Guy Strand

Guy Strands are essentially tensioned cables, similar to industrial wire rope or cable, that are used to add stability to free-standing structures. These are far stiffer than other types of wire ropes or cable though, as their primary purpose is added security. There are other names and terms which can be used interchangeably for guy wires, including:

Strand wire

Stay wire

Guy wire

Guy cable

Guy anchors

While guy strands are widely used today for telecommunication towers and marine structures, there are countless more uses for this type of equipment. Many wire rope suppliers also sell guy wires as part of their product line.

The Material

Guy wires are made from high-strength grade steel that is based on the ASTM A475 Standard Specification. This applies to zinc-coated steel wires, which means that guy wires are typically galvanized for added protection from corrosion and wear.

The Galvanization

Galvanization involves coating the wire in molten zinc, creating a thin protective layer over the steel. This protects the steel from corroding if exposed to moisture. Since guy wires are often used on free-standing structures or ships, the wires will be exposed to water frequently. This galvanized finish helps to diminish rusting that can occur from contact with moisture.

Two Main Types

There are two main types of stranding for guy strands: 1×7 and 1×19. This means that each strand contains either 7 or 19 wires with one central core. 1×7 wires are smaller in diameter and have lower breaking strength ratings than 1×19.