A strap-tensioning apparatus includes a base including two walls each formed with a first arched edge and a second arched edge, a short strap connected to the base, a spring-loaded reel supported on the base, a long strap wound on the reel, a spring-loaded detent movably supported on the walls for engagement with the reel, a handle supported on the base, and a spring-loaded detent/suppressor is movably supported on the handle for engagement with the reel. The detent/suppressor suppresses the reel when it is retained in position on the first arched edges of the walls but allows the reel to spin when it is moved on the first arched edges of the walls in a direction.