
Add tension, strength, and a handcrafted finish with the real deal.
Explore our Turnbuckles Collection today and take your project from structural to striking.
Whether you're reinforcing a timber truss, bracing a pergola, or adding tension to a decorative feature, turnbuckles are the silent strength behind secure, well-built structures. At
What Is a Turnbuckle?
A turnbuckle is a mechanical tensioning device used to adjust the length and tension of rods, cables, or threaded assemblies. It consists of a central metal body with two threaded eye bolts, jaw ends, or hook ends screwed into each side—one with right-hand threads, the other with left-hand threads. When you rotate the body, it draws both ends inward, increasing tension.
It’s a simple concept—but when executed in forged iron, it becomes an essential part of both form and structure.
Common Uses for Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles are used anywhere controlled tension is needed. At
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Timber frame trusses
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Pergolas and pavilions
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Decorative cross-bracing in rustic and industrial interiors
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Furniture reinforcement
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Gates, railings, and barn hardware systems
Pair them with our threaded rods or clevises to complete a custom tension rod system tailored to your build.
Built for Heavy Duty and Heavy Style
Old West Iron’s turnbuckles are forged with durability and design in mind. Unlike the zinc-coated imports you’ll find in hardware stores, ours are:
✔️ Hand-forged or cast from solid steel
✔️ Offered in multiple sizes and configurations (eye/eye, jaw/eye, hook/eye)
✔️ Available in heritage finishes—black, rusted, raw, sealed
✔️ Compatible with square head threaded rod systems
✔️ Designed for exposed architectural use
They're equally at home inside a barn, outside on a pavilion, or featured as part of a decorative industrial build.
How to Install a Turnbuckle
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Connect threaded rods or tension members to both ends (one right-hand thread, one left-hand).
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Anchor both sides securely to your structure.
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Turn the center body to draw the two ends in and increase tension.
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Lock in place with jam nuts or cotter pins, if needed.
Need help planning a layout? We’ll help match the right turnbuckle to your span, load, and aesthetic goals.
Custom Solutions Available
Have a unique build? We offer:
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Custom-length turnbuckle bodies
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Oversized tension hardware for heavy timber applications
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Decorative add-ons like rivet heads or matching nuts
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Complete turnbuckle rod kits, made to your specs
Add tension, strength, and a handcrafted finish with the real deal.
Explore our Turnbuckles Collection today and take your project from structural to striking.