Turnbuckles
A turnbuckle is a mechanical device that will place tension on a cable. There are two screws that will draw in, tighten, or move outwards, loosen, to adjust the tension on a fixed cable. The center handle of the turnbuckle has two female threads, a right hand thread and a left hand thread. Into these female threads fits a male screw. On the ends of the male screw is a round metal eye. Into the eye, the fixed cable is secured with a cable clamp.
Material List:
Turnbuckle (size appropriate for the cable)
Cable cutters
Cable clamps
End wrenches
Choose a turnbuckle that is the correct size for the cable. Manufacturers will have a specification table that will list the size of the turnbuckle for the cable. A common rule of thumb will be to size the screws on the turnbuckle, equal to the cable diameter. In other words, a ¼ inch diameter cable will be suited to a ¼ inch thread size on the turnbuckle.
Position the turnbuckle along the length of the cable in a place where you can gain the best access for tightening. Loosen the turnbuckle to where both screws are to be at their outer most reach. The male screws must still have at least a full set of threads engaged with the female threads on the turnbuckle handle.
Cut the cable in half using the cable cutters. The cable should be cut at the center point of the turnbuckle handle, when the device is laid up along side the cable.
Feed one end of the cable through the eye of the male screw on the turnbuckle. Fasten the cable in place with the cable clamp. Use the correct size end wrench to tighten the two bolts on the cable clamp device.
Insert the other end of the cable onto the far end eye of the other male screw. Secure the cable clamp in the same manner as described in step 4. Pull the cable as taunt as possible before tightening the clamp.
Tighten the turnbuckle in a clockwise direction. Observe the amount of tension placed on the cable and the object it is supporting.
Words to the Wise:
You may have to reposition the cable in the clamps if the turnbuckle does not place enough tension on the cable. This may require the help from another person to pull on the cable as it is tightened in the cable clamp.
Follow the manufactures specifications on the cable sizing and weight limitations placed on the turnbuckle device. Exceeding the weight limitations may cause the turnbuckle to fail.
