Galvanised steel wire rope questions and answers

Q: I have never ordered Steel Wire Rope before...... what does 1x19, 7x7 7x19 mean?

1x19, 7x7, 7x19, 6x19FC etc is the strand, this simply means how the steel cable has been wound. This gives the steel wire rope different and unique characteristics. The more strands in the wire rope overall diameter will make it more flexible, the lesser amount of strands will make it more stiffer

1x19 is stiff in diameters over 3mm - made of 19 individual strands so this makes it ideal for straight runs such as balustrades

7x7 is flexible in diameters upto 4mm, it is made up of 7 main strands and each of these 7 strands is made up of 7 smaller strands (49 small strands in total), this makes 7x7 a medium flexible steel wire rope, it is flexible in 1mm, 1,5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm diameter, 4mm diameter upwards in a 7x7 strand does get a little stiffer. This is a general use wire rope. 7x7 can be turned back on itself easily to make loops using our steel wire rope grips in diameters 1-4mm

7x19 is flexible, it is made up of 7 main strands but each of the 7 main strands is made up of 19 smaller strands (133 small strands in total) making the wire rope very flexible in all diameters. It is ideal for winches, pulleys and any application where you want general flexibilty in your steel wire rope. Most steel wire rope strands we sell over 5mm diameter is usually a 7x19 as 7x7 and 1x19 stranded steel wire ropes are very difficult to work as the diameter increases. 7x19 steel wire rope can easily be turned back on itself in all diameters

6x19 Fiber Core is very flexible, it has a fiberous core which makes this wire extra pliable and is commonly used as winch cable or any application where your steel wire rope has to run over pulleys

Q: Is the diameter the overall diameter regardless of 7x7, 7x19, 1x19 or any other strand?

Yes, regardless of the strand you decide to go with the diameter is the overall diameter. 

eg. 2mm 7x7 galvanised steel wire - 7x7 strand means the wire has 7 main strands and each strand is made from 7 smaller strands. (the overall diameter is 2mm)

Q: How does the price per meter listing work?

We will reel the exact length you require.... for example, if you enter '200' into the quantity box we will send you a 200 meter continuous linear length - simple!

Q: Will galvanised wire rope rust?

Galvanised wire rope is prone to rust over time. Galvanised wire rope is steel wire that has been coated with a layer of zinc to help protect it from rust and corrosion. However, there are several reasons why galvanized wire may start to rust:

• Damage to the Galvanised Coating: If the galvanised coating on the wire is damaged or compromised, such as through scratches, cuts, or abrasions, the underlying steel may be exposed to moisture and air, leading to rusting.
• Exposure to Harsh Environments: Galvanized wire can rust if it is exposed to particularly harsh environments such as coastal areas that have high levels of moisture, salt, or chemicals. Also other elements such as acid rain and humidity.  These conditions can accelerate the breakdown of the zinc coating and expose the steel underneath to rust.
• Age: Over time, the galvanised coating on wire can naturally degrade due to exposure to the elements and environmental factors. As the zinc coating wears away, the steel underneath becomes more vulnerable to rust.
• Incorrect Installation: Improper handling or installation of galvanised wire rope, such as bending or twisting the wire excessively, can cause damage to the galvanised coating and lead to rusting.
• Chemical Reactions: Exposure to certain chemicals or substances can also cause galvanised wire to rust. For example, contact with acids or alkalis can corrode the zinc coating and expose the steel to rust.

If your galvanized wire is rusting, it is important to identify the underlying cause to prevent further deterioration. Depending on the extent of the rusting and the condition of the wire, you may need to consider replacing the wire or taking steps to repair or protect it from further corrosion. We sell an equivalent range of stainless steel wire rope and fittings that will never rust, stainless steel wire rope should be used in all coastal and marine environments.