Difference between revisions of "Iron wire"
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
* Can be treated like super string. It does what string does, but also will hold in any position its put in, its far stronger, it twists to make knots, can be shaped for poking, etc. | * Can be treated like super string. It does what string does, but also will hold in any position its put in, its far stronger, it twists to make knots, can be shaped for poking, etc. | ||
* Easily cut and worked by hand | * Easily cut and worked by hand | ||
| − | |||
===1mm=== | ===1mm=== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 37: | ||
===4mm+=== | ===4mm+=== | ||
4mm and up is rarely used as wire in [[Special:Allpages|DIY]], and is difficult to work. Its mainly used as parts of manufactured goods. | 4mm and up is rarely used as wire in [[Special:Allpages|DIY]], and is difficult to work. Its mainly used as parts of manufactured goods. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| Line 59: | Line 49: | ||
===Cutting=== | ===Cutting=== | ||
| − | Cutting iron wire with pliers & wire cutters | + | Cutting iron wire with pliers & wire cutters tends to ruin the cutters quickly. Small or miniature bolt croppers or fencing pliers are suitable. Aviation tinsnips work well for small wire, and can just about manage 2mm. |
If stuck with no suitable tool, iron wire may be cut by making a shallow groove in one side and bending a few times. A groove may be made with a file, hack[[saw]], blunt wire cutters, masonry chisel, axe, [[Die grinder|grinder]], sharpened flat prybar, etc. | If stuck with no suitable tool, iron wire may be cut by making a shallow groove in one side and bending a few times. A groove may be made with a file, hack[[saw]], blunt wire cutters, masonry chisel, axe, [[Die grinder|grinder]], sharpened flat prybar, etc. | ||
| Line 65: | Line 55: | ||
===Bending=== | ===Bending=== | ||
Sizes above 1mm often need to be pre-shaped, as twisting doesn't pull them to shape. 2 pairs of pliers are used to shape iron wire. With larger sizes, water pump pliers are easier. | Sizes above 1mm often need to be pre-shaped, as twisting doesn't pull them to shape. 2 pairs of pliers are used to shape iron wire. With larger sizes, water pump pliers are easier. | ||
| − | |||
===Fixing=== | ===Fixing=== | ||
| Line 73: | Line 62: | ||
To avoid sharp ends being exposed, the twisted section may be folded over on itself so the cut ends press against the item being fixed. Where the wire ends will be subject to handling, a fine file (in good condition) can take the sharpness off the wire end in a few strokes. For the best finish file the end flat then a single pass around the edge removes the pointedness of the edges/corners. | To avoid sharp ends being exposed, the twisted section may be folded over on itself so the cut ends press against the item being fixed. Where the wire ends will be subject to handling, a fine file (in good condition) can take the sharpness off the wire end in a few strokes. For the best finish file the end flat then a single pass around the edge removes the pointedness of the edges/corners. | ||
| + | |||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
| Line 84: | Line 74: | ||
===Fencing=== | ===Fencing=== | ||
| − | A large amount of iron wire is used for fencing. Fencing pliers are a single tool able to tension, twist and cut iron wire, and hammer in staples for fixing it. | + | A large amount of iron wire is used for [[Fence|fencing]]. Fencing pliers are a single tool able to tension, twist and cut iron wire, and hammer in staples for fixing it. |
===Cable threading=== | ===Cable threading=== | ||
[[Tapes|Duct tape]] iron wire to the end of [[cable]] or string, and it can be threaded through various restricted spaces. 2mm is good for this, or 1.6mm for short distances. | [[Tapes|Duct tape]] iron wire to the end of [[cable]] or string, and it can be threaded through various restricted spaces. 2mm is good for this, or 1.6mm for short distances. | ||
| − | + | Making a small diameter ring on the nose of the threading rod enables it to glide over rough surfaces. Close the ring rather than leaving it as a U shape to minimise the risk of it catching and not coming back out. | |
===Small metalwares=== | ===Small metalwares=== | ||
| Line 98: | Line 88: | ||
===Other uses=== | ===Other uses=== | ||
| − | * Low cost [[Mortar Mixes|mortar]] reinforcement (use only galvanised) (small tight loops create anchoring points) | + | * Low cost light [[Mortar Mixes|mortar]] reinforcement (use only galvanised) (small tight loops create anchoring points) |
* Retrieving things in inaccessible spaces | * Retrieving things in inaccessible spaces | ||
* Restraint wires to prevent damage in case of primary fixing failure (eg wall mounted tvs, outdoor structures etc) | * Restraint wires to prevent damage in case of primary fixing failure (eg wall mounted tvs, outdoor structures etc) | ||
| Line 105: | Line 95: | ||
* Fixing various car parts in place | * Fixing various car parts in place | ||
* Making miniature [[Hand Tools|tools]] for special purposes | * Making miniature [[Hand Tools|tools]] for special purposes | ||
| + | |||
==Knots== | ==Knots== | ||
| Line 117: | Line 108: | ||
==Beautification== | ==Beautification== | ||
| − | Appearance matters where | + | Appearance matters where items made will be visible in use. |
