Redance and Terminals

In the nautical context , thimbles and terminals are fundamental components for the creation of steel (or textile) cables used in standing rigging , such as shrouds, forestays and backstays.

🔩 Redance (or thimble)

• It is a metal ring (usually teardrop or U-shaped), inserted inside a loop of cable to:

  • Protect the eyelet from wear.

  • Distribute the load more evenly.

  • Prevent cable strands from being crushed or broken.

• It is commonly used in conjunction with clamps or crimped terminals.

⚓ Terminals (for cables)

• Terminals are the final elements that connect the cable to the boat (to the mast, to the chainplates, etc.).

• Main types:

  • Fork terminals : These are connected with pins.

  • Eye terminals : for connections with shackles or through pins.

  • Threaded terminals : screwed onto tensioners or directly into structures.

  • Swageless : they do not require pressing, they are assembled manually.

  • Swaged : require professional pressing with a machine.

🛠 Practical example:

A shroud cable might have:

• A thimble at the end to protect the buttonhole.

• A spade terminal clamped or pressed to the cable, then connected to the shaft.