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What is Galvanized Steel Wire?

Paul Scott
Paul Scott

Galvanized steel wire refers to any steel wire product that has subjected to a galvanizing process to improve its resistance to corrosion. This process typically involves dipping the finished wire product into a bath of heated zinc compound to form a scratch- and corrosion-resistant coating across the entire surface of the wire. Although this coating is not considered to be a permanent anti-corrosion solution, it does greatly increase the wire's resistance to rust and thus considerably prolongs its service lifespan. Galvanized steel wire is available in a wide range of gauges and lengths, and is used extensively in the construction industry and in the industrial, do-it-yourself, and agricultural sectors.

Galvanizing is a particularly effective method of producing low cost, corrosion-resistant steel and iron products. Carbon steel and iron items are far more cost effective than similar stainless steel products, and the galvanizing process itself is not particularly costly. Galvanizing also offers very good corrosion protection so finished products are effective and cheap.

Zinc-plated rolls.
Zinc-plated rolls.

The galvanizing process protects products such as galvanized steel wire in the several ways. The first line of defense is formed by the physical barrier created by the galvanized layer. The second and most effective part of the anti-corrosion process involves what is known as "sacrificial anode" protection. The zinc coating is far less corrosion resistant than the steel, which causes it to be consumed by corrosion first, protecting the underlying wire.

Corrosive metals are coated with zinc through a process known as galvanizing.
Corrosive metals are coated with zinc through a process known as galvanizing.

One of the best characteristics of galvanized steel wire is the fact that, should the galvanized coating be scratched through to the underlying steel, it will continue to cathodically protect the exposed steel from corrosion. This makes the galvanizing process a particularly efficient anti-corrosion treatment.

New galvanized steel wire is easily recognized by its matte gray, spangled surface. This spangle or crystalline appearance is a product of the size of the zinc particles in the hot dip solution and the cooling rate after the wire has been dipped. In other galvanized products, these characteristics can be manipulated to give an attractive aesthetic finish to the end product.

Most galvanized steel wire is produced through a hot dip process.
Most galvanized steel wire is produced through a hot dip process.

Once the wire has been exposed to the elements for some time, the wire will turn a dull, darker gray color which is an indication that the coating is corroding and doing its job as sacrificial anode. At this point, should the wire be nicked or scratched, it will take extended exposure to cause the steel to rust due to the continued cathodic protection offered by the galvanized coating.

Galvanization -- the applying of protective zinc coatings to steel or iron -- is often performed using special machines at production factories.
Galvanization -- the applying of protective zinc coatings to steel or iron -- is often performed using special machines at production factories.

Galvanized steel wire is extensively used as a binding or baling fastener, in the production of moderate strength steel ropes, and as reinforcement in multi-core electrical cables. Its low cost and ease of production makes this wire ideal for mass produced corrosion resistant wire products. It is an indispensable industrial, agricultural, and DIY fastening and reinforcement standard.

Discussion Comments

Logicfest

@Soulfox -- First of all, those vinyl protected fences are galvanized before they are coated. That means they are a heck of a lot more expensive because they are double protected through two processes that cost money.

Is the extra cost worth it? That kind of depends on what you want and the environment your fence will be exposed to over time. Galvanized fences last a long time without rusting, but that is not necessarily the case in very wet environments.

Also, galvanized steel looks very "industrial," while vinyl coated fences can be made to blend in better with the environment.

As for costs, look for some sales on vinyl coated stuff. Those are frequent at hardware and home improvement stores. You might find a deal you can't pass up.

Soulfox

This is what they do to make chainlink fences last longer. Without galvanized steel, chainlink fences would rust in a hurry.

I have also noticed that a lot of chainlink fences are sold that are protected with a vinyl coating. Those fences are more expensive. Is the added protection worth the extra price?

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    • Zinc-plated rolls.
      By: Georgy Timakov
      Zinc-plated rolls.
    • Corrosive metals are coated with zinc through a process known as galvanizing.
      By: alephcomo1
      Corrosive metals are coated with zinc through a process known as galvanizing.
    • Most galvanized steel wire is produced through a hot dip process.
      By: Jon Le-Bon
      Most galvanized steel wire is produced through a hot dip process.
    • Galvanization -- the applying of protective zinc coatings to steel or iron -- is often performed using special machines at production factories.
      By: Moreno Soppelsa
      Galvanization -- the applying of protective zinc coatings to steel or iron -- is often performed using special machines at production factories.