Turnbuckles are popularly used in the lifting and rigging industry where tensioning lines are imperative. These items work to increase the strength of your lines by applying them in a straightforward process. However, choosing the right Turnbuckle for the job will ensure it functions properly and safely for years to come.
Learn more about what turnbuckles are, the different types of these devices, and how to use them in specific applications and jobs.
A turnbuckle is a device commonly used to take up slack and adjust the tension or length of various ropes, cables, wires, and other lines. Turnbuckles are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, from securing loads to tightening fence wire, and are commonly found in architectural, rigging, and marine applications.
Each turnbuckle consists of two end fittings connected to a metal frame and a central threaded rod that rotates to increase or decrease the tension between the end fittings. These hook onto an anchor point on one end and the line assembly on the other end and pull together to tighten the slack of the rope assembly without twisting the line.
Turnbuckles come in various materials, styles, end fittings, and sizes to accommodate your needs. These devices come in galvanized or stainless steel, and can sometimes consist of a pipe casing to cover and protect the internal threads.
U.S. Cargo Control offers different combinations of end fittings for turnbuckles that you can choose from:
You can also find different branded turnbuckles such as our Crosby® and European-made Van Beest devices that are high quality and tested for enhanced performance.
Whether you realize it or not, turnbuckles are used all around you. With so many different applications to use them for, it can be hard to spot them. We narrowed down a list of 5 common applications for turnbuckles:
Turnbuckles keep tension for tensile structures like large buildings and stand-alone towers. Steel cell phone towers, for example, utilize turnbuckles that keep wire cable taught and pulled in various directions in order to keep the tower standing. Tensioning tall structures is a common practice when they don't have enough base support to keep them standing.
If you ever went sail boating before, then you may recall seeing the rigging system utilize turnbuckles. This is a common method that makes it easy to tighten the ropes or release the slack to adjust the direction of the sails. Another common item, snatch blocks, also work to keep tensions tight in a sail boat rigging assembly, and commonly work with turnbuckles to keep the ropes tight.
Pipe-casing turnbuckles are used for fence lines. Keeping these lines tight and upright is imperative, especially for farmers wanting animals fenced in pastures or other open fields. Turnbuckles make it easy to keep wire rope taught and able to withstand heavy forces.
Heavy-duty turnbuckles also help support suspension bridges! Since these structures rely on tensioning, utilizing tools like turnbuckles make it easier to adjust the cable to the certain tightness that they need to be at.
Lastly, turnbuckles are very prevalent throughout the sports entertainment industry! These devices tighten ropes for boxing and wrestling rings, with the corners covered up by protective padding. Production workers use turnbuckles to tension the ropes to their appropriate tightness to keep competitors safe during their matches.
When using turnbuckles, you work against some pretty serious tensioning forces. Make sure you use these devices within their rated capacities and secure the end fittings to prevent any snapback. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when operating turnbuckles:
If you need you questions answered on how to safely set up your configuration, please contact our product experts today before you attempt your setup.
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