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.

Wire mesh is becoming more and more popular, in part, because it is fairly inexpensive compared to other similar products, as well as easy to work with. However, its versatility is also helping to increase its popularity. Wire mesh can be used for numerous commercial, residential, and construction projects. Here is a look at some of them.

Reinforce Concrete

One of the most popular uses for wire mesh is reinforcing concrete. It helps to make the concrete stronger and prevents cracks or failure of the structure. It is often used in concrete foundations, as well as in other structures like walls.

Roadbeds

Railroad companies often use wire mesh to make roadbeds. Essentially, this means it is used as foundation for laying the tracks.

Walkway Beds

Wire mesh can even be used in landscaping. It is often used as the foundation for a walkway.

Conveyor Belts

The conveyor belt may have changed the way American factories and plants did business, but wire mesh has helped to make the conveyor belt as effective as it is. The mesh helps strengthen the belt again wear and tear, as well as provides it with proper airflow.

Kitchen Appliances

Even some of your kitchen appliances may be made up of wire mesh. This is especially true if you use any type of strainers or filters.

Home Décor

Some people simply enjoy the aesthetics of wire mesh and use it in home décor and craft projects for the home. Some people even manufacture furniture out of it, particularly outdoor furniture. The furniture is durable and can withstand a number of elements.

Whether you work in the construction industry or you make furniture, you might want to consider using wire mesh as an inexpensive, versatile alternative to other products. To learn more about wire mesh and how to purchase it, contact Madison Steel 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.

If you need a type of steel that can handle any type of extreme, you may want to choose chrome silicon. It is usually used to make springs for items like firearms, race cars, and other high-performance vehicles. Here is a look at why:

It Can Withstand High Temperatures

Some types of steel might be more durable or can withstand stress, but they can only be used in certain temperatures. Chrome silicon works in both extreme heat and cold. For example, when a gun is fired, it gets hot and can even cause first degree burns if handled improperly. Its parts, including the chrome silicon springs, need to be able to withstand this kind of sudden temperature change. The same thing happens when a race car is driven around a track over and over again. The engine heats up, and all parts connected to it must be able to withstand that extreme heat.

It Can Withstand High Stress and Impact  

In addition to extreme temperatures, chrome silicon can also withstand the stress and impact associated with products like guns and race cars. Unlike high-carbon steel, it absorbs shock and impact associated with these items. This can also help cut back on unwanted and unnecessary noise and vibration.

Purchasing Chrome Silicon

Because it often performs when other types of steel won’t, chrome silicon is not always readily available at some supply companies. However, Atlanta-based Madison Steel has the resources and the logistics to get it to you as soon as you need it. Give them a call today at 404-343-4855.

 

Rebar is the word used for reinforcing steel bars used on structures made of concrete, brick, and other types of materials. The rebar, made of high-carbon steel, protects the structure’s materials from weather and extreme temperatures.  Rebar often has a ridged surface so that it better adheres to the masonry or concrete. Sometimes it is used in cross patterns for extra support. It can be used as primary or secondary reinforcement or for aesthetic purposes.

How to Avoid Rust Corrosion

Because rebar is usually not tempered, it can rust and corrode unless it is embedded deep into the brick or concrete, though not too deep. This is usually caused by weather, water, salt, and other elements, and it will eventually lead to cracks in the concrete. Over time, the rusting and cracking will cause the structure to fail. So how do you avoid this type of rust corrosion?

In a situation where rust may become a problem, a different type of rebar material may be used, such as low carbon or chromium, galvanized, or stainless steel. They often cost more, but the expense outweighs the risk in the long run. Epoxy-covered steel may also be used. In this case, extra care is taken when handling the bars because any type of damage could lead to corrosion over time.

Need Rebar?

If you are in need of rebar steel for your building project, Madison Steel, a global leader in the steel industry, can help. They offer a wide variety of products, including steel bars used for rebar, at competitive prices. To learn more, contact their offices at 404-343-4855.