29 Jul 2025

WHAT IS A TURNBUCKLE? APPLICATIONS IN RIGGING & TENSIONING

Turnbuckles may be small, but they play a massive role in ensuring safety, stability, and adjustability across rigging and tensioning systems. Used in industries ranging from construction and marine to entertainment and agriculture, turnbuckles — also known as rigging screws or rigging turnbuckles — are the unsung heroes of the rigging world.

In this guide, we’ll break down what turnbuckles are, how they work, and why they’re an essential part of your lifting and rigging toolkit. Plus, we’ll explore different materials, industry applications, and how you can get everything you need — right here at Lifting Equipment Store.

What Is a Turnbuckle?

A turnbuckle is a mechanical tensioning device used to adjust the length or tension of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tension systems. It consists of a threaded metal body and two end fittings — one with right-hand threading, the other with left-hand threading. When you rotate the central body, the fittings move closer together (to increase tension) or further apart (to loosen).

TURNBUCKLE COMPONENTS: A CLOSER LOOK

Let’s break down the main parts of a typical turnbuckle:

• Body/Frame: The central piece, often cylindrical or hexagonal, that houses the internal threads.
• End Fittings: The connection points at each end—commonly available in eye, jaw, or hook types.
• Threads: Internal threads inside the body allow for opposite movement of the fittings when rotated.
• Lock Nuts / Jam Nuts (optional): Used to lock tension in place once adjusted.
• Material Finish: Galvanised or stainless steel, depending on environment and application.

Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring that the turnbuckle performs effectively under load, whether you’re suspending stage lighting or tensioning a guy wire on a telecom mast.

Load Ratings & Safety Factors

Safety is everything in lifting and rigging. That’s why Working Load Limits (WLL) and safety factors must be considered before using any turnbuckle.

• Working Load Limit (WLL): The maximum load that should be applied in regular service.
• Safety Factor: Typically 5:1 for critical or overhead applications (e.g., a turnbuckle rated for 1 tonne WLL should have a breaking strength of at least 5 tonnes).

At Lifting Equipment Store, we only stock certified and tested turnbuckles from trusted manufacturers. Look for markings or certificates that indicate compliance with EN or BS standards.

📌 Pro Tip: Never exceed the WLL, and always inspect your turnbuckles regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or deformation.

Turnbuckle Material Comparison

Choosing the right material for your turnbuckle is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

🔗 Browse our Galvanised Turnbuckles and Stainless Steel Turnbuckles to find the perfect match for your application.

Common Applications for Turnbuckles

Turnbuckles are used in a wide variety of sectors and tasks:

• Construction – Stabilising frameworks, bracing scaffolds
• Marine – Adjusting sail rigging and securing lifelines
• Theatre & Events – Suspending trusses and stage backdrops
• Fencing – Tensioning wires on farms and security perimeters
• Lifting & Hoisting – Adjusting sling lengths and load balancing

Industry-Specific Use Case Deep Dives

🔩 Construction & Infrastructure

Turnbuckles are essential in bracing steel beams, tensioning guy lines, and adjusting architectural supports. Jaw & Jaw turnbuckles are popular for their strength and secure connections.

⛵ Marine & Sailing

On yachts and ships, stainless steel rigging turnbuckles adjust mast stays and lifelines. Their resistance to salt corrosion is crucial.

🎭 Theatre, TV & Events

Used for suspending lighting, scenery, and effects rigs, eye & eye turnbuckles allow for clean installations with subtle tensioning ability.

🪓 Agriculture & Fencing

Tension wire fences, greenhouse structures, and trellises benefit from hook & eye or hook & hook models for quick assembly and adjustment.

🛒 Not sure which type suits your industry? Contact our experts or explore our full Turnbuckles Collection.

Choosing the Right Turnbuckle

To ensure safety and performance, consider:

• Load capacity / WLL
• Material finish (galvanised vs stainless)
• End fitting type (eye, jaw, hook)
• Environment (indoors, marine, corrosive)
• Thread type (metric or imperial)

Need advice? Our team is ready to help — just reach out via our online form or phone.

WHY NOT BUNDLE?

To complete your rigging setup, don’t forget these essential companions:

• Wire Rope & Accessories – Perfect for tensioning projects
• Lifting Shackles – Connect turnbuckles securely to lifting points
• Lifting Slings – For load handling and balance
• Load Binders – Ideal for load restraint alongside turnbuckles

Bundling these products ensures full system compatibility and better value for money.

Why Buy Turnbuckles from Lifting Equipment Store?

We’re more than just an equipment supplier—we’re rigging experts.

• ✅ Premium-Grade Stock – Only trusted, certified manufacturers
• ✅ Fast UK & Global Shipping
• ✅ Expert Technical Support
• ✅ Competitive Pricing
• ✅ Huge Selection of Turnbuckles in various sizes and finishes

🎯 Browse our entire turnbuckle and rigging screw range today and find the right solution for your project.

Coming Soon: Turnbuckle Blog Series

This guide is part of a broader educational series we’re launching to help you master every aspect of rigging gear.

Future articles include:

• How to Properly Install a Turnbuckle
• Types of Turnbuckles Explained
• Turnbuckle Maintenance & Inspection Guide

Bookmark our blog homepage or subscribe to get updates as soon as they're published.

Our Final Thoughts

Whether you’re tensioning steel cables on a building, fine-tuning a boat’s rigging, or setting up a concert stage, the humble turnbuckle is a tool you’ll come to rely on. It’s precise, reusable, and available in forms to suit almost any environment.

With this guide — and a wide selection of products at Lifting Equipment Store — you’re equipped to make the right choice for safety, performance, and reliability.