Abstract: A device and methods to incrementally tension a line. The fixed end of the line is secured to a load and the free end is wrapped one-and-a-half times around and terminating between a pair of essentially parallel hooks that have the freedom to converge in the gap. When the line is tensioned by applying a force to the device, the hooks are pulled together arresting the movement of the line. The device is then displaced a distance which constitutes one incremental pull. The tensioned line is then cleated off or the load otherwise secured and the device can then be returned to its starting point. The hooks, now relaxed, allow for the accumulated slack to be pulled through them by tensioning the free portion of the line. The process can be repeated until the desired tension is accumulated or the load displaced the required distance. When no more incremental.pi. pulls are required and there is no tension in the line, the line can be easily slipped off the hooks.