Among the tools you may not know we rent are turnbuckles. These underutilized pieces of rigging hardware provide a mechanical means of adjusting a load in cases of offset center-of-gravity (CG). Additionally, they can also be used to adjust tension in the sling(s) that could be caused from an offset CG. When considering ways to achieve a perfectly level lift, there are many options, but none as simple as a turnbuckle. Today, we will break down what a turnbuckle is, composition of a turnbuckle, the different configurations and how they work. 
At its core, a turnbuckle is a piece of rigging hardware consisting of a body and two threaded end fittings. These are utilized, as mentioned above, primarily to remove slack in slings and to adjust tension in a tensioning system. Turnbuckles can also be paired with another when additional length or adjustability is needed.
Crafted of either galvanized or stainless steel, our turnbuckles have tempered end fittings and normalized bodies with enhanced impact properties. What this means is that turnbuckles have greater toughness at all temperatures, providing peace of mind on the job site.
Turnbuckles are very simple in construction and are comprised of three distinct parts – the body and two threaded end fittings.
The body is what is used to adjust the tension and holds the two end fittings in place. There are two possible body styles available – closed, also known as a pipe body, and the more common open configuration. The body is threaded on each end and rotates to either extend or retract the end fittings. One note, however, is that the body can only be adjusted with no load. Once load is applied, the body is locked in position due to tension on the unit.
Eye – With a teardrop shape, the eye end connects to a shackle with the pin running through the eye. This is the most common end fitting in most rigging applications and also one of the safest. Eye ends connect to a shackle prior to coming in contact with the sling, ensuring proper load distribution
Jaw – Jaw ends are “U” shaped and have a through pin held in place with a cotter pin. Jaws can be used in direct contact with a sling – provided it’s wide enough to avoid bunching – or lifting lug. You can also run a shackle through a jaw, but that is more commonly used with eye ends instead. The cotter pin is the most important piece of a jaw end, ensuring the connection remains secure.
Hook – Hook ends lack a safety latch, which makes them the least used configuration, but each has merit. So, when would you see a hook end used? Frequently, these are utilized for temporary connections and guy wire applications. This due to the ability to quickly connect and disconnect the load. Hook ends should never be used when the tension could release on its own. While under tension, the hook is stable, but once there is slack on the sling, it could easily slip off. For this reason, one of the other end fittings should be the only ones considered for lifting applications.
Turnbuckles are available in five configurations: Eye and Eye, Hook and Hook, Hook and Eye, Jaw and Jaw and Jaw and Eye.
For additional information, check out How to Use a Turnbuckle.
If you have questions or are in need of high-quality, certified rigging or lifting equipment rentals delivered on time, LGH has you covered. Click to chat with a live rental support specialist or call 800-878-7305 now.
