Open vs Closed turnbuckle bodies

bsfree · #1 04-22-2002

I''m fitting a new headstay and my old turnbuckle body is chrome on brass/bronze? and pretty worn down in the chrome dept. Anyway, west marine only seems to sell open body turnbuckles so what is the difference, if any? I figured if the rest is going to be shiny new then a new turnbuckle body would finish it all off.

Jeff_H · #2 04-22-2002

Closed turnbuckle bodies were very popular in the 1970''s and into the 1980''s. To some extent they have dropped off in popularity because they are hard to make as sturdy and corrosion resistant as open body turnbuckles. Open body turnbuckles were generally forged then machined where as closed body turnbuckles can''t be forged. The closed body turnbuckles are generally considered more prone oxygen starvation corrosion.

Jeff

paulk · #3 04-22-2002

I like the safety factor on the open turnbuckle of being able to see how much thread is sticking (holding) in it just by looking at it. With a closed turnbuckle I''m never sure if it''s just a quarter turn more and the shroud lets loose and the mast is over the side. My daughter''s Blue Jay has closed turnbuckles, and they work loose frequently because the tape that holds the locknuts from loosening gets removed when the mast is pulled for trailering. Splash, and you''re out $16 for the new turnbuckle body. (She hasn''t lost the mast... yet - it''s always been the leeward shroud.)

Denr · #4 04-24-2002

The information Jeff gave about closed turnbuckles not being forged is incorrect. Most, if not all turnbuckles, regardless of whether a closed or an open design, are forged for boats 20'' and larger. This manufacturing process nearly doubles their tensile strength. Geez'' the stuff you see on the internet! (Jeff surely you know better than that.)

Jeff_H · #5 04-24-2002

That''s funny. I am sitting here with the (broken)cast bronze bottle from a set of tubular closed turnbuckles from my (former)25 foot folkboat. It now makes a nice paper weight but was one of the reasons that I had to replace the Folkboat''s rig when I restored her. Geez'' the stuff you see on the internet! (Denr surely you know better than that.) 8^)

Jeff