Disclosed are holders for preparing one or more optical fibers for termination and methods of using a holder when preparing and/or making a termination using a mechanical splice connector. In one embodiment, the optical fiber holder includes a body having a longitudinal passageway for receiving an optical fiber and a retainer. The retainer fits into a portion of an opening of the body and has a first side with a resilient member for securing one or more optical fibers to the holder. A front portion of the holder may be inserted into one or more assemblies for perform operations to prepare the at least one optical fiber for termination and/or making a termination using a mechanical splice connector.