IRWIN 15-ft 350-lb Band Clamp

No instructions isn’t the biggest issue.

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 t...

No instructions

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.

A big step backward

I own an Irwin band clamp with the same product number. It is a simple, intuitive tool that provides a clamping loop that is continuous from the spool across the frame to the release clamp so as to apply even pressure all the way around. This contraption does is none of the above. Further, it is accompanied by no instructions leaving the user to find all this out after having destroyed the sealed clam shell so it cannot be returned. If I was in a position to read these comments before purcha...

Why no instructions?

Like the other commenters, there were no instructions with my band clamp. Please send them ASAP. I'm in the middle of a project for which I specifically purchased this clamp, only to be stuck because there are no instructions.

Not an obvious solution

I bought this last year but have not had to use this clamp until today. I spent most of the afternoon figuring out how to release the tension after clamping the project. It is NOT an obvious or "elegant" method. It requires the ratchet to be completely rotated the opposite direction and the spring-loaded guide on the handle to be pulled back and held away from the strap while pulling on excess strap.

NO INSTRUCTIONS!??

Really? No instructions? You take the time and expense to print info about your special blue color scheme but can’t provide instructions for the consumer?

Can I give 0 stars?

You'd think that they'd at least put a guide online for this, but no... Looks like customers are pretty much in the same boat as I am. Maybe if I study it for a few hours, I'd be able to figure out how it's supposed to work. Can't make the darn thing release - I have to use it one more time, and I'm thinking I'll just cut the strap and throw it all away when I'm done gluing this second chair. Paying a tech writer to come up with three paragraphs and a couple of line drawings would be a decen...

Hate to pile it on but...

I have bought many Irwin products in the past so never bothered to check reviews of a relatively simple and useful thing to have in the shop. Went by brand name only and really regret it now. Not that the price was exorbitant, but I will actually be throwing this out - it has no real utility. Can’t blame my local hardware store - they probably made the same mistake I did but I’ll let them know to keep this product off their shelves. Wouldn’t you know, I was (un)lucky enough to get the last one.....

ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME!!!

I am not an idiot by any means, but after about 2.5 hours, YES HOURS!!! of trying to figure this freakin thing out , it went right into the trash! It had no instructions on how to use it and was a complete joke to try and figure out!! Worst product EVER!!!