I along with engineers, welders, Longshoremen and safety people over the last 2 years have developed a new Turnbuckle Wrench named The Turnbuckle Key. The development has gone through 6 prototypes over 2 years. This is a new tool that will substantially reduce slips, trips and falls for Lashers. With the rippled grabbing surface, it will allow the Lasher a greater grip of the tool and the hooks will allow stability for the user. The Longshore Lasher does not have to remove the key from the turnbuckle in most cases to advance the action of lashing or de-lashing. Power-coating will substantially protect the tool from oxidizing in the salt environment. The tool has a weight of only 7 pounds completely approved by the testing Longshoremen as the perfect weight for stability during the lashing operations. Constructed from ¾ inch rebar and solid ¾ inch round stock for hooks welded to the rebar by a certified welder makes this a tool that will last the Longshoreman for a very long time. The carry strap is important because it frees up the arms/hands for stability especially on the gangway. But the most important aspect developed in the tool is safety of the user. Because it is inserted between the 2 sides of the turnbuckle there is no reason to remove the key from the turnbuckle until the operation is complete, it very easily slides back and forth to lash or de-lash.
