Elongated cam， self-locking， board straightening device

A board straightening tool comprising a handle non-rotatably attached to a cam rotatably attached to a locking dog provides force to straighten boards by grasping the joist supporting the tool and simultaneously wedging a shoulder of the cam against the board being fastened to the joist， and maintains a space between tool and board for edge-mount fasteners. Increased force against the board is provided by a fulcrum action of the cam to locking dog rotatable attachment and is maintained by locking the cam in place using a specially designed curved cam perimeter section that enables an installer to straighten a deck board while keeping his hands free. Locking dog locking fingers are constructed from a knurled metal for grasp power or of a smooth surface to reduce marring the joist. The tool also provides the force required to maintain consistently spaced gaps between the boards for a more desirable appearance.