Straightening the wire properly before use, removing all kinks, is essential. Failure to take the time to do this properly will make a good final appearance impossible. This is simply a matter of unbending all bends, however slight, until completely straight. | Straightening the wire properly before use, removing all kinks, is essential. Failure to take the time to do this properly will make a good final appearance impossible. This is simply a matter of unbending all bends, however slight, until completely straight. | ||
| − | Where bent, even smooth curves can be achieved by bending the wire around a round object, and pressing on it to prevent the initial bend deforming the wire outside of the intended bend zone. | + | Where bent, nice even smooth curves can be achieved by bending the wire around a round object, and pressing on it to prevent the initial bend deforming the wire outside of the intended bend zone. |
Cut ends should be filed flat. This is quite quick to do. | Cut ends should be filed flat. This is quite quick to do. | ||
==Safety== | ==Safety== | ||
| − | * Cut ends waggling about during work can poke and injure eyes. | + | * Cut ends waggling about during work can poke and injure [[Goggles|eyes]]. |
* Iron wire in unseen spaces can come into contact with live electrical connections. Gloves can reduce the risk. | * Iron wire in unseen spaces can come into contact with live electrical connections. Gloves can reduce the risk. | ||
* Coils of wire are trip hazards. | * Coils of wire are trip hazards. | ||
| Line 133: | Line 124: | ||
Cut ends are usually bent out of the way to prevent injury. If necessary the sharpness can be filed off with a few strokes of a file. | Cut ends are usually bent out of the way to prevent injury. If necessary the sharpness can be filed off with a few strokes of a file. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==Suppliers== | ||
| + | * Hardware shops, DIY sheds, builder's merchants and garden centres sell iron wire. | ||
| + | * http://www.wires.co.uk | ||
| + | * http://www.mutr.co.uk | ||
| + | * http://www.ormiston-wire.co.uk/ | ||
| + | |||
| + | Between them these suppliers provide a vast array of wire types, far beyond the iron and copper used for DIY. These include silver wire, stainless steel, copper, enamelled copper, resistance wire, coloured enamelled copper, pre-knitted wire tube, aluminium, gold, brass, litz, bronze, controlled expansion alloys, dcc (double cotton covered copper), silk covered copper, heater cable, iron wire (bare, black, galv), kynar, constantan, eureka, manganin, nichrome, nickel, molybdenum, ptfe covered, silicone covered, solder, silver solder, square wire, tungsten, zeranin (precision resistance alloy), non-tarnish silver, multitone wires, bouillon, spiralled & tinsel wires, purl, memory wire, zinc, etc. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you don't have the right wire size in stock, sometimes one can improvise. | ||
| + | * Food bag closure ties use sub-millimetre iron wire | ||
| + | * Wire coathangers are usually around 3mm diameter. | ||
| + | * Paper clips are spring steel, making them tough and springy. They can be re-worked to make miniature items, including springs, but are no use for twist tying. | ||
| + | * Copper electrical wire from [[cables]] can be used for tie fixing where lower strength is acceptable. T&E cable provides 1.1mm (1mm²), 1.4mm (1.5mm²) and 1.8mm (2.5mm²) copper wire. | ||
Revision as of 22:25, 8 October 2009
Soft iron wire is useful for many tasks, and is most often used for various types of fixing.
Wire sizes
Smallest
- Sandwich bag closer ties are thin 0.3 - 0.4mm iron wire in paper or plastic tape, which makes it easier to handle.
- For very light temporary fixing
- Twisted ties tend to come undone when force is applied
- Widely used for securing plants to walls & stakes
- Limited DIY use
0.5mm
- Can be treated like super string. It does what string does, but also will hold in any position its put in, its far stronger, it twists to make knots, can be shaped for poking, etc.
- Easily cut and worked by hand
1mm
- Thin iron wire useful for light duty fixing
- Easily cut & twisted
- Soft & very easily bent with bare hands
- High flexibility means it can be pulled to shape by the final twisting
1.6mm
- Tough fairly rigid iron wire where more strength is needed.
- Easier to handle than 2mm.
- Straighten before use, can't easily be pulled straight
2mm
Rigid iron wire. Rigid enough for making various small metalware items
3mm
- Useful where great rigidity is required.
- Hard to work
4mm+
4mm and up is rarely used as wire in DIY, and is difficult to work. Its mainly used as parts of manufactured goods.
Finishes
- Most iron wire is galvanised.
- PVC coated is also available, usually in green for garden use. The extra bulk makes the wire slightly easier to handle, and tied wire unwinds a little easier.
- 3mm wire from coathangers is usually varnished.
Working
Cutting
Cutting iron wire with pliers & wire cutters tends to ruin the cutters quickly. Small or miniature bolt croppers or fencing pliers are suitable. Aviation tinsnips work well for small wire, and can just about manage 2mm.
If stuck with no suitable tool, iron wire may be cut by making a shallow groove in one side and bending a few times. A groove may be made with a file, hacksaw, blunt wire cutters, masonry chisel, axe, grinder, sharpened flat prybar, etc.
