How Thick Is 9 Gauge Steel Wire?
Gauge is a standard unit of measurement used to determine the diameter of steel wire. The gauge number is inversely related to the wire diameter – the higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the wire. For example, 12 gauge steel wire has a larger diameter than 20 gauge wire. Gauge provides a standardized system to categorize and compare the thickness of steel wires.
When discussing 9 gauge steel wire, the gauge number refers specifically to the diameter or thickness of that wire. As one of the lower gauge numbers, a 9 gauge steel wire will have a relatively large diameter and thickness compared to higher gauge wires. The actual measurements of diameter and cross-sectional area are covered in more detail in the following sections.
Wire Gauge Measurement Systems
There are a few different wire gauge measurement systems used to specify the diameter of wire:
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AWG – American Wire Gauge – Used primarily in the United States and Canada. AWG specifies wire diameters using a numerical system, with lower numbers indicating thicker wires. For example, 14 AWG wire is thicker than 20 AWG wire.
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SWG – Standard Wire Gauge – Originally used in Britain and still widely used in many British Commonwealth countries. SWG uses a numerical system but in reverse of AWG, so higher SWG numbers indicate thicker wires.
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IEC 60228 – Metric Wire Gauge Standard – Used internationally, specifies wire size by the cross sectional area in mm2. Often seen in sizes like 1.5mm2, 2.5mm2, etc.
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Stubs Steel Wire Gauge – An older British imperial unit standard still used sometimes today in the UK. Sizes like 00, 000, 0000 specify wire diameter in fractions of an inch.
So in summary, the main systems are AWG (North America), SWG (British Commonwealth), IEC Metric, and Stubs SWG (Britain). When specifying wire gauge, it’s important to be clear about the standard being used.
What Does 9 Gauge Mean?
Wire gauge refers to the diameter or thickness of the wire. The gauge measurement system originated in Britain and was based on the number of times the wire was drawn through a die to reach the desired diameter. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire and the more times it was drawn through the die.
9 gauge represents a relatively thick wire. Since it was drawn fewer times compared to smaller gauges like 14 gauge, it has a larger diameter. Essentially, 9 gauge indicates that the wire has a specific, standardized diameter thickness associated with that gauge number[1].
9 Gauge Wire Diameter
The diameter of 9 gauge steel wire is approximately 0.1144 inches or 2.906 mm. According to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard, 9 gauge wire has a nominal diameter of 0.1144 inches1. When converted to the metric system, this equates to about 2.906 mm2.
To be more precise, the actual diameter ranges from 2.905 mm to 2.907 mm. However, 2.906 mm is the standard measurement used for 9 gauge wire in both imperial and metric units.
Tensile Strength
The tensile strength of 9 gauge steel wire refers to how much force can be applied to the wire before it breaks. Tensile strength is an important factor when selecting wire for fencing, structural supports, and other applications where strength is required.
According to HuaDong Cable & Wire, 9 gauge galvanized steel wire has a tensile strength ranging from 300 to 3090 MPa depending on the exact specifications of the wire [1]. Most 9 gauge steel wire will be within the range of 600 to 1200 MPa.
For comparison, 14 gauge steel wire typically has a tensile strength around 400 to 500 MPa while thicker 6 gauge wire can have over 2000 MPa tensile strength. The tensile strength increases as the wire diameter gets thicker.
The high tensile strength of 9 gauge wire makes it well suited for fencing and structural applications where strength and durability are important. It provides more resistance to stretching and breaking than thinner gauges. Understanding the tensile strength specifications allows proper wire selection for the intended use.
Common Uses
9 gauge steel wire is commonly used in a variety of applications due to its strength, durability, and flexibility. Here are some of the most common uses of 9 gauge steel wire:
Fencing – 9 gauge is a popular choice for farm, livestock, and property fencing. It provides enough thickness and tensile strength to contain large animals while still being flexible and workable. According to Red Brand, 9 gauge is well-suited for horses, cattle, pigs, and sheep.
Construction and scaffolding – The durability of 9 gauge wire makes it useful for creating trusses, bracing, and tying rebar in construction projects. It can also be used in scaffolding and aerial platforms to improve stability and safety.
