A self-locking cable gripper includes a housing having a void which tapers between openings at the housing's top and bottom. A collapsible member having a central passage is adjacent the bottom opening. A pair of half jaws are between the collapsible member and the top opening, sized such that they move towards each other as the jaws are moved toward the bottom opening due to the taper of the void. The top and bottom openings, central passage, and inner surfaces of the jaws define a channel capable of receiving a cable passed through the housing from its bottom to its top opening. When the cable is pulled in the direction opposite that with which it was installed, the half jaws are drawn toward the housing's bottom opening such that their inner surfaces are urged towards each other, thereby locking the cable in place while it is under tension.
