Tie Wire
Tie Wire Gauge Chart
Match gauge to decimal diameter, weight per 1,000 ft, and application — from heavy 9 gauge rebar wire to fine 22 gauge craft wire. Use this reference to specify the right size for your project before you order.
Understanding wire gauge numbers
Wire gauge is a historical index — not a direct measurement. In both the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system and the standard steel wire gauge used for most tie wire, a higher gauge number means a thinner wire. A spool of 9 gauge tie wire is nearly 2.5× the diameter of 16 gauge, carries more than five times the weight per foot, and requires significantly more torque to twist. Always confirm the decimal diameter in inches or millimeters when writing purchase orders or engineering specs — gauge alone is not sufficient for procurement.
Tie wire size chart — gauges 9 through 22
Weights are approximate for soft annealed low-carbon steel wire. Actual spool weight includes the spool or coil itself; wire-only weight is listed here.
| Gauge | Decimal Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) | Approx Weight (lb / 1,000 ft) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 ga | 0.148″ | 3.76 mm | ~52 lb | Heavy rebar, large bundle strapping |
| 11 ga | 0.120″ | 3.05 mm | ~34 lb | Medium rebar, formwork |
| 12 ga | 0.106″ | 2.69 mm | ~27 lb | General construction tying |
| 14 ga | 0.080″ | 2.03 mm | ~15 lb | Light rebar, fencing, mesh |
| 16 ga | 0.062″ | 1.57 mm | ~9 lb | Insulation banding, HVAC duct |
| 17 ga | 0.054″ | 1.37 mm | ~6.8 lb | Light insulation, vineyard, fine bundling |
| 18 ga | 0.048″ | 1.22 mm | ~5.4 lb | Floral, craft, fine mechanical work |
| 20 ga | 0.035″ | 0.89 mm | ~2.9 lb | Fine securement, electronics |
| 22 ga | 0.028″ | 0.71 mm | ~1.9 lb | Delicate work, wire forms |
How to choose the right tie wire gauge
- Match gauge to load and rebar size. Use 16 gauge for #3–#5 rebar in standard pours. Step up to 14 gauge or 12 gauge for #6 and heavier bar, large precast bundles, or wherever the wire must carry real tension before concrete sets.
- Prefer heavier gauge for outdoor and corrosive environments. Thicker wire has more cross-section to sacrifice to surface corrosion before structural integrity is compromised. Pair a heavier gauge with a galvanized or stainless finish for outdoor, marine, or chemical plant service.
- Check OEM specs for baling and banding applications. Baler manufacturers publish a required wire gauge and tensile class in the machine manual. Using the wrong gauge can jam feeders, cause mis-ties, or void equipment warranties — always follow the OEM spec.
- For insulation and HVAC, balance gauge with hand workability. Mechanical insulators typically use 16–18 gauge for standard pipe and duct tying. Going heavier makes twisting fatiguing over a long shift; going lighter risks the wire snapping under tension or vibration.
Gauge applies to all materials
The gauge numbers in this chart apply across the full range of tie wire materials — black annealed, galvanized, stainless steel 304 and 316, copper coated, aluminum, Monel 400, and Inconel. Diameter and weight are consistent within a gauge regardless of alloy (minor variation exists due to alloy density, but it is negligible for field selection). If you are still deciding which material fits your environment, see our Tie Wire Material Guide for a full comparison.