A cable lasher (2) is provided for securing a utility cable, such as a telephone or transmission cable (5), to a support strand (3) strung in the air between adjacent utility poles. The lasher is pulled forwardly along the support strand and releases lashing wire (7) from a drum at the rear of the lasher. The lasher has a pair of drive wheels that rotate on the support strand. The drive wheels translate linear motion of the lasher into rotational motion of the drum as the lasher moves forwardly. Lashing wire is released from the rotating drum and helically wrapped around the cable and the strand. Tension in the lashed wire is maintained by an adjustable latch assembly which prevents the lasher from moving rearwardly to unwind the wire.
