The tightening and loosening of the tensioning rope around the drum can sometimes be a problem, particularly for people with small hands and thin fingers. This hook will give you better leverage. Those of you in skating country will recognize this as a modified skate lace hook (I put a gradual curve in it so it will bear more directly on the rope and the tip doesn't scratch the drum body.) You're welcome to make your own using a vise and a lever. Or I can bend it for you and save you the hassle.