Abstract: An adaptable hand operated tool for tensioning safety cable to a predetermined tension limit, crimping a ferrule onto the cable, and cutting the cable. The tool comprises a body for adapting the tool to a hand operated hydraulic tool, a cable tensioner, and an elongated, removable nose. The cable tensioner comprises a wheel for applying tension to a cable wrapped around the wheel, and a clutch for prohibiting a rotational force from being applied to the wheel when a predetermined cable tension is applied. The elongated has an aperture for receiving a ferrule and passing the cable therethrough. A plunger is reciprocally operative in the nosepiece to crimp the ferrule on the safety cable and simultaneously severing a free end of the cable. The plunger is actuated by a piston of a hand operated hydraulic base tool.

Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning a cable positioned around a split sternum, for crimping a ferrule around the cable, and for terminating the cable at the ferrule after crimping. The tool includes a tensioning actuator for gripping and tensioning the cable to a predetermined tension and a crimping actuator for crimping the ferrule onto the cable. The crimping actuator is operative to sever a free end of the cable concurrently with crimping of the ferrule. The actuator includes an indenter to retain the ferrule therein. A method of using the tool includes looping a cable comprising a cable end fitting attached to a first end of the cable around the split sternum and passing a second end of the cable through the cable end fitting, then using the tool to tension the cable, crimp a ferrule installed on the cable, and cut the cable flush with the ferrule.