How to use a turnbuckle
How a turnbuckle works is to first unscrew the end fittings all the way out and take care not to screw them too far (inside the ends of the turnbuckle body). Then attach each end of the turnbuckle to the work pieces. Be sure that the end fittings cannot turn. Then turn the turnbuckle body. One
end fitting has left hand threads and the other has right hand threads.
LG recommend starting with your turnbuckle half engaged, this is so you can apply tension once fitted. Rotate the central strainer body by hand to release the threaded hook ends.
Once your turnbuckle connected, simply tighten the turnbuckle by rotating the central strainer body until the required tension is achieved.
Once your turnbuckle connected, simply tighten the turnbuckle by rotating the central strainer body until the required tension is achieved.
Important If using with wire rope, it is important that the wire is NOT allowed to turn or twist as this could weaken the wire.
Load ratings are based on straight lift or pull in a gradually increasing manner. Any deviations such as angular lift or pull, shock load, modifications of the basic part, etc. will result in drastically reduced load capacity.
Top Materials for Turnbuckle Parts
Stainless Steel – from small turnbuckles to larger assemblies 316L stainless turnbuckles offer high corrosion resistance and durability with standard UNC threading to interchange turnbuckle hardware. Stainless steel turnbuckles offer the highest resistance to high chloride or high moisture environments.
Pipe – pipe turnbuckles are a version of stainless steel manufacturing but the body of the turnbuckle is enclosed in stainless steel pipe for cosmetic reasons such as wire railings so that threads are not visible unlike standard turnbuckle hardware. UNC threaded so the fittings can be interchanged with standard turnbuckle fittings.
Galvanized Turnbuckles – hot dip galvanized steel for durability, resistance to corrosives, and weather resistance. Made for in-line or straight pull applications only.
Turnbuckle Hardware Options
There are a large variety of turn buckle design options to fit your specific rigging needs. Turnbuckles come with a variety of end fittings:
- Deck Toggle – a “T” shaped bar sits inside a mounting bracket with holes on either side. This configuration allows the turnbuckle assemblies to rotate 180 degrees within the mounting bracket. This type of fitting is often used to attach to deck posts.
- Drop Pin – these turnbuckle tie downs have a rotating pin on the end that flips flat into the body of the pin to thread through a hole and then can be extended perpendicular to the body for a secure hold. This end fitting offers an excellent clean look.
- Eye – solid loop end for wire rope turnbuckle with no vulnerable connection points to allow cable to slip through. Elongated eye version minimizes stress on the turnbuckle component.
- Fork or Jaw -rigging turnbuckles with wishbone shaped anchor point fitted with a nut and bolt or pin and cotter turnbuckle assembly, this type of fitting is ideal for situations where the anchor point is fixed and will not work with an eye or the anchor point needs to be secured from slipping off the fitting.
- Hook – stainless turnbuckle ending in an open hook. Hooked ends of the turnbuckle may open the same direction or in opposite directions depending on your rigging requirements. This fitting offers the quickest option for attachment and release.
- Lag Screw – the threaded screw end of these turnbuckles allow for permanent, secure attachment to your anchor points.
- Stub End – these rigging turnbuckles are used where a connecting point is not needed like most turnbuckle ends, but rather are used to separate or push apart objects.
- Swage Stud – swage stud turn buckle fittings offer a solid corrosion resistant end point that is threaded to accept wires directly into the fitting and swaged to secure them permanently.
- Threaded Rod – turnbuckle hardware end fitting with standard threads that easily form a direct connection to a post or other mounting surface.
