Turnbuckles

When a guy wire goes slack or a tension rod assembly needs a few turns of adjustment, the turnbuckle is what gets you there. These are the components that take up slack and dial in tension in wire rope, rod, and cable assemblies across jobsites, marine structures, stage rigging, and industrial tie-down systems. Holloway Houston stocks turnbuckles in eye-eye, jaw-jaw, and hook-hook end configurations with thread sizes from 5/16 inch to 2-3/4 inch and working load limits from 500 lbs to 75,000 lbs. Crosby and Green Pin models are on the shelf. Bodies and jaw ends are also available when you are rebuilding an assembly or need replacement components.

Turnbuckles for Rigging and Tensioning

A turnbuckle is a mechanical device used to apply and adjust tension in wire rope, rod, cable, or chain assemblies. The standard configuration is a threaded body with one right-hand thread and one left-hand thread - turning the body in one direction tightens both end fittings simultaneously, taking up slack without rotating the assembly itself.

Turnbuckles are governed by ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware). ASTM F1145 is the current product specification covering design, materials, marking, and proof testing requirements for turnbuckles. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 references turnbuckles among the rigging hardware requirements applicable to jobsite rigging operations.

End fitting type determines the designation: eye-eye bodies have closed loops on both ends, jaw-jaw bodies use U-shaped clevis fittings on both ends, and hook-hook bodies carry hooks on both ends. Eye-jaw and other mixed configurations are also available. Bodies and end fittings can be sourced separately when rebuilding existing assemblies.

Holloway Houston carries turnbuckles from Crosby and Green Pin, covering thread sizes from 5/16 inch to 2-3/4 inch with take-up lengths from 4 inches to 24 inches. Working load limits run from 500 lbs at 1/4 inch jaw ends to 75,000 lbs at 2-3/4 inch.

Types of Turnbuckles

Eye-Eye Turnbuckles

Eye-eye turnbuckles carry closed loops (eyes) on both ends. The eyes connect to shackles, thimbles, hooks, or anchor points - any connection hardware that accepts an eye fitting. This configuration is typical in applications where the connection hardware is already in place and movement at the connection point is not needed after tensioning. Holloway Houston stocks Crosby HG-226 eye-eye models starting at 5/16 inch and Green Pin G-6311 eye-eye models starting at 3/8 inch. The combined range runs to 2-3/4 inch with WLLs up to 75,000 lbs. Shop Eye-Eye Turnbuckles

Jaw-Jaw Turnbuckles

Jaw-jaw turnbuckles carry U-shaped clevis jaws on both ends, each with a removable pin. The jaws connect directly to pins, lugs, clevises, and other hardware that accepts a pin-through connection. This configuration is useful when the connection needs to be opened or disconnected without removing hardware. Holloway Houston stocks Crosby HG-228 jaw-jaw models starting at 5/16 inch and Green Pin G-6313 jaw-jaw models starting at 3/8 inch. The combined range runs to 2-3/4 inch with WLLs up to 75,000 lbs. Shop Jaw-Jaw Turnbuckles

Hook-Hook Turnbuckles

Hook-hook turnbuckles carry hooks on both ends, allowing quick connection to rings, links, and other hook-accepting hardware. The Crosby HG-223 is the hook-hook model available at Holloway Houston. This configuration suits temporary tensioning applications where the quick-release nature of the hook is an asset. Working load limits run up to 5,000 lbs in the 1-inch model. Shop Hook-Hook Turnbuckles

Eye-Jaw Turnbuckles

Eye-jaw turnbuckles carry a closed eye on one end and a clevis jaw on the other. This mixed-end configuration suits assemblies where one connection point accepts an eye fitting and the other requires a pin-through jaw. Eye-jaw models are assembled from separate bodies and end fittings and are available by calling Holloway Houston rigging specialists. Shop Eye-Jaw Turnbuckles

Turnbuckle Bodies

Turnbuckle bodies - also called frames - are the central threaded component without end fittings attached. The Crosby HG-2510 body is available at Holloway Houston in thread sizes from 5/16 inch to 2-3/4 inch with take-up lengths from 4.5 inches to 24 inches. Bodies are used when building custom assemblies or replacing damaged frames in existing turnbuckle assemblies. Shop Turnbuckle Bodies

Turnbuckle End Fittings (Jaw Ends and Eye Ends)

