Vise Grip 1" x 15' Band Clamp

I have had this strap for about a year. Like several of the commenters, I have also had difficulty using it. It is not intuitive, in my opinion. I use it periodically, and every time I have to re-learn how to use it. I see in the comments that Irwin has supplied user instructions. Thank you! The instructions should have been included with the packaging. Once I figured out how to use it, the product works fine.

I generally love Irwin tools which is why I bought this at a premium price over other band clamps. I should have looked for reviews. The lack of instructions is an issue but even after figuring it out, it still works terrible. The ratchet direction is such that when you try to pull the band once it is unlocked, it pulls on the lever causing it to come out of the unlock detent and engage the ratchet again. Reversing the direction would also keep the band tighter to the work. It's pretty easy to take it apart (Irwin Vice Grips ironically work well to bend the pins) and reverse the toothed wheels so that the ratchet works the other way and then at least it becomes usable. The strap brackets are another issue since the corners are a radius not a sharp or relieved corner and as such they'll damage any 90 degree point they are clamped up against.