Bending
Sizes above 1mm often need to be pre-shaped, as twisting doesn't pull them to shape. 2 pairs of pliers are used to shape iron wire. With larger sizes, water pump pliers are easier.
Fixing
Iron wire is twisted with pliers to fix it. It may also be stapled to timber with fencing staples.
1mm and below may be given added resistance to coming undone by twisting once, hooking the ends under the main wire loop, then twisting again.
To avoid sharp ends being exposed, the twisted section may be folded over on itself so the cut ends press against the item being fixed. Where the wire ends will be subject to handling, a fine file (in good condition) can take the sharpness off the wire end in a few strokes. For the best finish file the end flat then a single pass around the edge removes the pointedness of the edges/corners.
Uses
Tie fixing
Wire is wrapped round the items to be fixed, and the ends are twisted together with pliers until tight. Overtightening would snap the wire.
Hoses
Iron wire is sometimes used to fix hoses. The result is not as strong as purpose made flat section fixings, but is adequate for many uses, and costs next to nothing.
2 turns round the hose should be used to avoid an unpressured spot where the wire ends leave the hose. Don't overtighten or it cuts into the hose. 1.6mm is good, or 1mm for very small hoses (eg 1/4")
Fencing
A large amount of iron wire is used for fencing. Fencing pliers are a single tool able to tension, twist and cut iron wire, and hammer in staples for fixing it.
Cable threading
Duct tape iron wire to the end of cable or string, and it can be threaded through various restricted spaces. 2mm is good for this, or 1.6mm for short distances.
Making a small diameter ring on the nose of the threading rod enables it to glide over rough surfaces. Close the ring rather than leaving it as a U shape to minimise the risk of it catching and not coming back out.
Small metalwares
Numerous small metal objects can be made from rigid iron wire. Some examples are corner braces, clips, hooks, tool stands, simple hinges & door catches, and many other items, both ad-hoc and permanent.
Picture hanging
1mm wire is good for hanging pictures upto a couple of feet in size. Where long enough wire will be used for it to be visible, brass wire is preferred for appearance.
Other uses
- Low cost light mortar reinforcement (use only galvanised) (small tight loops create anchoring points)
- Retrieving things in inaccessible spaces
- Restraint wires to prevent damage in case of primary fixing failure (eg wall mounted tvs, outdoor structures etc)
- Numerous temporary repairs
- Catenary wires (short only, minimum cost)
- Fixing various car parts in place
- Making miniature tools for special purposes
Knots
From the left:
- Basic twist tied 0.5mm
- Ends folded down to minimise minor injury risk. 1mm PVC coated.
- Twisted, looped, twisted 0.5mm. Prevents it being pulled undone.
- Hose knot (2 turns) ensures pressure all round. 1.6mm
- Basic twist tied 2mm. Ends filed for safety.
Beautification
Appearance matters where items made will be visible in use.
Straightening the wire properly before use, removing all kinks, is essential. Failure to take the time to do this properly will make a good final appearance impossible. This is simply a matter of unbending all bends, however slight, until completely straight.
Where bent, nice even smooth curves can be achieved by bending the wire around a round object, and pressing on it to prevent the initial bend deforming the wire outside of the intended bend zone.
Cut ends should be filed flat. This is quite quick to do.
Safety
- Cut ends waggling about during work can poke and injure eyes.
- Iron wire in unseen spaces can come into contact with live electrical connections. Gloves can reduce the risk.
- Coils of wire are trip hazards.
- Cutting often requires high forces. Keep fingers well clear, cutters slip easily.
- Sharp cut ends protruding from finished fixings present a risk of minor injury.
Cut ends are usually bent out of the way to prevent injury. If necessary the sharpness can be filed off with a few strokes of a file.
Suppliers
- Hardware shops, DIY sheds, builder's merchants and garden centres sell iron wire.
- http://www.wires.co.uk
- http://www.mutr.co.uk
- http://www.ormiston-wire.co.uk/
Between them these suppliers provide a vast array of wire types, far beyond the iron and copper used for DIY. These include silver wire, stainless steel, copper, enamelled copper, resistance wire, coloured enamelled copper, pre-knitted wire tube, aluminium, gold, brass, litz, bronze, controlled expansion alloys, dcc (double cotton covered copper), silk covered copper, heater cable, iron wire (bare, black, galv), kynar, constantan, eureka, manganin, nichrome, nickel, molybdenum, ptfe covered, silicone covered, solder, silver solder, square wire, tungsten, zeranin (precision resistance alloy), non-tarnish silver, multitone wires, bouillon, spiralled & tinsel wires, purl, memory wire, zinc, etc.
If you don't have the right wire size in stock, sometimes one can improvise.
- Food bag closure ties use sub-millimetre iron wire
- Wire coathangers are usually around 3mm diameter.
- Paper clips are spring steel, making them tough and springy. They can be re-worked to make miniature items, including springs, but are no use for twist tying.
- Copper electrical wire from cables can be used for tie fixing where lower strength is acceptable. T&E cable provides 1.1mm (1mm²), 1.4mm (1.5mm²) and 1.8mm (2.5mm²) copper wire.