End fittings thread into the turnbuckle body to form the complete assembly. Jaw ends (HG-4037) are available in right-hand and left-hand thread configurations. Holloway Houston stocks thread sizes from 1/4 inch to 1-1/4 inch with WLLs from 500 lbs to 15,200 lbs. Eye ends are also available for assemblies calling for a closed-eye end fitting. Shop Jaw Ends, Shop Eye Ends

Find Your Turnbuckle

Not sure which configuration fits the assembly? Holloway Houston stocks a full range of turnbuckle types, sizes, and components. Our rigging specialists can help you match the end fitting type, thread size, and working load limit to your application. Shop All Turnbuckles

Turnbuckles by Size, Capacity, and Configuration

Turnbuckle capacity is set by the thread diameter (body size) and the end fitting type. Take-up length determines how much adjustment travel the assembly provides.

Working Load Limit Range

• 500 lbs to 1,200 lbs - 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch thread sizes (light-duty rod and cable assemblies)
• 2,200 lbs to 5,200 lbs - 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thread sizes (mid-range rigging and structural applications)
• 7,200 lbs to 15,200 lbs - 7/8 inch to 1-1/4 inch thread sizes (heavier industrial and commercial assemblies)
• 21,400 lbs to 75,000 lbs - 1-1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inch thread sizes (heavy structural, marine, and industrial uses)

Thread Sizes Available at Holloway Houston

5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-3/4 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/2 inch, 2-3/4 inch

Take-Up Lengths Available

4.5 inches, 6 inches, 9 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches

End Fitting Configurations

• Eye-Eye - Closed loops on both ends. Connects via shackles, thimbles, or hooks.
• Jaw-Jaw - Clevis jaws on both ends. Connects via pin-through connections.
• Hook-Hook - Hooks on both ends. For quick-connect applications.
• Bodies only - Frame without end fittings; for custom or replacement assemblies.
• Jaw ends only - Right-hand and left-hand thread; for custom assembly or single-end replacement.

Materials

• Alloy steel - Standard material for Crosby turnbuckles; heat-treated for strength.
• Carbon steel - Green Pin G-6311 and G-6313 series.
• Zinc-plated or self-colored finish depending on model.

Brands We Carry

Holloway Houston is an authorized distributor for Crosby and Green Pin turnbuckles - two of the most widely specified names in rigging hardware.

Crosby manufactures the HG-226 (eye-eye), HG-228 (jaw-jaw), HG-223 (hook-hook), and HG-2510 (body) turnbuckle lines along with HG-4037 jaw ends. Crosby turnbuckles are forged, proof-tested, and individually marked with the working load limit per ASME B30.26 and ASTM F1145, the current product specification governing design, materials, and proof testing. The Crosby line covers thread sizes from 5/16 inch to 2-3/4 inch with WLLs up to 75,000 lbs. Shop Crosby Turnbuckles

Green Pin (Van Beest) turnbuckles include the G-6311 eye-eye and G-6313 jaw-jaw series. Green Pin is a Dutch manufacturer with a long record in offshore and marine rigging. Their turnbuckle line covers thread sizes from 3/8 inch to 2-3/4 inch. Shop Green Pin Turnbuckles

Shop by Product Type

• Eye-Eye Turnbuckles (Crosby HG-226 and Green Pin G-6311)
• Jaw-Jaw Turnbuckles (Crosby HG-228 and Green Pin G-6313)
• Eye-Jaw Turnbuckles (mixed end configuration - one closed eye, one clevis jaw)
• Hook-Hook Turnbuckles (Crosby HG-223)
• Turnbuckle Bodies (Crosby HG-2510)
• Turnbuckle Jaw Ends (Crosby HG-4037 Right Hand and Left Hand)
• Turnbuckle Eye Ends

Turnbuckle Applications by Industry

• Jobsite rigging - Guy wire tensioning, diagonal bracing, formwork tie-rods, and cable assemblies on crane structures and structural steel erection.
• Marine and Offshore - Standing rigging, deck fitting tie-downs, mooring equipment, and tensioned cable assemblies on vessels and offshore platforms.
• Industrial and Petrochemical - Pipe support hangers, tension rods in structural frameworks, and tie-back assemblies in plant structures.
• Stage and Entertainment Rigging - Tensioning cable in overhead grid systems, backdrop and truss assemblies, and dead-hang cable configurations.
• Telecommunications and Utility - Tower guy wire assemblies and antenna mast tensioning where periodic tension adjustment is needed.
• Agriculture - Fence tensioning, gate bracing, and wire strand assemblies on agricultural structures.
• General Rigging and Fabrication - Custom tension assemblies where a specific end fitting combination, thread size, and take-up length is needed.

