Disclosed herein is a tool for cutting or crimping a tensioned cable in a medical procedure. The tool comprises a cable forming assembly that is coupled with an inner shaft. The cable forming assembly comprises a cable former. The tool additionally comprises a central channel, which extends through the inner shaft, an outer tube within which the inner shaft is positioned, and the cable forming assembly along an entire length of each one of the inner shaft, the outer tube, and the cable forming assembly. The central channel is configured to receive and support the tensioned cable in-line with the tool. The cable former is actuatable to cut or crimp the tensioned cable when the tensioned cable passes through the central channel. Translational movement of the outer tube along the inner shaft in an engagement direction actuates the cable former to cut or crimp the tensioned cable.