How to Select Turnbuckles

If you prefer a text and picture version of the information, read more.

Turnbuckles are used to take up slack and apply tension to a rigging assembly.

They are designed to be loaded in straight pull, inline applications. They come in a variety of types, sizes, and coatings to suit many suspending, tie down, and tensioning type applications.

Turnbuckles are categorized by thread diameter, take up length, and end fittings.

Thread Diameter

Thread diameter refers to the diameter of the threaded portion of the end fittings. Larger thread diameters will have a greater load carrying capacity than smaller thread diameters.

Take Up Length

Take up refers to the total length that the end fittings can screw in and out of the turnbuckle body to take up tension.

To increase the amount of total take-up capability in your system, either choose a turnbuckle with more take-up, or attach 2 or more turnbuckles together, in line.

Tensioning

Turnbuckles can tension assemblies without twisting them up because one end fitting is left hand threaded and the other is right hand threaded. This design feature ensures only the turnbuckle body twists when tensioning.

Sizing Turnbuckles to Other Rigging Components

It is important to note that the working load limit should always be taken into consideration when sizing and matching turnbuckles to other rigging components.

Sizing Turnbuckles to Rigging Components

For example, a 1/4”x 4” turnbuckle has a much lower working load limit than ¼” cable or ¼” eyebolt, and the fittings may not connect easily. Up-size the turnbuckle to a size that more closely matches or exceeds the working load limit of the rest of the assembly or a working load limit that meets your loading requirements.

End Fittings

E-Rigging offers typical turnbuckles with a selection of 3 different types of end fittings with each fitting having its own purpose, advantages, and disadvanatges.

Eye End Fittings

Eye end fittings are used with other components that can be opened and connect into the eye such as a shackle or quick link. They contain no moving parts and are the most cost-effective end fitting of the three.

Jaw End Fittings

Jaw end fittings are composed of a jaw, bolt, and nut. These are used to connect to other components that cannot be opened, such as an eyebolt or swaged sling eye.

Depending on size, some jaw turnbuckles only come with a pin and cotter.

You can find a list the of the components included with each jaw on our Turnbuckles page.

Hook End Fittings

Hook end fittings are used for temporary connections and are easily attached and detached from other rigging components.

We do not recommend hook fittings in situations where tension can unexpectedly release from the turnbuckle as this may cause the hook to dislodge.

Double check your fittings when using hook turnbuckles because the hooks are large and may not fit with other fittings having a similar working load limit.

Toggle Jaw

Toggle Jaw is a specialty end fitting which is available on some of our stainless-steel turnbuckles. It is especially useful when the turnbuckle must articulate in a direction that isn’t allowed by the other component used in the application.

Cable Railing Swage Turnbuckles

E-Rigging also carries a variety of Cable Railing Swage Turnbuckles which are used in cable railing systems. Visit our Cable Railing page and our YouTube channel for more information on these types.

Drop Forged vs Formed and Welded

Our galvanized turnbuckles are drop forged.

Our stainless turnbuckles come in both drop forged or formed and welded varieties.

The formed and welded turnbuckles are nearly as strong as the drop forged turnbuckles, and offer significant cost savings. For critical applications that require stainless turnbuckles, the drop forged turnbuckles will offer better long-term reliability due to the end fittings’ elongated design that reduces stress and their superior manufacturing process.

Coating Types

Our turnbuckles are made from hot dipped galvanized steel and type 316 stainless steel. For more information on coating types, please watch our video on YouTube or check out our Blog.

Stainless Steel Turnbuckles