Guy Wire Used on the Tallest Structures in the World

If you are building a tall structure that requires reinforcement and stability, guy wire is an excellent choice. Some of the strongest versions are used to stabilize some of the tallest structures in the world, including the tallest structure in the United States, the KYLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota. Built in 1963, it stands over 2,063 feet tall. The structure has several 2,382-foot pieces of guy wire attached to it to help keep it standing.

Other Various Uses for Guy Wire

Of course, you don’t have to travel to Blanchard, North Dakota to get a look at how guy wire works. In some cases, you can step right outside your home or office. Telephone and other utility poles are often stabilized by this type of wire. Other uses include wind turbines, sailboat and yacht masts, tents, radio and television towers, cell phone towers, antennas, extension ladders, and more.

What Makes Guy Wire Great for Building Structures

When guy wire is used to stabilize a structure, one end is attached to that structure, while the other is anchored into the ground. It can be anchored to both soft surfaces, like soil, and solid surfaces, like rock or concrete. As a matter of fact, its versatility is one of the main reasons why it is so popular amongst builders. Not only can it be used in a wide variety of situations, but it also comes in a number of sizes, as well as strengths ranging from utility strength to extra high strength. Another great advantage is that it is extremely resistant to corrosion. Because it is used in projects like utility poles, boats, and towers, it often exposed to weather, water, and other elements that could eventually lead to structural damage. However, guy wire is coated with zinc to extend its lifespan and prevent damage to your structure. With several distribution facilities in the United States, Madison Steel has the resources to provide guy wire to customers around the world, offering both competitive prices and fast shipment. To learn more about our products, contact our Atlanta headquarters at 404-343-4855.

Hard-drawn wire is so common and affordable that you might not realize that many objects you use every day are made from it. As a matter of fact, it is a part of almost every industry in the United States.  Essentially, it is steel that is drawn to the required diameter without any extra processing. It is used in low-stress applications and can be bent into whatever form, size, or strength is necessary. Here is a look at 8 common uses for hard-drawn wire.

1. Shopping Carts
   If you have ever pushed a shopping cart at your local grocery store, it was most likely made from hard-drawn steel or a combination of hard-drawn steel and plastic. The owner of Piggly Wiggly came up with the idea in 1937, and the American public has used them ever since.
2. Baskets
   Many metal baskets are also made from hard-drawn steel, particularly the handheld ones offered in many retail and grocery stores. Like with shopping carts, because the steel is inexpensive, it is easy and not too costly to make them in large quantities.
3. Car Parts
   Some parts of your car or vehicle may be made from hard-drawn steel, particularly springs used in the automotive industry. The price of the steel may even help keep the price of vehicles from climbing to unaffordable numbers.
4. Hooks
   Whether you hang them on your wall or use them to fish with, most hooks are made from hard-drawn steel. They must be strong enough so that they do not bend with something hangs or is caught on them.
5. Sewing Needles and Safety Pins
   Just like hooks, most basic sewing needles, as well as straight pins and safety pins, are made from hard-drawn steel. Again, it allows them to be mass-produced, and this is why you can buy a pack for a couple of dollars.
6. Hair Accessories
   If you use any kind of metal hair accessories, like bobby pins or plastic clips with metal springs, they are most likely made from hard-drawn wire. Women have been using bobby pins to hold their hair in place since the late 19th century.
7. Overhead Transmission Wire
   Next time you drive down the street, take a look up at the telephone or electric transmission wires overhead. Yes, they are usually made from hard-drawn wire, as well.
8. Shelving
   Metal shelving is great for commercial and industrial use, but most stores do not want to pay much for study fixtures. That’s why they often choose shelving made from hard-drawn wire. Some other metal furniture is made from it, too.

If you are in the market for versatile, inexpensive hard-drawn wire, call Madison Steel at 404-343-4855.

Cold-drawn and heat-treated, oil-tempered wire is used in a variety of applications. The process of oil-tempering it, essentially allowing it to cool after it is heated and then reheating it, makes it strong and durable, yet easy to bend. For this reason, it is often used to make springs for a variety of products.

1. It Supports Heavy Equipment
   The springs in equipment like vehicles and garage doors are often made from oil-tempered wire. This is due to the fact that it is strong, yet flexible. It also absorbs impact and reduces noise and vibration.
2. It is Easy to Handle
   Despite its durability, oil-tempered wire is easy to work with. You can bend, coil, or cut it without it becoming brittle, fatigued, or damaged.
3. It is Inexpensive
   Oil-tempered wire is, perhaps, one of the least expensive wires on the market. This means it can be used on projects that require mass production or large quantities without driving up the prices in the end.
4. It is Common
   Because it is so inexpensive and versatile, oil-tempered wire is also widely available. Most steel suppliers have it on hand and ready for purchase at all times.
5. It is Durable
   The other reason why oil-tempered wire is often used in products like garage and warehouse doors or vehicles is that it’s built to last despite repetitive use.  It does require some stress-relief before use, but in exchange, it can last for years without breaking down.

If you are in need of oil-tempered wire, Madison Steel can help. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, they have been providing the international community with steel products for over three decades. Give them a call today at 404-343-4855.