What Is a Turnbuckle?

A turnbuckle is a simple yet essential tightening device that provides adjustable tension and structural stability for cables and tie rods, and other tensioning system in countless applications. Securing cargo on trucks, tightening wires on a fence, rigging on sailboats.

Overview

A turnbuckle typically consists of three primary components: a body, a right-hand threaded end fitting, and a left-hand threaded end fitting. By rotating the body, the distance between the two end points can be adjusted, either increasing or decreasing the tension in the system.

Types of turnbuckles

By Body Style: Open vs. Closed

For an open body turnbuckle, the threads are visible through the body frame.

By End Fitting: Hook, Jaw, Eye

Three main types of end fittings can be used together in any combination on either end of the turnbuckle, such as jaw and jaw, eye and jaw, hook and eye, etc.

-Hook end fitting are easy to quickly connect and disconnect. They are used to create temporary connections.

-Jaw end fitting consists of a jaw and bolt secured together by a nut or a pin. They are easily opend and are used to connect to components that are enclosed, such as an eye bolt.

-Eye end fitting is a closed loop that can be connected to a shackle or quick link. It is used for occasions where disassembly is not frequent.

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