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Strap wrenches, sometimes called band wrenches, are a boon for removing twist-on connectors that have corroded or stubborn oil filters. We researched over two dozen strap wrenches, selected several as top performers, and tested three in our garages and workshops. While they all did a good job, we found a favorite—the Ridgid StrapLock, thanks to its two-part handle that secures a rubber strap for twisting and lifting. 6 inch carbon steel pipe
The best solution for hard-to-remove fittings and filters is often a strap wrench, and professional plumbers and mechanics usually have one or two with them at all times. This tool gives you all the leverage you need to twist connectors and cylinders without damaging them.
Keep reading for tips on selecting the right wrench and to find out how the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the best strap wrenches for everyday situations.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5
What We Don’t Like
The Ridgid StrapLock heavy-duty strap wrench comes with a two-part contoured plastic handle that fits along the curved side of a pipe to stabilize the wrench for twisting or lifting or moving large pipes and cylinders. It also has a long 31-inch rubber strap that provided superior traction in our testing.
Ridgid strap wrenches are well constructed, and once we mastered this tool, it was easy to use. We positioned the larger handle along the pipe’s curve, wrapped the rubber strap around the pipe, and then snapped the smaller section of the handle in place to tighten the strap on the pipe. When locked together, the two sections served as a heavy-duty handle, which we used to twist and lift the pipes.
The rubber strap didn’t slip or mar the pipe’s surface. While we only tested it on PVC and rough steel, it would be a good option for chrome or stainless steel pipes you wouldn’t want to scratch.
The Ridgid strap wrench tool is designed for larger pipes, from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. If you need to tighten smaller plumbing pipes, you’ll need a different model. But for sizable pipes, we think this is one of the best choices on the market.
Get the Ridgid strap wrench at The Home Depot.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
What We Don’t Like
Those looking for durability and versatility in an affordable strap wrench need look no further than the Titan strap wrench. It features a 12-inch handle made from polished aluminum for durability and weighs only 11.2 ounces. We found it simple to use and lightweight enough not to cause hand and wrist fatigue.
The strap is made from double-woven polypropylene for strength, and we tested it on 2- and 5-inch pipes. We didn’t have 9-inch pipes to test it on, but the strap is long enough to handle pipes of that size. The polypropylene strap didn’t scratch the pipes, but we experienced a little slippage when we applied a lot of twisting force to 2-inch stainless steel pipes. It didn’t slip at all on larger pipes.
It works by wrapping the strap around the pipe and then threading it through the handle. When the strap is tightened and twisting force is applied, the Titan wrench clamps firmly on the pipe for leverage.
Get the Titan strap wrench at Amazon or Walmart.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4/5
This set of two Pennzoil strap wrenches makes removing old oil filters and tightening new ones easy. We tested both wrenches on large and small oil filters on our vehicles and riding mowers, and they gave us the leverage we needed to loosen and tighten the filters.
We also tried them out on pipe fittings, but we experienced some stretching of the rubber straps when applying strong twisting pressure to the pipes. Keep in mind that an oil filter wrench is not designed for plumbing but rather for use in removing and installing oil filters.
We also tried out the smaller of the two wrenches for opening tight jar lids, and it worked like a charm. It worked so well that we think we’ll store the smaller wrench in a kitchen drawer, so it’s handy for just such a purpose. If you’re looking for a strap wrench for heavy-duty plumbing, this isn’t the one. But, if you want extra twisting force in a rubber oil filter wrench, it’s a great choice.
Get the Pennzoil strap wrench set at Amazon, Walmart, or Sears.
While we didn’t test the following strap wrenches, we chose them for inclusion in this lineup because they met our high standards and rate highly with users. Consider one of these if you’re still looking for a strap wrench.
What We Don’t Like
The Boa Constrictor aluminum strap wrench allows you to grasp large pipes and other cylinders up to 12 inches in diameter firmly. We like its industrial-strength rubber strap, which shouldn’t slip on any type of pipe or filter, including plastic, metal, or chrome.
The 12-inch heavy-duty alloy handle features a nonslip PVC coating for a comfortable hand feel, and the strap wrench comes with a thumbscrew for making the strap snug before applying twisting pressure to the pipe or other object. Weighing in at just 4 ounces, we think the Boa strap wrench would be easy to carry in a tool belt and wouldn’t lead to hand or wrist fatigue.
Get the Boa strap wrench at Amazon or Lowe’s.
What We Don’t Like
We’re fans of Craftsman products, and we like the look of this set. With a handle length of just 3.5 inches, the smaller of these two Craftsman rubber strap wrenches is just the right size for reaching into tight spots where a larger strap wrench just won’t fit. The wrench comes with a cushioned plastic handle to reduce hand fatigue, and it features a reinforced rubber strap that offers a nonslip grip on pipes and other cylinders up to 4.5 inches in diameter. We think it’d be the perfect small strap wrench for oil filters on motorcycles or riding mowers and compact enough to keep in a kitchen drawer for loosening jar lids.
The larger strap wrench has a 5-inch handle and accommodates cylinders up to 6.5 inches in diameter. We’d store this one in our garage tool chest for use on vehicle filters.
