In one aspect, a tensioning instrument for a securing device, such as surgical cable, is provided having a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable and a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in the cable by predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning ,mechanism. The tensioning device has a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and is configured permit a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable. The tensioning device also has a second actuator different than the first actuator which is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism. The second actuator may be moved between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension, if any.
