A fixed strand grabber and a removable strand grabber are presented for use on a conventional ladder. The strand grabber includes a hook member connected to a top support and a bottom lever. The bottom lever has a portion that extends past and encloses the open interior of the hook that protrudes from the forward side of the ladder. As the ladder is lowered over a cable, the hooks move upward which in turn causes the bottom lever to rotate upward. A portion of the bottom lever encloses the open interior of the hook thereby locking the cable therein. In this way improved safety is provided as the cable is prevented from accidently slipping out of the open interior of the hook which improves user safety. The system also provides an attachment point for a safety lock. In addition, the removable strand grabber provides a V-brace for using against utility poles.