The Old Belt Strap Wrench

One day when doing an automotive oil change: I purchased oil and a filter, drained the used oil, and then discovered my brother had the tools I needed.  I had no strap wrench, filter wrench, or filter pliers.  I had to get the car running prior to him returning.

It is always best to use the right tool for the job, but what was I to do?  IMPROVISE!

This is how I used an old belt as a strap wrench...

Step 1: Proper Belt Selection

There are some recommended attributes the belt should posses.

-->  Strong buckle -- The best type of buckle to use is one where the frame is a solid piece.  Reversible belts may rely on a mechanical pivot that could fail in this application. 

-->  High friction strap -- The belt I used had a leather strap.  The front was smooth and shiny, while the back was rougher and unfinished.  Again, a reversible belt with two smooth sides may not be a wise choice.  I do not know how a webbed belt would fair.

-->  A strong strap -- The strap must be firmly attached to the buckle and be able to handle the force applied.

Step 2: Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty!

To turn loosen an item wrap the belt around it.  The lose end should come up on the left and go through the buckle (See first photo). 

Do not fasten the buckle, but pull the loose end back over the buckle.  This will use the force applied to the lose end to cinch the belt around the item and then pull it to the left.

To tighten, reverse the positioning and pull the other way (See second photo).

Step 3: Concluding Thoughts

Placing a strip of rubber (like from an inner tube) between the item to be turned and the belt will help increase the grip of the "wrench."

Be careful!  As previously stated it is the best to the proper tool.  Use some common sense to help prevent scraping up too many knuckles. 

Good luck on your projects!