Turnbuckle barrels are commonly used with aircraft cables. As shown in the adjacent photo, they feature a threaded barrel. You can run an aircraft cable through a turnbuckle barrel. After adjusting the cable to the appropriate tension, you can lock the turnbuckle barrel. The cable will then retain its tension. Below are six important things to consider when choosing turnbuckle barrels.
#1) Thread Size
You should consider the thread size when choosing turnbuckle barrels. All turnbuckle barrels have a threaded barrel, but the size of their respective threads may vary. There are turnbuckle barrels with 1/4-28 threads, meaning their threads are one-quarter inch in diameter, and they feature 28 threads per inch. Other turnbuckle barrels may feature larger or smaller threads.
#2) Standards and Certifications
What standards or certifications do the turnbuckle barrels come with? Standards and certifications ensure a uniform, high-precision design. One of the most common standards for turnbuckle barrels is MS21251. MS21251 is a military standard that, like other military standards, is commonly used with military parts.
#3) Material
Turnbuckle barrels are available in different materials. Some of them are made of brass. Other turnbuckle barrels are made of steel or aluminum. Brass, steel and aluminum are all strong materials, but their nuances between them. Steel, for instance, is the strongest material. Aluminum is the lightest material.
#4) Locking Mechanism
Don’t forget to consider the locking mechanism when choosing turnbuckle barrels. You’ll need to lock a turnbuckle barrel to retain the tension of the cable with which it’s used. The specific type of locking mechanism turnbuckle barrels use may vary. Make sure you have the appropriate locking clip or pin for which the turnbuckle barrels were designed.
#5) Length
You should consider the length when choosing turnbuckle barrels as well. Some turnbuckle barrels are short. When fully assembled, they may measure just 2 inches long. Other turnbuckle barrels are longer, though. You should choose turnbuckle barrels in the right size for your cable application.
#6) Unit Count
How many turnbuckle barrels are you looking to buy? Like with other custom-manufactured parts, you may be able to save money by purchasing turnbuckle barrels. Maybe you need 50 of them, or perhaps you’re looking to buy over 100 turnbuckle barrels. Regardless, you should purchase them in bulk to take advantage of savings discounts.
To retain the tension of an aircraft cable, you can use a turnbuckle barrel. Turnbuckle barrels feature a threaded barrel that supports an aircraft cable.
