergonomic grip, and can hold several different-sized straps for extra convenience. It provides a great amount of torque and power and doesn’t take all that pressure from you.

The one thing that doesn’t feel quite right is its price. It is much higher than a few of our other choices, but that’s due to its design. Larger sizes also jump up in price quite a bit.

The Alltrade 2 Piece Wrench Set is another great budget-friendly option for tough-to-reach places in the house. The wrench is ultra-versatile and can be used for way more than loosening sinks and rods. Many have even used it to open food jars and bottles. Plus, it has a built-in bottle opener making it even more functional. It’s also rather durable but won’t leave scratch marks or scrapes on anything important. This is a tool designed to help out in everyday situations and for anyone with weaker grip strength or arthritis. Plus, you can keep one in the kitchen and the other in the garage or in the vehicle for easy access.

You should be careful when using them for larger and tighter objects. They could get the job done but they are a light to medium strap wrench built for less demanding projects. There have also been complaints the rubber can fray or wear after several uses.

The Klein Tools Strap Wrench is durable, robust, and designed out of long-lasting metal. This mechanical strap wrench measures 6 inches—with larger sizes available—and is built out of polished material for a rust-free design. Its compact size makes it perfect for working in tighter spaces where you don’t have much elbow room. One of its best features is its cam-action design that gives you a greater range of torque and power. The strap is developed out of a urethane material that makes it lightweight and reliable. The fabric also won’t leave behind any residue or scratch marks. The tool is also reasonably priced.

However, with the price being low for the shortest option, the larger models are more expensive. You may also find that the rubber strap can be too slick in some instances like textured plastic. It may also be slightly smaller than shown in the picture.