I have tried them all and own at least one of most of them now, as I like to just keep a dedicated one on my tanks. My hands down favorite is the USD from the mid-70’s with the stripe on the straps, mostly because it is well made and the straps seem to come in factory big-boy size!
Of the several methods they had available to tighten the tank band, I think the simple wing-nuts on both ends of the bands is the simplest and most secure, but those last several turns on those little nuts, with my big fat fingers, is tough to grip and yes I will admit, hurts.
So I made this here, and it has improved my wing-nut torquing 1000%.
I started with a ½” nut driver that cost .50 c at the local pawnshop and had a split plastic handle. If I had gone $2.00, I could have got a good handled one, but then my tool would be only half as custom.
I cut two 3/16” slots in the socket to the bottom and filed them just a touch to clean up, then drilled an 1/8” hole in the other end to accept a 2” roofing nail. Cut the point off the nail, peened the head to a nice contour, put some tape on it, finished beer and admired my handiwork.Alright…, I’m no tool & die maker, but it cost .50c, took 20 minutes and 1 beer to make, and is going to be very very useful. I’ve got tight bands and happy fingertips, and just thought I’d share.
