A mechanical rig tension gauge measures how much a calibrated spring is deflected when it pulls against a wire under load. Loos & Co Tension Gauge for Rods — a professional-grade gauge designed for −4 to −12 rod rigging where standard wire gauges do not apply. MAURIPRO Sailing stocks Loos Co and Spinlock sailboat rig tension gauge options, listed in Sailboat rig tension gauges sensors tools.
Sailboat rig tension gauge at a glance
| Product | Brand | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Loos & Co Tension Gauge PRO PT1M for 2.5 to 4.0 mm wire | Loos Co | Includes: Loos & Company Cable Diameter Gauge, LOOS Part No GA-4. |
| Loos & Co Tension Gauge for Rods -4 to -12 Rods | Loos Co | Crafted from durable anodized aluminum, it's built to last and offers accurate readings within 5% of error. |
| Spinlock Rig Sense Tension - Wire: 1/16 - 3/16 in (2.0 - 5.0 mm) | Spinlock | The Spinlock Rig Sense Tension Gauge #RGS/0205 is a handy tool designed for sailors who need to measure loads on small keelboats and dinghies efficiently. |
What does a sailboat rig tension gauge actually do?
Standing rigging is the fixed set of wires (or rod/composite on some boats) that holds the mast upright and stationary under load. Running rigging is the movable rope that controls the sails. For best accuracy, hold the gauge so the scale barely touches the wire, which eliminates friction. Each cell holds two figures: a black number for pounds of tension and a red number for the percentage of breaking strength.
How do you match a sailboat rig tension gauge to your boat?
The gauge can stay on the wire for hands-free adjusting. This conversion approach was documented by L-36 so sailors moving up to the professional gauges keep their proven tuning numbers. Designed for rods ranging from.172 to.375 inches in diameter, it accurately measures tensions within 5% to 25% of their breaking strength. Includes: Loos & Company Cable Diameter Gauge, LOOS Part No GA-4.
What separates the sailboat rig tension gauge options we stock?
Loos & Co Tension Gauge PRO PT1M for 2.5 to 4.0 mm wire
The cable can be adjusted while the gauge remains on the cable.
Loos & Co Tension Gauge for Rods -4 to -12 Rods
Crafted from durable anodized aluminum, it's built to last and offers accurate readings within 5% of error. Constructed from high-quality anodized aluminum, this tension gauge is robust and resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. This makes it an essential tool for those involved in sailing and other activities requiring precise tension measurements.
Spinlock Rig Sense Tension - Wire: 1/16 - 3/16 in (2.0 - 5.0 mm)
The Spinlock Rig Sense Tension Gauge #RGS/0205 is a handy tool designed for sailors who need to measure loads on small keelboats and dinghies efficiently. Its durable construction ensures consistent and accurate readings over time.This tension gauge excels in measuring loads in kilograms, providing sailors with an accurate assessment of rig tension. Its durable build, featuring stainless steel contact points and a composite calibrated leaf spring, offers reliable performance in various sailing conditions.
What else decides the choice?
The Standard series uses a single hook and lanyard: Hook the gauge on the cable, then pull the lanyard until the pointer lines up with the black calibration mark. Pulling the pointer past the calibration mark can permanently bend the spring and damage the gauge. Release the lanyard and read the needle on the scale, then use the calibration table to convert that reading to cable tension. You hook the gauge on the shroud or stay, pull a lanyard to a fixed reference, and read a number off a scale.
Which should you choose?
- Loos & Co Tension Gauge PRO PT1M for 2.5 to 4.0 mm wire — Includes: Loos & Company Cable Diameter Gauge, LOOS Part No GA-4.
- Loos & Co Tension Gauge for Rods -4 to -12 Rods — Crafted from durable anodized aluminum, it's built to last and offers accurate readings within 5% of error.
- Spinlock Rig Sense Tension - Wire: 1/16 - 3/16 in (2.0 - 5.0 mm) — The Spinlock Rig Sense Tension Gauge #RGS/0205 is a handy tool designed for sailors who need to measure loads on small keelboats and dinghies efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
What should you check first when buying a sailboat rig tension gauge?
Spinlock Rig-Sense — a compact digital-style tension tool for 5–8 mm (3/16–5/16") wire that reads tension directly without a conversion chart.
What size sailboat rig tension gauge fits your boat?
Cyclops Marine Smarttune 5/16 in (5.0–6.0 mm) — a load-sensing turnbuckle sensor that reports true tension wirelessly, removing chart lookups from the tuning process.
What is a sailboat rig tension gauge made of?
These gauges are calibrated for 302/304 1x19 stainless steel wire in the appropriate sizes.
How is a sailboat rig tension gauge mounted or set up?
The PRO gauges use two nylon spools and a sliding hook, which lets them stay on the wire hands-free while you adjust: Hold the gauge in one hand and place the cable between the two nylon spools.
What load can a sailboat rig tension gauge take?
If you upgrade from a Model A or B to a PRO gauge (PT-1, PT-2, or PT-3), a conversion chart lets you reach the same recommended tension you used before.
Where can you buy a sailboat rig tension gauge?
Shop Sailboat rig tension gauges sensors tools →
Shop Sailboat standing rigging →
Shop Loos co sailboat rig tension gauges sensors tools →
Shop Spinlock sailboat rig tension gauges sensors tools →
Last updated: September 22, 2026.