A turnbuckle consists of three pieces of metal, when assembled the device can be used to increase or decrease the tension in wire ropes. The components are threaded which allows the tension to be modified in small steps without introducing any twist into the cable or rope to which it is attached.
The turnbuckle consists of a oblong shaped body, this piece has holes drilled and tapped in each end; the threads are cut in opposite directions, one right hand and the other left hand. The other two components are left and right hand threaded rods which have a hook or an eye on the end which is unthreaded. When the three components are assembled, the body can be turned in either direction, this allows the threaded rod portions to push out or pull in. When the rods are forced out, the tension on the wire rope is relaxed, conversely, when the rods are pulled in the tension increases.
Turnbuckles are available in a range of sizes, not only in length, but in the size of the threaded components. The common sizes of turnbuckles in Texas range from two inches to about twelve. The threaded components are a little less than half the length of the body, this arrangement means the wire rope can be lengthened or shortened by approximately the length of the turnbuckle body.
Turnbuckles in Texas can be found in many applications. In construction, small turnbuckles are used to fine tune the level of suspended ceilings, on the farm they are used to tighten fence wire and they are used in the aircraft industry and the boat building business to lengthen or shorten the control cables and rigging. When turnbuckles are being specified, they must be at least as strong as the wire rope they are attached to.
A well known and very visible use for turnbuckles is in a boxing or wresting ring. The ropes, usually three of four that surround the ring are connected at both ends to turnbuckles; these units are quite large and allow for rope movement of at least six inches. The ropes and the turnbuckles are enclosed in protective covers to reduce the possibility of injury to the fighters; they must be strong as they take a constant pounding during the competition.
Thomas Wire Rope is your best source for turnbuckles in Texas. Along with turnbuckles, Thomas stock wire rope, shackles, hooks and other devices used in the construction industry.
