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A turnbuckle (also stretching screw) is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems. It normally consists of two threaded eyelets, one screwed into each end of a small metal loop, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread. The tension can be adjusted by rotating the loop, which causes both eyelets to be screwed in or out simultaneously, without twisting the eyelets or attached cables.
Uses
Turnbuckles are most commonly used in applications which require a great deal of tension; they can range in mass from about ten grams for thin cable used in a garden fence, to thousands of kilograms for structural elements in buildings and suspension bridges.
Shipping
Turnbuckles are used for tensioning a ship's rigging and lashings. This device is also known as a bottlescrew in this context.
Sports and entertainment
Turnbuckles find a popular use for tensioning the ropes in professional wrestling rings and boxing rings, where they serve as the attachment between the ring ropes and ring posts. The turnbuckles in these rings are covered with padding in order to protect the competitors. The turnbuckles come into particular play in professional wrestling where they are often put to use by participants as part of their offensive repertoire.