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Knipex 280 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

Knipex 280 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

RS Stock No. 415-3782

Brand Knipex

  • Manufacturer: Knipex
  • Material Cutting Capability: Soft Steel Wire
  • Pincer Type: Concrete Nippers

€ 29.99

11 in stock now

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Knipex 300 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

Knipex 300 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

RS Stock No. 011-2639

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Pincer Type: Concrete Nippers
  • Super Section: Pliers & Cutters

€ 49.45

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Knipex 250 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

Knipex 250 mm Concrete Nippers Concreters' Nippers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

RS Stock No. 415-3855

Brand Knipex

  • Handle Material: Forged Steel
  • Material Cutting Capability: Soft Steel Wire
  • Overall Length: 250 mm

€ 27.48

10 in stock now

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Knipex 210 mm Carpenter Pincer Hammer pincers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

Knipex 210 mm Carpenter Pincer Hammer pincers for Soft Steel Wire; Medium Wire; Hard Steel Wire; Steel Wire

RS Stock No. 727-6712

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Handle Material: PVC
  • Pincer Type: Carpenter Pincer

€ 34.64

92 in stock now

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NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 201mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 201mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

RS Stock No. 043-3159

Brand NEMIQ

  • Quantity: 50units
  • Section: Cables & Wires
  • Type: Stainless Steel Cable Tie

€ 20.58

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NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 266mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 266mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

RS Stock No. 043-3161

Brand NEMIQ

  • Length: 266mm
  • Material: 316 Stainless Steel
  • Super Section: Cable Ties & Fixings

€ 22.84

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NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 679mm x 4.6 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-100

NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 679mm x 4.6 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-100

RS Stock No. 034-9802

Brand NEMIQ

  • Category: Cable Ties
  • Length: 679mm
  • Material: 316 Stainless Steel

€ 83.46

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NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 520mm x 4.6 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-100

NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 520mm x 4.6 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-100

RS Stock No. 043-3162

Brand NEMIQ

  • Manufacturer: NEMIQ
  • Quantity: 100units
  • Width: 4.6 mm

€ 45.81

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NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 679mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

NEMIQ Cable Tie, Stainless Steel Cable Tie, 679mm x 7.9 mm, Steel 316 Stainless Steel, Pk-50

RS Stock No. 043-3164

Brand NEMIQ

  • Brand: NEMIQ
  • Category: Cable Ties
  • Section: Cables & Wires

€ 40.03

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DeWALT Steel Steel hose clamp

DeWALT Steel Steel hose clamp

RS Stock No. 021-5613

Brand DeWALT

  • Category: Cable Clips & Clamps
  • Manufacturer: Dewalt
  • Section: Cables & Wires

€ 52.58

in stock now

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Eaton Steel Stainless Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M30 Thread

Eaton Steel Stainless Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M30 Thread

RS Stock No. 024-0024

Brand Eaton

  • Brand: Eaton
  • Super Section: Cable Glands & Fittings
  • Thread Size: M30

€ 9.79

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Eaton Steel Stainless Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M18 Thread

Eaton Steel Stainless Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M18 Thread

RS Stock No. 024-1299

Brand Eaton

  • Brand: Eaton
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Minimum Operating Temperature: -25°C

€ 13.05

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Eaton Steel Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M12 Thread

Eaton Steel Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M12 Thread

RS Stock No. 024-7443

Brand Eaton

  • Brand: Eaton
  • Manufacturer: Eaton
  • Super Section: Cable Glands & Fittings

€ 13.05

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Eaton Steel Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M8 Thread

Eaton Steel Steel Cable Gland Locknut, M8 Thread

RS Stock No. 024-4052

Brand Eaton

  • Category: Cable Gland Locknuts
  • Section: Cables & Wires
  • Thread Size: M8

€ 7.40

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RND Cable Ties, 360mm x 12 mm, Steel Stainless Steel

RND Cable Ties, 360mm x 12 mm, Steel Stainless Steel

RS Stock No. 049-2331

Brand RND

  • Length: 360mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Type: Non-Releasable

€ 15.69

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Phoenix Contact Steel Steel connection Pliers

Phoenix Contact Steel Steel connection Pliers

RS Stock No. 284-1992

Brand Phoenix Contact

  • Cable Clip/Clamp Style: Connection Clamp
  • Category: Cable Clips & Clamps
  • Material: Steel

