Abstract: An apparatus for bracing items of freight on the loading platform of a freight carrying vehicle has a rod or cable tie-down having one end connected to an anchor on the loading platform. The opposite end of the tie-down is positioned through an aperture in a frame member of the item of freight. First and second locking means are positioned over the opposite end of the tie-down with an expansion means therebetween. The locking means slide over the cable in one direction but lock to the cable in the opposite direction. When the expansion means expands, one locking means grabs the cable while the other is slid along the cable into tight abutment with the frame member to create a tension in the cable.