Abstract: A cable gripping apparatus comprising a plurality of jaw members, each jaw member being tapered on an outer surface thereof from a larger first end to a smaller second end, said plurality of jaw members being configured to receive and grip a cable therebetween. A cylindrical collar having external threads and a tapered internal bore is receivable of the tapered jaw members in the tapered internal bore. A cylindrical turnbuckle body having a threaded bore is receivable of the threaded cylindrical collar entirely within the turnbuckle bore. The cylindrical collar, plurality of jaw members, and cable gripped therewithin define collectively a collar sub-assembly receivable within the turnbuckle bore. When the turnbuckle body is rotated, the collar sub-assembly is moved axially within the threaded bore of the turnbuckle body, thus changing the tension in the cable.