Apparatus for cutting and preparing cables use a grip head having a cable gripping device which is swingable by a drive between end positions delimited by a shock absorber and which is mounted on one end on a shaft rotatable about an axis extending rectangularly to a cable run. A force-transmitting element is coupled to be swingable with the grip head in spaced relationship to the mentioned axis, and a link is disposed between the force-transmitting element and the shock absorber. The force-transmitting element is positionable in a mid-position between end positions thereof opposite to the shock absorber and on a line intersecting the mentioned axis at right angles. The force-transmitting element may be arranged on a drive power link which is mounted on the same end of the shaft as the grip head.