An improved strap tensioner that allows a user to manually shorten the strap by applying greater tension on the strap and easily lengthening the strap after being tightened. The tensioner includes a tension lever, an intermediate member, and a
brake lever all pivotally mounted on a rigid base. The tension lever and
brake member are longitudinally aligned on opposite sides of the rigid base. Formed on the tension lever is a transversely aligned clamping
flange that extends under the strap when longitudinally extended through the rigid base. Formed on the intermediate member and disposed above the clamping
flange is a first
cam surface that forms a slot for the strap to extend through. The
brake lever includes a second
cam surface that is spaced above the front
flange member to form a second slot. During operation, the brake lever is rotated to press the second
cam surface against the front flange member to temporarily hold the strap inside the rigid base. During use, the tension lever, the intermediate member and the brake lever are sequentially coupled together to selectively engage, pull and release the strap allowing the strap to be tightened or loosened.