What are Turnbuckles?
Turnbuckles are inline tensioners that use opposite threads to draw two ends together and adjust cable, rod, or rigging tension without twisting the line. Our USA-made, drop-forged bodies and fittings (Ken Forging) deliver reliable adjustment, long service life, and consistent working load limits.
Turnbuckle types
- Jaw and jaw: clevis each end for pin connections to pads, plates, or chain
- Eye and eye: circular eyes for shackles or bolts
- Jaw and eye: mixed hardware for flexible hookups
- Stub ends: threaded studs to connect directly to tapped components
- Bodies only: use when you already have fittings and need a replacement frame
Materials and finishes
- Hot-dip galvanized carbon steel: rugged, economical corrosion protection for outdoor use
- Plain carbon steel: paint or coat to suit your environment
- 316 stainless steel: best corrosion resistance for marine and harsh conditions
How to size a turnbuckle
- Thread diameter: matches pins/rods and drives working load limit
- Take-up length: the total adjustment travel available in the body
- Overall length at min/max: confirm fit in your assembly at slack and full tension
- End fitting style: choose jaw, eye, or stub to match your connection points
Installation and adjustment tips
- Attach fittings, then align right-hand and left-hand threads into the body by hand to start
- Snug both ends evenly; tension by rotating the body—do not rotate the connected cable or rod
- Set lock nuts or cotter pins after final tension to prevent back-off
- Do not exceed the stated Working Load Limit (WLL); follow your job’s safety factor
Common uses for turnbuckles
- Wire rope and cable bracing, guy lines, and structural supports
- Signage, pipe systems, entertainment rigging (where allowed by spec), and utilities
- Marine lifelines and guard lines (use 316 stainless where corrosion is a concern)
Safety and best practices
- Choose matching materials and pin sizes to avoid weak links
- Inspect threads, bodies, and pins for wear, deformation, or corrosion before each use
- Turnbuckles are tension devices; use only as directed by the manufacturer and governing codes
FAQs about Turnbuckles
What does take-up length mean?
It’s the total amount of adjustment travel available in the body. Pick a take-up that covers your expected slack plus final tensioning allowance.
Which is better: jaw or eye turnbuckle?
Neither is “better”—choose to match your connection. Jaws pin directly to plates or tabs; eyes are ideal for shackles or bolted hardware.
How do I keep a turnbuckle from loosening?
After tensioning, set lock nuts (if equipped) and install cotter pins in jaw clevises. Periodically recheck tension under service loads.
Can I use galvanized and stainless together?
Mixing materials can accelerate galvanic corrosion in wet or marine environments. Use like materials when possible; otherwise isolate with appropriate hardware.
Are turnbuckles rated for overhead lifting?
Only use a turnbuckle for lifting if the manufacturer explicitly rates that model and your application meets the specification. Otherwise treat it as a tensioning/rigging component, not a hoist link.
What thread directions are inside the body?
One end is right-hand and the other is left-hand. Rotating the body draws the ends together or apart without twisting the attached lines.
Proudly Manufactured in the USA - Domestic