Adjusting Turnbuckles

[sandycohen]

Hi -

Does anyone have a link to a basic primer on how to adjust and lock in open-body turnbuckles? I feel a little silly asking, but it doesn't seem so simple when you are actually doing it. Is there a way to adjust tension while the clevis pin is locked into the deck toggle, or do you have to remove the shroud from the deck, adjust both bolts in the turnbuckle, and then pull down hard to get it back into the body of the toggle and pinned?

It seems like if you turn the turnbuckle while it's all connected, you are just moving one bolt in and the other out, for a net zero gain.

What are the pins that go through the bolts for?

Thanks

[rustypirate]

Turnbuckle bolts are threaded in opposite directions, one right-hand and the other left-hand. This will allow the body to move both ends either in or out at the same time.

The method for adjusting them is to connect the wire, then connect the clevis, then turn the body so as to move the ends inward until the wire is tight. The pins through the ends of the bolts are to allow you to insert locking rings or cotter pins that will prevent the body from working loose over time.

[sandycohen]

So the only pins/rings that come on and off to adjust the bolts are the ones going through the bolt?

[rustypirate]

yes, they are only there as a safety measure to keep the turnbuckle from rotating and loosening.

[FSMike]

Sandy -
Don't forget to prevent the wire from turning while you are adjusting the turnbuckle.

[Wotname]

In addition to this advice, some turnbuckles will have locking nuts (top and bottom of the main body). These have to be loosened off before adjusting. The bottom one will have a left hand thread and so will have to be turned the "wrong" way to loosen it.

[S/V_Surya]

Here is a link to a CF post that has a rigging guide link. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ide-30456.html

[sandycohen]

THanks - what happens if the wire turns?

[Joli]

If the wire turns you can end up damaging the wire or the swage. Hold the top swage with a wrench and turn the body of the turnbuckle. Make sure the turnbuckles are clean and greased to prevent galling. Start with the rig loose, center the mast side to side with the cap shrouds, tighten those first and work your way down the mast doing the diamonds progressivly top to bottom. When you are done pin the turnbuckles top and bottom so the wre does not unwind the body of the turnbuckle. We use scar pins but you can use clevis pins and tape. Plan on retensioning the rig after a couple breezy sails.

Cheers Joli

[sandycohen]

Hi All - Great tips - I went out today and with the right info in mind had no problem using turnbuckles without twisting wires.

How tight should the forestay and backstay be?

[barnakiel]

And DO NOT turn the turnbuckle by leading a dupy screwdriver THRU one. Instead, grab it from the outside with a wrench that fits the flat sides of the body.

b.

[hattiews]

Only one threaded end of my turnbuckle is turning.....the top end seems stuck, so as I tighten it seems the wire is twisting. Any tips on how to unstick the top thread?

[Davidasailor]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

And DO NOT turn the turnbuckle by leading a dupy screwdriver THRU one. Instead, grab it from the outside with a wrench that fits the flat sides of the body.

b.

May I ask why? I’ve seen it done both ways.

[Davidasailor]

Originally Posted by hattiews

Only one threaded end of my turnbuckle is turning.....the top end seems stuck, so as I tighten it seems the wire is twisting. Any tips on how to unstick the top thread?

There should be a flat section on the fitting that you can put a wrench on. Use that to hold the wire in place while you try to turn the turnbuckle. Maybe try some penetrating oil (pb blaster or wd-40) if it’s stuck.

[bensolomon]

Originally Posted by Davidasailor

May I ask why? I’ve seen it done both ways.

The inside of the turnbuckle is not meant to take that kind of pressure or torque. You will distort the turnbuckle, and may even fracture it.