US Patent 7410334 Ratcheting winch tool

A tool adapted to tighten tie-down straps utilized to secure cargo transported on flatbed trailers or the like. The tool includes an elongate handle having a standard ratchet mechanism fixed at one end thereof. A cylindrical socket extends from one side of the ratchet mechanism. The cylindrical socket is designed to encompass a conventional winch drive shaft. Diametrically spaced openings are formed in the circumferential wall of the socket for receiving a locking pin therethrough. The cylindrical socket could be configured internally, at least, to match the winch drive shaft with which it will be used, e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.