Hard to avoid straps in gripping tool (5)
I believe the answer is:
tongs
'gripping tool' is the definition.
(tool for gripping things)
'hard to avoid straps' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'to avoid' suggests deleting specific letters.
'straps' becomes 'thongs' (I've seen this in another clue).
'thongs' with 'h' taken away is 'TONGS'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for tongs that I've seen before include "Tool for sugar cubes" , "Devices used for gripping objects" , "Means to pick up" , "Gripping device with two hinged legs" , "Sugar-lump holders" .)