Turnbuckle - US VMYG

turnbuckle (stretching screw or bottlescrew) [R63]: A device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems.

There are various “turnbuckles”. We use this term loosely and sometimes the item used is not really a turnbuckle. A turnbuckle, strictly speaking, has two threads, one right-hand and one left-hand. A bottle screw has one. Most people use the term “turnbuckle” to identify any of these.

Today, turnbuckles are used almost exclusively to adjust and set the shrouds on a model yacht. A few other uses have been observed, such as, to adjust the backstay or forestay on a model yacht. While there have been various turnbuckles available, as well as options for making your own, it has become difficult to find adequate options.

bottle screw: These have one threaded end. The other end turns to allow for adjusting without the part being released from its attachment point.

clevis assembly: While this is technically not a turnbuckle, it is a good looking and effective way to attach your shrouds to the shroud racks. Various adaptations have been developed such as using a clevis with a rigging coupler and a jamb nut. There are two new options available on Amazon one in a brass finish and one in a silver finish.

custom assembly: We are looking at other ways of making these with readily available parts, i.e., a Dubro ¼ scale turnbuckle and a SAILSetc hook #087B hook. See photo of assembly.

early turnbuckle: Early turnbuckles were of two types, an actual turnbuckle and a bottle screw. Manufacturers and distributors such as AJ Fisher, Boucher, and others sold both in brass and chrome.

modern turnbuckle (bottle screw): There are very few available, some ready to go and others that need to be assembled. SAILSetc sells a couple of rigging screws that are modern adaptations of the turnbuckle.