A tool for a cable winding machine includes a plate and at least one clamp assembly mounted to the plate. The clamp assembly includes a clamp pad movable toward and away from the plate between a clamped position and a released position. A shaft is secured to the center of the plate. The tool can be part of a cable winding machine that secures to a spool. The end of the cable can be releasably clamped between the clamp pad and the plate.