Why Holloway Houston for Turnbuckles

Holloway Houston has been in the rigging business for over 65 years, operating out of Houston, Texas. We are an authorized distributor for Crosby and Green Pin - two manufacturers whose turnbuckle lines cover the full range of commercial and industrial tensioning applications.

Our turnbuckle inventory spans thread sizes from 5/16 inch to 2-3/4 inch with WLLs from 500 lbs to 75,000 lbs in eye-eye, jaw-jaw, and hook-hook configurations. Bodies and end fittings are stocked separately for custom builds and replacement work. In-stock models ship from Houston with same-day availability on most sizes.

With over 250 employees and deep inventory across the full rigging hardware spectrum, Holloway Houston can handle a single turnbuckle order and a bulk procurement for a jobsite procurement with equal speed. Proof test documentation and manufacturer certifications come with every shipment.

Selection Considerations for Turnbuckle

Matching a turnbuckle to an application involves the end fitting type, thread size, take-up length, and working load limit. Here is what to look at:

End Fitting Type

Eye-eye models attach via shackles, thimbles, or hooks. Jaw-jaw models connect directly to clevis pins, lugs, and bolted connections. Hook-hook models suit temporary quick-connect applications. Mixed configurations (eye-jaw) are also available by combining separate bodies and end fittings.

Thread Size and WLL

Thread diameter sets the rated capacity. The WLL is marked on the body and end fittings per ASME B30.26. Matching the turnbuckle WLL to the rated capacity of the assembly it connects into is the standard approach.

Take-Up Length

The take-up dimension is the amount of adjustment travel available. Longer take-up lengths allow more slack removal and tension adjustment. Standard take-up lengths at Holloway Houston range from 4 inches to 24 inches. The required take-up depends on how much assembly slack the installation calls for removing.

Material and Finish

Crosby alloy steel turnbuckles are heat-treated for high strength. Green Pin carbon steel models are a common alternative. Finish options include self-colored and zinc-plated depending on model and environment.

Right-Hand vs. Left-Hand Thread (End Fittings)

Jaw ends are available in right-hand and left-hand thread for assemblies that require reversed threading. Most standard assemblies use matching right-hand threads on both ends; the body provides both RH and LH threads internally.

Turnbuckle Safety and Awareness

Turnbuckles are load-bearing rigging hardware governed by ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) and ASTM F1145, the current product specification for turnbuckle design, materials, and proof testing. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 references turnbuckles among the rigging hardware requirements for jobsite-industry operations. The following awareness points apply to turnbuckle selection, inspection, and use:

• Turnbuckles manufactured per ASME B30.26 are marked with the working load limit and manufacturer identification. The rated WLL applies to straight-line tension. Angular loading changes the load on the assembly.
• Visual inspection of turnbuckles before each use is standard practice. Cracks, deformation, corrosion, and thread damage on both the body and end fittings are the primary inspection points. Bent bodies, cracked eyes, or damaged jaw pins are removal-from-service indicators.
• The body should turn freely on the threads. Thread damage, galling, or binding that prevents smooth adjustment indicates the component needs to be replaced.
• Turnbuckles are not designed for rotation under load. Proof test certifications from the manufacturer apply to the rated assembly; modifications, welding, or reshaping voids the manufacturer's rating.
• In wire rope and structural tension assemblies, locking the turnbuckle after adjustment - by wire-locking, jam nuts, or other means - is addressed in manufacturer documentation and applicable project specifications. The method is application-specific.
• End fittings (jaw ends, eye ends) are threaded components. Thread engagement depth and the number of exposed threads are indicators the manufacturer specifies. Manufacturer documentation addresses minimum engagement requirements.
• Proof test certificates and material certifications from the manufacturer are part of the documentation package for rigging hardware in ASME B30.26-governed applications. Holloway Houston provides these with every shipment.

Complete Your Rigging System

• Shackles - Connect turnbuckle eyes to wire rope slings, chain assemblies, and structural anchor points with anchor and chain shackles.
• Wire Rope and Wire Rope Slings - Pair turnbuckles with wire rope assemblies for structural tensioning and rigging applications.
• Eyebolts and Swivel Hoist Rings - Provide the anchor points that turnbuckle assemblies tension against.
• Rigging Hardware - Browse the full rigging hardware line including shackles, hooks, swivels, and master links.

DISCLAIMER

Turnbuckles are load-bearing rigging components. Proper selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.26 and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.