Rigging Screws vs Turnbuckles

Rigging screws and Turnbuckles are adjustable fittings that are commonly used for tensioning and adjusting the length of wire rope, like in the application of balustrade wire.

These fittings normally consist of a metal frame with a threaded section at each end and a connector in the form of a hook, eye or jaw. Once fitted, the tension of the wire rope can be adjusted by rotating the frame of the rigging screw or turnbuckle to apply the desired amount of tension in the wire.

This adjustment also makes the installation of balustrade wire much easier as it eliminates the need for precise cutting when using swaging fittings that have little or no adjustment.

In balustrade applications, the most popular turnbuckles are made from stainless steel as they provide a nice shiny finish as well as being highly durable against the harsh outdoor elements.

There are commonly three different variations of turnbuckles which have different combinations of end fittings. These are eye and eye, hook and eye, as well as hook and hook. This allows you to choose the type that is most suitable for your application as well as the desired look.

Rigging screws are also used to provide a means for length adjustment and tensioning and differ to turnbuckles as they have an enclosed body that conceals the threaded, adjustment section of the fitting. With a Turnbuckle the threaded ends are visually exposed.

Additionally, rigging screws generally have a jaw type end fitting with a removable pin and can be used with a range of mountings, like pad eyes, or for connection to shackles.

The body of a rigging screw is made from a tubular section of steel and has a central cross-hole which permits visual observation of the maximum permitted extended position of the end fitting.

All our turnbuckles have locking nuts, which most desirable in all applications and compulsory in certain Government specifications.

If you’re planning a balustrade installation, check out our range and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call.