Get the Craftsman strap wrench set at Amazon, Sears, or Walmart.
We researched more than 24 strap wrenches before choosing the ones we wanted to include in this lineup and to test personally. Strap wrenches are among the simplest of hand tools and they’re relatively inexpensive—even the best ones—so we looked closely at consumer reviews and analyzed each model’s design and materials. We considered the brands to an extent; manufacturers like Ridgid and Craftsman are highly respected in the tool industry. Still, we didn’t automatically exclude strap wrenches from niche brands if they met our standards.
In actual testing, we used the strap wrenches to tighten and loosen pipe fittings and as oil filter strap wrenches. We also tried a few to see how well they’d loosen stubborn jar lids. We awarded points based on a rubric. The better a strap wrench performed on a test or assessment, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and to categorize the other wrenches to their best use.
Strap wrenches are not complex tools, but a few key features make some better than others for specific situations. The differences are relatively subtle and include attributes such as size, type, and how the strap allows the user to gain leverage. However, all types of strap wrenches work in a similar manner.
The most crucial factor to consider when shopping for a strap wrench is to ensure it’s the correct size for the connections that need loosening. Strap wrenches are labeled as to the minimum and maximum diameters of the different types of pipes they will fit. Most are versatile and will fit a variety of sizes. These measurements are often found in the tool’s description and can also be found printed on the strap.
The maximum pipe diameter the strap wrench will accommodate may be listed as its “capacity,” such as “5-inch capacity.” In the detailed listing, the minimum diameter may also appear (but not always), indicating the smallest pipe diameter the wrench can grip securely.
The handle on a pipe strap wrench should be comfortable to grip and should not slip when the user exerts torque pressure. The materials used for strap wrench handles include metal (often aluminum), molded plastic, and sometimes wood. Some of the newer plumbing strap wrench handles come with an ergonomic design and a padded, nonslip grip, but many are just straight bar handles, intended for gripping by a user wearing gloves.
In general, a longer handle allows the user to exert more force with less effort, but when working in tight spots, such as under a sink, a shorter handle may be required. Strap wrenches come with handles that vary in length from around 4 inches up to 15 inches or longer.
The strap on the wrench is available in various material options, including steel, aluminum, rubber, or plastic.
For those who will be using a strap wrench overhead, a lightweight tool is desirable. Typically, strap wrenches average in weight from a couple of ounces to a few pounds, depending on the tool’s intended use.
A strap wrench that weighs 1 pound or less will be the least likely to result in arm and hand fatigue for most users when performing around-the-house plumbing repairs. Strap wrenches that weigh more than 2 pounds are usually relegated to industrial use, where a worker needs to remove a sizable threaded pipe or connector. For those who are undecided on the best weight, err on the side of caution and go with a lighter-weight strap wrench.
Most strap wrenches require very little, if any, maintenance—and they don’t require calibration like digital torque wrenches do. However, if the tool has metal parts, it could rust or corrode if left outside or used in damp situations. Most strap wrenches can be cleaned with soap and water and then dried with a soft, clean cloth before storing. Avoid using a chemical cleaner on strap wrenches with soft padded grips, which could degrade from contact with the chemicals.
When possible, store strap wrenches with steel or aluminum straps in an upright position, rather than tossing them in a drawer or a tool box to keep the straps from becoming bent or warped.
Some higher-quality strap wrenches come with the ability to change out an old strap with a new one. The replacement straps can be found in home improvement stores or online from the manufacturer’s website.
Still have questions about strap wrenches and which one is best for your needs? Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions about these tools.
Plumbers often carry one or more strap wrenches in their plumbing tool collection for loosening and tightening pipe fittings. The wrenches feature a flexible strap that fits around a pipe or cylindrical connector—gripping it tightly—so the plumber can twist it loose using a handle.
Minimum pipe size varies from tool to tool, but some strap wrenches can be used on pipes as small as 1 inch in diameter.
Wrap the strap around the pipe, connector, or cylinder you want to twist loose, and then exert pressure on the wrench’s handle to rotate the item. Only screw-type connectors can be loosened with a strap wrench—welded connections require cutting to remove.
Use only a strap wrench that’s suitable for the size of pipe you’re trying to twist and tighten the strap snugly before attempting to turn the pipe.
When it comes to plumbing, in addition to a strap wrench, essential tools include a pipe wrench, basin wrench, tongue-and-groove pliers, plumber’s tape, plunger, and a torch (for welding copper connections).
Adjust the strap to make sure it’s tight enough on the cylinder, and keep the tool clean for the best grip. You might also want to try a grip enhancer such as grip tape or a rubber grip pad if your hand is slipping.
Both have pros and cons. Rubber straps are often better for heavy-duty or greasy jobs, while silicone holds up better to high temps and chemicals. Rubber straps are more common and tend to slip less, while silicone straps can be prone to stretching but are better in delicate situations.
There is a range of sizes, from short straps around 10 inches for use on small-diameter pipes to strap lengths that exceed 36 inches, which are better suited to large pipes and industrial tasks. Likewise, handles vary from a compact 4 to 6 inches to 18 inches on large strap wrenches.
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Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.
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