Tensioning apparatus and method

A system and method for tensioning a cable. A thimble is placed over an eccentric member having a splined bore. A portion of an endless cable is placed over the thimble. The eccentric member and thimble are placed between a pair of parallel, spaced apart arms of a mounting structure. A splined shaft is inserted through holes in the arms and into the splined bore of the eccentric member to secure the eccentric member to the mounting structure. A threaded nut is placed on a threaded end of the splined shaft. The cable is tensioned by rotating a head portion of the splined shaft 180 degrees, or by a different predetermined value, which places the cable under a predetermined tension. A retaining screw is inserted through one of the mounting structure arms and into a threaded hole in the eccentric member. The system enables a precise degree of tension to be quickly and easily applied to a cable with no risk of accidentally over-tensioning the cable.