Tensioning device

The apparatus has a tensioning lever clamping apparatus arranged on a tensioning lever for releasably clamping a strap or cable (3) on the tensioning lever. A movable basic clamping body (4) is mounted on a movable basic body (1) that comprises an opening nose (6). Clamping positions of the movable basic clamping body and a fixed basic clamping body (5) guide the strap or cable about the opening nose. The opening nose is arranged in a space between a strap abutment surface of the fixed basic clamping body and a strap abutment surface of the tensioning lever clamping apparatus. An independent claim is also included for a method for tensioning a strap or cable.