€ 1.051.06

Temporarily out of stock

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DeWALT Steel Steel hose clamp, 20mm Max. Bundle

DeWALT Steel Steel hose clamp, 20mm Max. Bundle

RS Stock No. 021-6194

Brand DeWALT

  • Brand: DeWALT
  • Cable Clip/Clamp Style: Clip
  • Section: Cables & Wires

€ 100.40

in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 140 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 42mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 140 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 42mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6933

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Section: Hand Tools
  • Super Section: Pliers & Cutters

€ 30.62

12 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6936

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Category: Pliers
  • Section: Hand Tools

€ 36.14

68 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6938

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Category: Pliers
  • Section: Hand Tools

€ 42.67

71 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 50mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 50mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6939

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Category: Pliers
  • Section: Hand Tools

€ 36.40

30 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 50mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 50mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6940

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Category: Pliers
  • Super Section: Pliers & Cutters

€ 49.32

43 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 200 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 73mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 200 mm Overall, Angled Tip, 73mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 238-6944

Brand Knipex

  • Brand: Knipex
  • Category: Pliers
  • Section: Hand Tools

€ 44.18

14 in stock now

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Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

Knipex Long Nose Pliers, 160 mm Overall, Straight Tip, 50mm Jaw

RS Stock No. 158-5552

Brand Knipex

  • Category: Pliers
  • Section: Hand Tools
  • Super Section: Pliers & Cutters

€ 31.63

51 in stock now

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...

What is steel wire?

Steel wire is a slender, elongated strand produced by drawing steel through a sequence of dies to a precise diameter. It combines high tensile strength with ductility, allowing it to be wound, bent, and formed without cracking. Steel wire is manufactured in various forms—bright drawn, hard drawn, annealed, or coated—and can be supplied in coils or spools for easy handling in manufacturing, construction, and hardware applications. Depending on the grade and treatment, it can offer excellent fatigue resistance, corrosion protection, and surface finish, making it suitable for everything from fencing and binding to wire rope cores and precision springs. In many RS Components product ranges you’ll find galvanized steel wire, stainless steel wire, carbon steel wire, and specialty wires designed for specific industries.

What types of steel wire are commonly used?

Steel wire comes in several common families, each with distinct properties and end-uses:
  • Galvanized steel wire: zinc-coated for corrosion resistance, ideal for outdoor fencing, tying, and binding where moisture exposure is expected.
  • Stainless steel wire: corrosion resistant and strong; available in grades such as 304 and 316, used in appliances, architectural features, and high-hygiene environments.
  • Plain carbon steel wire (low to high carbon): varies in strength and ductility; used in binding, mesh, and general hardware applications.
  • Spring steel wire: high-carbon steel with excellent elasticity; used to manufacture springs, clips, and vibration damping components.
  • Cold-drawn or bright drawn wire: refined surface and precise diameter; used in hardware, electronics, and craft applications.
  • Annealed or soft annealed wire: increased ductility for forming, weaving, and craft work.
  • Coated or composite wires: PVC or polymer-coated wires for insulation, protection, or color-coding in construction or fencing projects.
  • Pre-stressed concrete (PC) wire or tendons: high-strength steel wire used in concrete reinforcement and structural elements.
Each type is chosen based on the intended environment, required strength, surface finish, and whether corrosion resistance or electrical insulation is needed.

Where is steel wire commonly used?

Steel wire has broad applicability across industries. Typical uses include:
  • Fencing wire for agricultural fields, security fencing, and garden enclosures
  • Binding and tying wire in packaging, construction sites, and wood processing
  • Mesh and netting components for reinforcement, filtration, or safety barriers
  • Wire rope cores and supporting cables in lifting, rigging, and towing applications
  • Construction applications such as rebar tying, bracing, and temporary supports
  • Automotive, appliance, and hardware manufacturing components
  • Spring and vibration control parts, springs, clamps, and fasteners
  • Craft, jewelry, and art wire in specialty projects using stainless or bright-drawn wire
For outdoor or marine environments, galvanized or stainless variants offer enhanced durability; for high-tension or precision components, high-carbon or spring wires may be selected.

How do I choose the right steel wire for a project?

