The On Deck Channelvideo
Know This Before Adjusting Your Turnbuckles | How-To
August 12, 2023 · 6 min · 8K views · St. Petersburg
What this video covers
Adjusting turnbuckles requires securing the swage stud or terminal with a wrench to prevent the wire from rotating, which can cause permanent damage to the rigging.1:54 To remove cotter pins, bend each leg individually until they align, then squeeze them together with pliers to pull them out.1:02 Most turnbuckles feature a right-hand thread on the top stud and a left-hand thread on the bottom fitting, meaning the body unscrews when turned counter-clockwise.2:25 When performing maintenance, count the number of turns taken to loosen the body, clean the threads with a wire brush if necessary, and apply a high-quality marine-grade lubricant such as Selden grease.3:47 Never back the turnbuckle body off completely if the rig's stability remains uncertain.5:10 Regular cleaning and re-greasing every two to three years prevents stiff threads and ensures the rig remains easy to tune.5:37 Securing the wire fitting against rotation is the most critical step to avoid damaging the standing rigging during adjustment.4:39
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