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Tube Turnbuckle Dimensions (DIN 1478, M6 to M80x6)
Guide · Updated October 28, 2026
DIN 1478 covers turnbuckles made from steel tube, from M6 to M80x6. Values agree across fasteners.eu, BIAT and Mädler (M6 to M30). Check your supplier for critical work.
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Step by step
- Match the thread: One end is right-hand, the other left-hand.
- Check engagement: Screw each rod in until it passes the cross-hole d1; that is the minimum engagement.
- Turn the tube: Use a bar through the cross-holes or a pipe wrench on d2.
- Lock it: Run a lock nut against each tube end once tensioned.
DIN 1478 tube turnbuckle dimensions (mm)
Columns: thread, length L, tube outside diameter d2, wall thickness h, thread length m, cross-hole diameter d1 (min–max), adjustment range.
- Size | L | d2 | h | m | d1 | adjust
- M6 | 110 | 17.2 | 2.9 | 7.5 | 5.7–6.3 | 90
- M8 | 110 | 17.2 | 3.6 | 10 | 7.5–8.5 | 85
- M10 | 125 | 21.3 | 4 | 12 | 7.5–8.5 | 95
- M12 | 125 | 25 | 4 | 15 | 9.5–10.5 | 90
- M16 | 170 | 30 | 4.5 | 20 | 9.5–10.5 | 120
- M20 | 200 | 33.7 | 5 | 24 | 11.5–12.5 | 140
- M24 | 255 | 42.4 | 5.6 | 29 | 11.5–12.5 | 180
- M30 | 255 | 51 | 6.3 | 36 | 15.5–16.5 | 160
- M36 | 295 | 63.5 | 8 | 43 | 15.5–16.5 | —
- M42 | 330 | 70 | 8.8 | 51 | 19.5–20.5 | —
- M48 | 355 | 82.5 | 10 | 58 | 19.5–20.5 | —
- M56 | 355 | 90 | 15 | 68 | 24.5–25.5 | —
- M64 | 425 | 100 | 16 | 77 | 24.5–25.5 | —
- M72x6 | 425 | 110 | 17 | 87 | 29.5–30.5 | —
- M80x6 | 440 | 120 | 18 | 96 | 29.5–30.5 | —
Worked example: M12 tube turnbuckle
An M12 DIN 1478 tube is 125 mm long, 25 mm OD with a 4 mm wall, and gives about 90 mm of adjustment. Each rod must pass the 9.5–10.5 mm cross-hole.
Common problems
- Will not draw up: one rod has the wrong hand.
- Rod pulls out: it does not reach the cross-hole, so engagement is too short.
- Tube slips in the wrench: use a bar through the cross-holes instead of crushing the tube.
FAQ
What is DIN 1478?
A turnbuckle body made from seamless steel tube (or round bar), with one right-hand and one left-hand thread and cross-holes for checking engagement.
How is it different from DIN 1479 and DIN 1480?
DIN 1479 is a hex bar body and DIN 1480 is an open forged frame; DIN 1478 is a round tube.
Why is adjustment dashed above M30?
Only one source gives the adjustment range above M30.
Why no M27 or M52?
Suppliers list them, but BIAT marks them not standardized.
Related guides and calculators
- Lifting eye bolts (DIN 580)
- Hex turnbuckle nuts (DIN 1479)
- Forged turnbuckles (DIN 1480)
- Hex coupling nuts (DIN 6334)
- How to cut left-hand threads
- All free machinist calculators
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