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Turnbuckles
Holloway Houston provides high-performance turnbuckles designed for precise tensioning and slack adjustment in wire rope, rod, and cable assemblies. We stock an expansive inventory from Crosby and Green Pin, featuring end configurations including eye-eye, jaw-jaw, and eye-jaw with working load limits ranging from 500 lbs up to 75,000 lbs.
Turnbuckles for Rigging and Tensioning
A turnbuckle is a mechanical tensioning device consisting of a central threaded frame (the body) and two threaded end fittings. The engineering of a turnbuckle utilizes opposing threads, one right-hand and one left-hand, allowing the assembly to tighten or loosen as the body is rotated. This mechanical advantage allows riggers to apply immense tension to guy wires, structural braces, and mooring lines without rotating the entire cable or rod assembly.
At Holloway Houston, our turnbuckles are sourced from the industry’s most respected manufacturers, including Crosby and Green Pin (Van Beest). Every unit we supply meets or exceeds the requirements of ASME B30.26 and federal specification FF-T-791b. Whether you are securing a diagonal brace in structural steel or tensioning guy wires for a telecommunications tower, our 65 years of rigging expertise ensures you have the certified hardware required for safety and compliance.
The Mechanics of Take-Up and Capacity
The utility of a turnbuckle is defined by two primary variables: Take-Up and Working Load Limit (WLL).
- Take-Up : This refers to the distance the end fittings can move toward each other within the body. Holloway Houston stocks take-up lengths from 4 inches to 24 inches.
- Working Load Limit : Capacity is determined by the diameter of the threaded shank and the metallurgy of the component. Our inventory scales from light-duty 5/16" models to massive 2-3/4" heavy-lift units.
Types of Turnbuckles Available at Holloway Houston
Different connection points require specific end fittings. We maintain a diverse selection to ensure compatibility with your existing hardware.
Eye-Eye Turnbuckles
Characterized by closed loops on both ends, Eye-Eye turnbuckles are ideal for permanent or semi-permanent connections where the hardware on either side such as Rigging shackles or thimbles is already captive. We stock the Crosby HG-226 and Green Pin G-6311 series for these applications.
Jaw-Jaw Turnbuckles
Jaw ends feature a U-shaped clevis with a removable pin. This allows the turnbuckle to connect directly to anchor plates, lugs, or eyebolts without needing intermediate hardware. The Crosby HG-228 and Green Pin G-6313 are our most popular jaw-jaw models, favored for their versatility in field rigging.
Jaw-Eye Turnbuckles
For assemblies that require a permanent eye connection on one end and a removable jaw connection on the other, Holloway Houston provides the Crosby HG-227 and Green Pin G-6315. This "mixed" configuration is standard in guy-wire assemblies where the eye connects to the cable and the jaw connects to the ground anchor.
Hook-Hook Turnbuckles
The Crosby HG-223 features hooks on both ends. These are intended for temporary tensioning where rapid attachment and release are required. Due to the open nature of the hook, these are typically restricted to lower-capacity utility applications (up to 5,000 lbs WLL).
Components: Bodies, Ends, and Locknuts
When rebuilding an assembly or performing maintenance, you may not need a full turnbuckle. We stock:
- Turnbuckle Bodies (Crosby HG-2510) : High-strength frames in various take-up lengths.
- Turnbuckle Jaw Ends (HG-4037) : Available in both right-hand and left-hand threads.
- Turnbuckle Locknuts : Critical for high-vibration environments to prevent the body from unscrewing.
Technical Specifications: Size and Capacity Guide
Selecting the right turnbuckle requires matching the thread diameter to your load requirements.
Working Load Limit (WLL) Ranges:
- Light Duty (500 – 1,200 lbs): Used for light rod assemblies and small cable tensioning.
- Medium Duty (2,200 – 10,000 lbs): Standard for Wire rope slings and structural bracing.
- Heavy Duty (15,200 – 75,000 lbs): Essential for bridge work, large-scale mooring, and offshore structures.
Thread Sizes and Materials:
Holloway Houston provides thread diameters starting at 5/16 inch and scaling up through 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", and 2-3/4".
- Alloy Steel : Quenched and tempered for maximum WLL with a zinc-plated or galvanized finish.
- Green Pin Carbon Steel : High-grade steel favored for marine and corrosive environments.
Turnbuckle Applications by Industry
Rigging hardware from Holloway Houston is utilized globally across various sectors:
- Construction : Guy wire tensioning for cranes and structural steel tie-backs.
- Marine & Offshore : Mooring line adjustment and standing rigging on vessels.
- Telecommunications : Stabilizing cell towers and antenna masts.
- Entertainment : Tensioning cables for stage grids, lighting trusses, and backdrop supports.
- Agriculture : Fencing tension and gate bracing systems.
Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Turnbuckle
To ensure a safe and effective assembly, consider these four factors when consulting with a Holloway Houston specialist:
- Alignment : Turnbuckles are designed strictly for straight-line tension. Side-loading or angular loading can cause the threaded ends to bend or shear.
- Thread Engagement : For maximum capacity, the end fitting must be threaded fully into the body. Never unthread a turnbuckle beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limit.
- Environment : Outdoor or marine applications require galvanized finishes (like the Green Pin G-series) to prevent rust-seizing and metallurgical degradation.
- Vibration : In high-vibration zones, use locknuts or safety wiring to prevent the turnbuckle from backing out over time.
Safety, Inspection, and Maintenance
As load-bearing components, turnbuckles require periodic inspection per ASME B30.26.
- Visual Check : Inspect the body and ends for cracks, deformation, or deep pitting.
- Thread Integrity : Ensure threads are clean and lubricated. If threads are "galled" or flattened, the component must be replaced.
- Bent Eyes/Jaws : Any visible twist in an eye or a "spread" in a jaw opening is an indicator of overload and requires immediate removal from service.
- Proof Testing : Holloway Houston provides proof-test documentation and material certifications with every shipment to ensure ISO compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The body is the central frame that connects the two end fittings. It provides the take-up length and determines how much adjustment travel is available for the assembly.
It is strongly discouraged. Thread tolerances and pitch can vary slightly between brands. Using a Crosby body with a Green Pin end may result in thread failure under load.
A turnbuckle requires one of each so that rotating the body in one direction draws both ends inward. If both were right-handed, the turnbuckle would simply move along the line without applying tension.
For tower and guy-wire work, we recommend using turnbuckle locknuts or "mousing" the turnbuckle with safety wire through the eyes/jaws and around the body.
Per ASME B30.26, turnbuckles must be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, the size, and the rated WLL.
While our standard stock focuses on galvanized alloy and carbon steel for high-load industrial use, we can source specialized stainless steel configurations upon request for architectural or marine aesthetic applications.
Safety Disclaimer : Turnbuckles are load-bearing rigging components. Proper selection, inspection, and use require training consistent with ASME B30.26 and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.
Complete Your Rigging System
Holloway Houston provides all the hardware required for a complete tensioning system:
- Rigging Shackles : Connect eye-eye turnbuckles to anchor points.
- Wire Rope Slings : Custom-fabricated to pair with your turnbuckles.
- Eyebolts & Hoist Rings : Provide the anchor points for your tension rods.
- Rigging Hooks : For quick-connect tensioning configurations.