A tension gauge is an essential tool for eliminating any guesswork from cable or rod tension adjustment. Tension gauges measures the tension in your sailboat standing rigging. In today’s blog we are going to be looking at what a tension gauge is, how it is used in sailboat rigging, and some of the different gauges available. Continue reading to learn more about tension gauges!

Why are slack rigs worse than tight rigs?

Despite what many say, a slack rig is more damaging to a hull than a correctly adjusted tight rig. A slack rig means that you will have insufficient tension that does not reduce loads transmitted in the hull. Slack rigging means you will have excessive movement, chafe and shock loading.

Why is rigging tension important?

Rigging tension is important because mast bend is using to control mainsail shape of your boat under different wind conditions. Bend also affects the shape and trim of the jib.

What can happen without the proper tension?

The main issue that could happen is damage to your boat. Without proper tension you could also buckle your mask or cause personal injury. If you end up having excessive tension you will also damage your setup, causing stretch to either cables or rods.

How do I use a tension gauge?

On our website we have a longer form detailed video that walks you through all the steps of using a tension gauge. Our video has a full transcript and high-quality video to show you a real life demonstration on a sailboat.

Are there different types of tension gauges?

Yes! At Loos Cableware Division we offer four different types of tension gauges. We have the Model #PT-CR for cable railing, Model PT Series, Model 90 & 91, and the Model RT Series. The different tension gauges are suitable for certain size cables. On our product page you can learn about each of our tension gauges.

Now that you have learnt about tension gauges, we recommend choosing a reputable company to complete your purchase. Here at Loos Cableware Division, we carry a wide range of tension gauges and have many years of experience in helping sailors choose the correct gauge for their needs. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help! Reach out to us by email at sales@loosnaples.com or by phone at (800) 321-LOOS (5667).