A tool for binding and securing the binding of a load, said binding including a tube having left and right hand threads at opposed ends and sides and threaded shafts mated to the threads whereby turning of the tube relative to the shafts produces common insertion or extension of the shafts relative to the tube. A gear secured to the tube and a pivotal housing with handle surrounding the gear. A pawl carried by the housing and moveable into and out of engagement with the gear in either rotative direction whereby handle movement either contracts or extends the shafts simultaneously from the tube. A centered position of the pawl and a detent in said pawl engaged by a spring biased pinion that retains the pawl as desired out of engagement with the gear for free turning of the tube. The handle may be pivoted to a parallel position with the tube for convenient storage and safety, and a lock may be applied to lock the pawl in a position for contracting the shafts to prevent inadvertent release from the load binding condition.