Do you have a project around the house that requires suspension or support? Maybe you’ve heard of rigging products like cable, shackles, turnbuckles, and thimbles, but how do they all go together? We made this tutorial to help you understand how to build your first static cable assembly. These concepts overlap in other rigging assemblies, so if you’re new to rigging projects, this video will be a great place to start.

The rig Tyler demonstrates can be applied to any static rigging application. Many of our customers have used this video to build dog runs, sunshades, as well as to rig string lighting, and secure newly planted trees.

There are many of ways to achieve a basic cable rigging assembly. It’s important to remember that this video is a demonstration only, however, all the components Tyler uses are applicable to real world applications. You’ll need to confirm that all your components have the necessary working load limits to prevent failure and, double-check that everything will fit well together by looking up each part’s dimensions.

Each procedure Tyler shows is listed below:

• Install Eyebolts
There are a few different styles of eyebolts. Since we’re showing an assembly between two treated 4x4’s, Tyler chooses Shoulder Lag Eyebolts. If you think you’ll need more security or plan on installing them into a metal surface, you can choose regular shoulder eyebolts which goes through the post and secures the back of with a nut and washer.



• Fabricate Eyes in the End of Each Cable
Next will be to take your pre-determine length of cable and make eyes in either end. Tyler reaches for Wire Rope Clips and Wire Rope Thimbles. After the clips and thimbles are installed, the raw cable ends are wrapped in electrical tape to prevent dangerous fraying.




• Attach Turnbuckle
The turnbuckle we used in this video is a Jaw-Jaw type turnbuckle. It’s designed with two openings that are closed by inserting a cross pin. You’ll find that many riggers in the industry tend to trust Eye-Eye turnbuckles more since they can be stronger in many cases, however for this demonstration and most DIY applications, the Jaw-Jaw will do just fine. Attach one side of the turnbuckle to one of the eyebolts. You’ll want to open the turnbuckle body it’s maximum amount of take-up so that you won’t run out of threads when you go to tension the assembly.




• Complete and Tension.
Attach one side of the cable to the jaw of the turnbuckle, and the other to the eyebolt using an anchor shackle. Rotate the turnbuckle body until the cable meets the desired tension.



Building a cable rigging assembly is a great skill to have. You can find every product used in this video linked below.

E-Rigging proudly features projects from our creative customer base once a month. If you are interested in having your project featured in an upcoming post, contact: diy@e-rigging.com