
March 8, 1955 w HESS 2,703,723 TURNBUCKLE Filed Dec. 1, 1952 INVENTOR ATTORNEY United States Patent Oflice 2,703,723 Patented Mar. 8, 1955 TURNBUCKLE William M. E. Hess, Point Pleasant, N. J. Application December 1, 1952, Serial No. 323,382 4 Claims.
Full Answer
What is a turnbuckle on a rope?
Turnbuckle. A turnbuckle, stretching screw or bottlescrew is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems. It normally consists of two threaded eye bolts, one screwed into each end of a small metal frame, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread.
What is a turnbuckle screw used for?
A turnbuckle, stretching screw or bottlescrew is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems. It normally consists of two threaded eye bolts, one screwed into each end of a small metal frame, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread.
What is the length of a 80mm turnbuckle?
Small turnbuckle (80 mm [ 3 5⁄32 in]) Turnbuckle diagram. A turnbuckle, stretching screw or bottlescrew is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems.
What are turnbuckles used for in the entertainment industry?
Entertainment industry. In entertainment rigging, turnbuckles are more commonly used to make small adjustments in line lengths. This is generally to make a flown unit sit parallel to the stage. Another way a turnbuckle could prove helpful is with making very minor height or angle adjustments.

Why is it called a turnbuckle?
Turnbuckle types are, essentially, named for the combination of end fittings used in the device.
Where are turnbuckles used?
Turnbuckles are used in nearly all rigging performed in the entertainment industry, including theatre, film, and live concert performances. In entertainment rigging, turnbuckles are more commonly used to make small adjustments in line lengths. This is generally to make a flown unit sit parallel to the stage.
How much weight can a turnbuckle hold?
The turnbuckle has a working load rating of 1200 lbs.
What material is turnbuckle made of?
Stainless steel turnbuckles are designed for applications that have high strength-to-weight ratios and minimum turnbuckle diameters. They combine very high tensile strengths with ductility and corrosion resistance. Some cable turnbuckles are made of 304 or 316 stainless steel. Others use 1030 carbon steel.
What can I use instead of turnbuckle?
The alternative to turnbuckles are deadeyes. Deadeyes use lashings to form a block and tackle setup at the bottom of the stay to achieve the necessary tension needed to tune the rigging. Deadeyes consume 4 feet of dyneema, making them rather economical by comparison.
Can you use a turnbuckle for lifting?
A turnbuckle is a handy tool that makes lifting and rigging easier in the following ways: Turnbuckles are used to increase or decrease tension on a load to make minor adjustments. A turnbuckle helps to accommodate a difference in sling length, ensuring equal load distribution.
How do I stop my turnbuckle from loosening?
If your application will expose the turnbuckle to vibration, it is good practice to lock the end fittings from turning by using lock wire. This will prevent unwanted loosening over time. Your turnbuckle may also be equipped with lock jam nuts to prevent loosening.
How do you tighten a wire rope without a turnbuckle?
Use a simple cinch loop:Connect to the first eye and tie a small loop about 2/3 the way across the span.Run the tail through the second eye and back through the loop.Pull the tail toward the second eye to create the desired tension and pinch the tail to maintain position.Tie off the tail at the loop.
How do you secure a turnbuckle?
5:417:33How To Select and Use Turnbuckles - Installation Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the eye fitting insert the eye into the open shackle. And then close the shackle. So that theMoreFor the eye fitting insert the eye into the open shackle. And then close the shackle. So that the eye is locked into place to tighten the turnbuckle.
How does a turnbuckle work?
A turnbuckle, also known as a bottlescrew, is a device consisting of two threaded eye bolts with opposite handed threads that are screwed into each end of a frame. When the central frame rotators, the eye bolts are prevented from doing so because the two bolts have opposite handed threads.
What sizes do turnbuckles come in?
Common sizes available are 6”, 9”,12”, 18” and sometimes 24” take ups.
Are turnbuckles reverse threaded?
A Turnbuckle will always be threaded left hand / right hand.
What is a turnbuckle in WWE?
Turnbuckles are common in professional wrestling rings. A turnbuckle is a three-piece metal coupling device designed to increase or decrease tension gradually without twisting the ropes or cables to which it's secured.
What is a rigging or bottle screw used for?
Rigging screws and turn buckles are sometimes referred to as a wire rope tensioner, bottle screws, barrel strainers or straining screws. They are a special type of fitting which are used to enable the tensioning of wire ropes.
How are turnbuckles rated?
Turnbuckles are categorized by thread diameter, take up length, and end fittings. 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.
Do turnbuckles have opposite threads?
A turnbuckle, also known as a bottlescrew, is a device consisting of two threaded eye bolts with opposite handed threads that are screwed into each end of a frame. When the central frame rotators, the eye bolts are prevented from doing so because the two bolts have opposite handed threads.
What is a Turnbuckle?
A turnbuckle is a piece of hardware used to eliminate slack and adjust tension in a rope, cable, or other tensioning system.
Why are turnbuckles used in boxing?
Sports and entertainment – turnbuckles are used to act as a securement point and to create tension in the ropes surrounding a wrestling or boxing ring. You can’t see them, of course, since they are covered in soft material for the athletes’ safety!
Why is a turnbuckle tightened?
