Tool for binding an object (19) by means of a strip which consists of a strip tongue (7) and a lock which is connected to one end of the strip tongue and has a strip opening for retaining the other end of the strip tongue. The tool, which is of elongated construction, has a loop guide (15, 16), which can be opened and closed, on the end of the tool for guiding the strip around the object (19). Provided within the loop guide on the end of the tool is a lock holder (34, 35) from which the loop guide (15, 16) originates and to which it returns. Provided in the tool body is a guide channel (5), which runs approximately parallel to its longitudinal direction, for guiding the strip in its longitudinal direction from an original position into the looping-round and binding position. According to the invention, it is provided that the lock holder (34, 35) is arranged on the end surface of the tool on the circumference of the largest circular cross-section which can be retained by the loop guide ( 15, 16). The angle between the direction of the end of the strip tongue connected to the lock and the direction of the strip opening on the side facing the loop guide is between 135.degree. and 180 .degree. . In its end section running to the lock holder, the guide channel (5) contains a guide device for the strip tongue (7), which device is formed by a straight or concavely curved guide surface (3) and a guide element (41) which presses the strip tongue (7) against the guide surface (3).