Wire rope – 9 gauge wire can be used in the production of wire rope and aircraft cable. Multiple strands are wound together to make a strong and flexible wire rope product.
Netting and mesh – Woven 9 gauge wire creates a rugged netting or mesh suitable for sporting nets, pet cages, screen doors, and industrial filtration.
Crafts – The malleability of 9 gauge steel wire allows crafters to bend it into shapes and figures for art, jewelry, floral arrangements, and more decorative uses.
Springs and clips – The stiffness and “springiness” of 9 gauge wire makes it a common choice for applications like mattress springs, clothespins, automotive clips, and binding.
Insulation
9 gauge steel wire is typically not insulated. The wire itself provides the necessary strength and durability for most applications, so additional insulation is not required. According to Hillman, their 9 gauge galvanized wire is specifically designed for fixing fences and hanging objects where insulation is not needed.
Insulation may be applied to 9 gauge wire in some specialized applications. For example, if it will be used for electrical purposes, an insulating coating can be added. But in general, 9 gauge wire used for fencing, hanging lights, securing objects, and crafting is just the bare metal wire itself without any extra insulation.
The galvanized coating applied to much 9 gauge wire acts as a barrier to corrosion and rust, but does not provide electrical insulation like a plastic or rubber coating would. So when working with 9 gauge wire, it is best to assume it is uninsulated unless specifically noted otherwise.
Cost
The cost of 9 gauge steel wire can vary depending on several factors, but on average it ranges from $0.08 to $0.35 per linear foot. Some key considerations for cost include:
- Material – Galvanized steel is the most common and economical option. Stainless steel costs 2-3 times more.
- Coating – Bare wire is cheapest. Zinc galvanized and PVC coated options cost more but add corrosion resistance and insulation.
- Quantity – Buying full rolls (typically 50-100 lbs) is most cost effective. Bulk wire costs around $0.08/ft, while smaller pre-cut lengths can be over $0.30/ft.
- Brand – Major wire manufacturers include Bekaert, Davis, and Oklahoma Steel. Generic unbranded wire is usually cheaper.
- Source – Farm supply stores offer competitive pricing on rolls. Big box stores charge more for shorter lengths. Online purchases can offer bulk discounts.
To summarize, galvanized 9 gauge steel wire in bulk typically costs $100-200 for a 50-100 lb roll, working out to around $0.10-0.20 per linear foot. Smaller quantities from retailers may cost up to 2-3 times more per foot.
Alternatives
While 9 gauge wire is well-suited for many fencing applications, there are some situations where a slightly thinner or thicker gauge may be preferable. Two common alternatives are 8 gauge and 10 gauge wire:
8 gauge wire is slightly thicker than 9 gauge, with a diameter of around 0.162 inches [1]. The greater thickness makes it more rigid and durable. 8 gauge wire has a breaking strength up to 900 lbs, compared to around 600 lbs for 9 gauge [2]. The increased strength can be useful for very large, powerful animals like horses or bison. The downside is 8 gauge wire is more expensive and harder to work with than 9 gauge.
On the other end, 10 gauge wire has a diameter of around 0.135 inches [3]. It is lighter and more flexible but not as strong. 10 gauge wire has a breaking strength in the range of 450-500 lbs [2]. It can be a good choice for smaller, docile animals like sheep. The thinner wire is also easier to work with and often costs slightly less than 9 gauge.
Overall, 9 gauge offers a good balance of strength, durability, and ease of use for typical farm fencing needs. But 8 gauge or 10 gauge may be preferable alternatives for specific situations.
Conclusions
In summary, 9 gauge steel wire has a diameter of approximately 0.148 inches or 3.76 millimeters. It is a relatively thick and sturdy wire with a tensile strength around 50,000 psi, making it suitable for applications that require durability and strength.
Common uses for 9 gauge steel wire include crafting wire sculptures or jewelry, binding thick books or documents, constructing cages or grills, hanging pictures or mirrors, and creating certain types of fencing. It can be coated with various types of plastic, rubber, or vinyl insulation for added protection and versatility.
While thicker than many common wire gauges, 9 gauge is still thin enough to be flexible and workable by hand. It provides more strength than thinner 12 or 14 gauge wires, but is less rigid and easier to bend than thicker 6 or 8 gauge sizes.