Choosing the right steel wire involves balancing strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and processing needs. Consider these factors:
  • Load and strength requirements: determine the required tensile strength and elongation; high-carbon or spring wires suit high-load, fatigue-prone parts.
  • Corrosion exposure: for outdoor or humid environments, galvanized or stainless steel wires provide longer life.
  • Diameter and gauge: select a diameter that matches the load, flexibility, and tooling constraints of your process.
  • Surface finish and coating: choose bright-drawn for easy threading and precision work, or coated wires for abrasion resistance and color coding.
  • Form and handling: consider whether you need coils, spools, or pre-cut lengths; some applications require soft annealed wire for forming, others require rigid wire for straightness under tension.
  • Standards and grade: align with industry standards for your sector (construction, electronics, packaging) to ensure compatibility and safety.
In practice, many RS Components customers start with galvanized steel wire for general binding and fencing, then specify stainless steel or spring wire for specialized, high-performance roles.

How is steel wire manufactured and finished?

The production path typically includes:
  • Raw steel production and casting into billets
  • Drawing or rolling to reduce diameter in successive passes, producing fine wire with tight tolerances
  • Heat treatment such as annealing for ductility or quenching and tempering for higher strength
  • Coating and finishing steps, including galvanizing (hot-dip or electrogalvanized) or polymer coating for corrosion resistance and protection
  • Reeling into coils or spooling onto bobbins, with surface finishes that suit downstream processes (forming, weaving, or winding)
  • Quality checks, including diameter measurement, tensile testing, and surface inspection to meet specifications
Surface treatments, coatings, and specialized manufacturing steps are chosen to optimize durability, corrosion resistance, and machinability for the intended application—from fencing wire to precision hardware components.

What coatings and finishes are available for steel wire?

Coatings extend life and alter performance in different environments. Options include:
  • Galvanized: zinc coating provides corrosion resistance for outdoor use and general hardware
  • Electro-galvanized: thinner zinc layer with good corrosion protection and a smoother surface
  • Stainless steel: inherently corrosion resistant, suitable for chemical, marine, and hygienic environments
  • PVC or polymer coating: color coding, insulation, and abrasion resistance for wiring, fencing, and craft wires
  • Bright finish: high cleanliness and smooth surface for electronics, springs, and precision components
The coating choice depends on exposure to moisture, temperature, abrasion, and aesthetic requirements. Some RS Components lines combine base steel with a protective layer to meet specific industry standards.

How should I store and handle steel wire safely?

Safe handling and storage help prevent kinks, corrosion, and injuries. Best practices include:
  • Store coils and spools in a dry, protected area away from moisture and direct sunlight
  • Keep wires on properly rated reels or dispensers to avoid tangling or kinks
  • Use cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling or cutting wire
  • Unwind wire slowly and evenly to prevent spring-back and kinking
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for minimum bend radius and tension to avoid work hardening or fracturing
For outdoor projects, ensure coatings are intact before installation and inspect for corrosion, nicks, or broken strands prior to use.

What should I know about quality, standards, and sourcing steel wire?

Quality steel wire is produced under strict process controls and tested to applicable industry standards. When selecting wire, look for:
  • Material grade and alloy composition suitable for your application
  • Tendering and tensile tests to confirm strength and elongation
  • Coating thickness and adhesion for galvanized or coated products
  • Manufacturer certifications, traceability, and compliance with regional standards
  • Appropriate packaging and labeling for coil size, diameter, and length
RS Components offers a range of steel wires that meet common international specs, with product documentation, coating details, and material data accessible on product pages to help engineers, buyers, and hobbyists select confidently.

How do I measure steel wire diameter and select the correct gauge?

Precise diameter measurement is essential for fit and function. Use a caliper or micrometer to measure the actual wire diameter, noting tolerance from the supplier. Understand that nominal gauge or diameter may differ slightly from the finished product due to coating, processing, or annealing. When selecting, refer to your design drawings or supplier data sheets, and consider:
  • Required tensile strength and stiffness for your load path
  • Minimum bend radius to prevent kinking or work hardening
  • Compatibility with fasteners, sleeves, or protective coatings
  • Coating thickness which may slightly increase overall diameter
If in doubt, consult RS Components technical support or check the product specification sheet for exact tolerances and recommended usage.