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

1. Fork terminals : These are connected with pins.
2. Eye terminals : for connections with shackles or through pins.
3. Threaded terminals : screwed onto tensioners or directly into structures.
4. Swageless : they do not require pressing, they are assembled manually.
5. Swaged : require professional pressing with a machine.