The Rope Wrench

Need to apply torque to a pipe?  As demonstrated in the Power of Friction page, rope can really grab, given a few turns.

This same principle can be used to torque a smooth cylindrical object.  Use a long bar as shown above and plenty of turns of rope to get a grip.  You can use fewer turns of rope if you put a tight binding hitch on the ends or if you weight the ends of the rope.

If you don't want to marr the object you're turning, wrap the lever with leather or some other cushioning material.