<p>A cable pulling assembly (10) includes a pulling sleeve (12), which includes a bore (36), and a base assembly (14). The base assembly is selectively engaged with the bore of the pulling sleeve. The base assembly includes a first base member (60) and a second base member (62). The first and second base members cooperatively define a cable channel (63). The cable channel includes a plurality of gripping protrusions (90). A method of assembling a cable pulling assembly includes inserting a portion of a cable (74) into a first channel (72) of a first base member of a base assembly. The first channel in friction fit engagement with the cable. A second base member (62) of the base assembly is engaged to the first base member. The second base member defines a second channel (96). A connectorized end of the cable is inserted into a bore of a pulling sleeve. The base assembly is engaged to the pulling sleeve.</p>
