---
title: What is the difference between turnbuckles and bottlescrews?
description: Ever wondered what the difference is between a bottlescrew, rigging screw & turnbuckle.  Here we have complied a simple explanation with pictures to show you.
---

[Miami Stainless Blog](https://blog.miamistainless.com.au)

# [What is the difference between turnbuckles and bottlescrews?](https://blog.miamistainless.com.au/what-is-the-difference-between-turnbuckles-and-bottle-screws)

 Written by [Miami Stainless](https://blog.miamistainless.com.au/author/miami-stainless) | 05-Feb-2017 23:30:00

 

A **turnbuckle**, **rigging**** screw** and **bottlescrew** are devices used in the tensioning of wire ropes, cables, tie rods and other tensioning systems.

 

The main difference is the body of the fitting.

 

## What is a turnbuckle?

**Turnbuckles** have an open body, exposing the threaded section.  Often used in shade sails and marine applications.

 

## What is a Bottlescrew?

 

**Bottlescrews** have an enclosed body, hiding the threaded section.   Often used in wire balustrade systems but also in shade sails and marine applications as well.

In additional to the screw bodies there are a few other points of difference.

#### Turnbuckles

These fittings have the same applications as bottle screws, but have a generally smaller size range and shorter adjustment. The main benefit of a turnbuckle is that it may have a greater ability to be tightened under load. Also, there are a wider range to end fittings.

| Jaw/Jaw  | Hook/Hook |
| --- | --- |
|  |  |
| Eye/Eye | Hook/Eye  |
|  |   |

 

#### Bottlescrews  (Rigging Screws)

Bottlescrews are used to make adjustments and for tensioning and are usually used in wire balustrade systems as they offer a sleeker design.

Another significant difference in this range is that the Bottlescrew can be **swaged (crimped)** to wire rope, see Jaw/Swage Bottlescrew below.

| Jaw/Swage | Jaw/Jaw  |
| --- | --- |
|  |  |

 

 

 

 

[View full post](https://blog.miamistainless.com.au/what-is-the-difference-between-turnbuckles-and-bottle-screws)

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