Loos & Co. Tension Gauges and Cable Cutters for Marine Rigging
Loos & Co. tension gauges and cable cutters help sailors, riggers, and boatyards measure, adjust, and maintain wire rope with confidence. Whether you are tuning standing rigging, checking shroud tension, replacing lifelines, or cutting stainless steel cable, Loos tools are built for accurate readings, clean cuts, and dependable use in demanding marine environments.
Known for precision cable-management tools since 1958, Loos & Co. serves marine, industrial, and aerospace users with products designed around durability and repeatable performance. Browse Loos tension gauges, rigging gauges, and cable cutters to find the right tool for safer, cleaner, and more consistent rigging work.
Key Takeaways
- Best for rig tuning: Loos tension gauges help measure shroud and stay tension so rig adjustments are based on readings, not guesswork.
- Built for marine cable: Loos cable cutters are designed to make clean cuts in wire rope and stainless cable with less fraying or distortion.
- Choose by cable size: Match the gauge or cutter to the wire diameter and cable type used on your boat.
- Useful for maintenance: Regular tension checks can help identify uneven rig loads, loose shrouds, or changes after sailing, stepping the mast, or replacing rigging.
Loos Tension Gauges for Shroud and Stay Tuning
A Loos tension gauge, sometimes called a cable tension gauge or rigging tension gauge, measures the load on wire rope so you can tune standing rigging more accurately. Proper rig tension supports mast alignment, sail shape, and overall rig stability. For sailboats, that means better control and a more informed maintenance routine.
Loos gauges are popular because they are simple to use, portable, and designed specifically for wire and rod rigging applications. Models such as Loos PT-series gauges are commonly selected by cable diameter, making it easier to choose the correct gauge for your shrouds, stays, lifelines, or other tensioned cable assemblies.
Loos Cable Cutters for Stainless Wire Rope
Loos cable cutters are made for clean, controlled cuts in wire rope and marine cable. A proper cable cutter helps reduce frayed ends, crushed strands, and uneven cuts that can make fittings harder to install. For lifeline work, rigging repairs, or shop use, the right cutter can save time and improve the finished result.
- Heavy-duty blades for cutting wire rope and stainless steel cable
- Clean cutting action that helps minimize strand distortion
- Useful for boatyards, rigging shops, and boat owners
How to Choose the Right Loos Gauge or Cable Cutter
- Match the Tool to Your Cable Diameter: Start with the wire size on your boat. Loos tension gauges are designed around specific cable diameter ranges, so confirm the shroud, stay, or lifeline size before ordering. Choosing the correct range helps ensure the reading is accurate and useful.
- Consider Your Rigging Application: For sailboat shroud tuning, choose a Loos gauge intended for standing rigging. For lifeline replacement, cable assemblies, or general wire work, pair the gauge with a marine-grade Loos cable cutter for cleaner preparation and easier fitting installation.
- Look for Repeatable, Easy-to-Read Measurements: A quality rig tension gauge should make it easy to compare port and starboard tension, track changes over time, and return to known settings after maintenance. That repeatability is especially helpful after stepping the mast, replacing standing rigging, or making seasonal adjustments.
- Choose Marine-Grade Durability: Marine rigging tools need to tolerate stainless cable, frequent handling, and dockside conditions. Loos & Co. tools are trusted across marine and industrial applications because they are built for precision, strength, and long service life.
Why Buy Loos & Co. Rigging Tools
Loos & Co. has decades of experience with wire rope, cable assemblies, and tension-measuring tools. For boat owners and professionals, that means access to proven tools designed for real rigging work rather than general-purpose substitutes.
Use this category to compare Loos tension gauges, Loos cable tension gauges, rigging gauges, and cable cutters in one place. Shop the selection to find the model that matches your wire size, maintenance needs, and preferred rigging workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Loos tension gauge used for?
A Loos tension gauge is used to measure tension in wire rope, shrouds, stays, and other rigging cables. Sailors use it to tune standing rigging, balance port and starboard tension, and monitor changes after maintenance or sailing.
How do I choose the right Loos tension gauge?
Choose a Loos tension gauge based on your cable diameter and rigging type. Check the wire size on your shrouds, stays, or lifelines, then select the gauge model that covers that measurement range.
Can a Loos gauge help tune sailboat rigging?
Yes. A Loos gauge helps sailors tune sailboat rigging by providing measurable shroud and stay tension. This makes it easier to compare sides, maintain mast alignment, and return to consistent settings.
What is the difference between a cable tension gauge and a rigging tension gauge?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A cable tension gauge measures load in cable or wire rope, while a rigging tension gauge is typically used in marine standing rigging applications such as shrouds and stays.
Why use Loos cable cutters instead of regular cutters?
Loos cable cutters are designed to cut wire rope and stainless cable cleanly. Regular cutters may crush, fray, or distort cable strands, making fittings harder to install and reducing the quality of the finished job.
When should I check shroud tension?
Check shroud tension after stepping the mast, replacing rigging, making tuning changes, or noticing changes in mast alignment or sailing performance. Periodic checks also help maintain consistent rig setup over time.