A clasping stability device and clasping stabilized hand truck provide a stable material handling platform safely operable by a single human operator from the rear of the hand truck, without having to use straps or ties. The clasping stability device may assist in loading material onto the hand truck at the source location, stabilize the material during transport, and assist in unloading the material from the hand truck at the destination location. The clasping mechanism may automatically lock into place once the clasping arms are closed to a sufficient degree to secure the material. The locking mechanism may remain locked, stabilizing the material during transport, until the locking mechanism is released. The clasping stability device provides a single stroke clasping and release mechanism that is engaged entirely from the rear of the hand truck.