How to Make a Steel Cable Tight

Quck answer

To tighten a steel cable, follow these steps:

1. Identify the cable ends: Locate the two ends of the steel cable that need to be tightened.

2. Prepare the tools: Gather the necessary tools, including cable clamps, a wrench, and pliers.

3. Loosen the cable: Use the wrench to loosen the cable clamps on both ends of the cable.

4. Pull the cable tight: Using pliers, pull the cable tight until it reaches the desired tension.

5. Secure the cable: Once the cable is tight, use the wrench to tighten the cable clamps on both ends, ensuring they are secure.

6. Test the tension: Verify the tension by giving the cable a gentle tug to check for any slack.

By following these steps, you can effectively tighten a steel cable to ensure it is secure and properly tensioned.


Steel cables have a wide range of uses. They are commonly used to support railings on decks and as guides for pet runs. Steel cables are also used in zip lines and swings to support handles and seats. In order for steel cables to provide strong support, they must be tight. Although steel cables are initially tight during installation, they will gradually loosen over time. To ensure their strength and stability, it is important to install a tensioner with the steel cable.

Step 1

Start by unscrewing the eyes on both ends of the turnbuckle until they are as far apart as possible without falling out. A turnbuckle is a tensioning device with a rectangular center portion. There is a large metal eye that screws into either end of the rectangle.

Step 2

Take two cable clips and slide them onto one end of the steel cable. Cable clips have a round side and a flat side. The screw tightens the clip from the flat side.

Step 3

Insert the cable through one of the eyes of the turnbuckle.

Step 4

Fold the cable back on itself and slide the cable clips over the folded part. Position the cable clips so that the curved portion of both clips lies on the folded part of the cable, and the screw presses into the longest part of the cable. Tighten the screws to securely hold the cable.

Step 5

Attach the other eye of the turnbuckle to a fixed object, such as a wall or post.

Step 6

Rotate the turnbuckle to the right. As you turn the center portion of the turnbuckle, both screws rotate within their threaded holes. This action brings the steel cable closer together, effectively tightening the cable.

Leave a Comment