The turnbuckle is then tightened or loosened to adjust tension and eliminate slack in the cable or rope is it connected to . A turnbuckle may be used on its own or in conjunction with other turnbuckles to increase length in the assembly.
What is an eye and eye turnbuckle?
As you might have guessed, an eye and eye turnbuckle has an eye end fitting on either end. Likewise, a hook and eye turnbuckle has a hook end fitting on one end and an eye end fitting on the other.
When to remove turnbuckle from service?
During the course of an inspection, remove the turnbuckle from service if any of the conditions listed in ASME B30.26 – Rigging Hardware are present:
What is the best material for turnbuckles?
Stainless steel turnbuckles are ideal for use in outdoor and saltwater environments, as they are extremely resistant to rust and corrosion. If corrosion is a concern, stainless steel is likely the best choice for your turnbuckle material.
What is a turnbuckle?
A turnbuckle also is known as rigging screw, tensioner, straining screw, barrel strainer, or adjuster, is a device for adding or releasing the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems. They are used for rigging or tensioning wires, ropes, rods, etc., typically within industries such as oil and gas, construction, shipping, mining, and fishing. You can easily twist the turnbuckle body to expand or contract the length, without rotating the end fittings on both sides.
What are the different types of rigging turnbuckles?
Rigging turnbuckles are available in many different types, sizes, but basically there are three primary turnbuckle accessories: a turnbuckle body, a right-hand threaded end fitting, and a left-hand threaded end fitting.
What is a hook end on a turnbuckle?
Hook end – are used for temporary connections and are much easier to install and attached or detached from other rigging components than jaw end turnbuckle and eye to eye turnbuckle.
Where did the word "buckle" come from?
The word "buckle" enters Middle English via Old French and the Latin buccula or "cheek-strap," as for a helmet. Some of the earliest buckles known are those used by Roman soldiers to strap their body armor together and prominently on the balteus and cingulum.
Why were buckles made of wood?
When preferred materials were scarce during the Great Depression of the 1930s and the two World Wars, buckles became a low priority and manufactures needed to find ways to continue to produce them cheaply. Makers turned to wood as a cheap alternative since it was easily worked by hand or simple machinery by impressing the designs onto the wood. But there were problems using wood. Any attempt to brighten the wood’s dull appearance with painted designs or plasterwork embellishments immediately came off if the buckle were to be washed.
What buckles were used on Roman soldiers?
The baldric was a later belt worn diagonally over the right shoulder down to the waist at the left carrying the sword, and its buckle therefore was as important as that on a Roman soldier’s armor. Bronze Roman buckles came in various types. Not only used for practical purposes, these buckles were also decorated.
Why are brass buckles made of silver?
Silver was also used in buckle manufacturing for its malleability and for being strong and durable with an attractive shine.
What are the components of a Roman buckle?
Components. The buckle essentially consists of four main components: the frame, chape, bar, and prong. The oldest Roman buckles are of a simple "D"-shaped frame, in which the prong or tongue extends from one side to the other. In the 14th century, buckles with a double-loop or "8"-shaped frame emerged.
What is a buckle clasp?
The buckle or clasp is a device used for fastening two loose ends, with one end attached to it and the other held by a catch in a secure but adjustable manner. Often taken for granted, the invention of the buckle was indispensable in securing two ends before the invention of the zipper. The basic buckle frame comes in a variety ...
What is a Roman buckle?
A Type I Roman buckle was a “buckle-plate” either decorated or plain and consisted of geometric ornaments. Type IA Roman buckles were similar to Type I buckles but differed by being long and narrow, made of double sheet metal, and attached to small D-shaped buckles (primarily had dolphin-heads as decorations).
1. Parts of the Turnbuckle
The turnbuckle is made of three key parts: the body, jam nut, and end fittings. These parts may be made of different designs or materials, so knowing the names and purpose of each component is quite important.
2. Turnbuckle Types
There are several types of turnbuckles. The primary difference is the end-fitting combinations. As mentioned before, the end fittings do not necessarily need to match.
3. When are Turnbuckles Used?
Turnbuckles are used for many types of applications across many industries, including:
4. Turnbuckle Installation Process
Apart from the question of “ what is a turnbuckle”, perhaps the most common one asked by our customers is how to install this piece of equipment. Proper installation is crucial – but thankfully, it is also fairly simple.

Overview
Materials
The first known buckles to be used were made out of bronze for their strength and durability for military usage.
For the last few hundred years, buckles have been made from brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). In the 18th century, brass buckles incorporated iron bars, chapes, and prongs due to the parts being made by different manufactures. Sil…
Components
The buckle essentially consists of four main components: the frame, chape, bar, and prong. The oldest Roman buckles are of a simple "D"-shaped frame, in which the prong or tongue extends from one side to the other. In the 14th century, buckles with a double-loop or "8"-shaped frame emerged. The prongs of these buckles attach to the center post. The appearance of multi-part buckles with c…
Types
Although any device that serves to secure two loose ends is casually called a buckle, if it consists of two separate pieces with one for a hook and the other for a loop, it should be called a clasp. Clasps became increasingly popular at the turn of the 19th century with one clear disadvantage: since each belt end was fixed to each clasp piece, the size of the belt was typically not adjustable unles…
See also
• Turnbuckle
• Shoe buckle
• Knee buckle
External links
• Media related to Buckles at Wikimedia Commons