Our other sites:

What are wire gauges used to measure?

What are wire gauges used to measure?

Shop for Wire Gauges

Copper wire A gauge measurement is made by trial and error, testing the wire on different notches until a snug fit is found. It is specifically used to measure solid wire, as opposed to stranded wire which is used in electrical wiring. A solid wire refers to a single piece of metal wire, whereas stranded refers to a group of solid wires bundled together.
Varieties of wire Solid wire can be used for sculptures and jewellery production. For example the SWG 16 gauge wire can be used for bracelet bases and sculpture, whereas 28 gauge wire is used for wire weaving and crocheting because it is thinner.

The gauge of a wire measures how large a wire is. For example, a SWG 10 gauge wire has a diameter of 2.59mm.

Types of wire

The types of wire measured by a wire gauge can be made from one of several materials which gives each wire its own individual uses.
Gold wire

Gold

Gold wire is expensive and a favoured metal for jewellery creation.

Silver wire

Silver

Silver wire is commonly used to make jewellery. It is also a component found in many solar panels.

Aluminium wire

Aluminium

Aluminium wire has a better conductivity to weight ratio than copper, and is therefore used in power wiring of some aircraft and overhead power cables.

Steel wire

Steel

Round or shaped stainless steel wires, usually have high tensile strength. They can be used for the manufacturing of springs, piano wire, guitar wire, jewellery, and sculptures.

Copper wire

Copper

Copper wire is frequently used for household wiring.

Copper has a 60% higher thermal conductivity rating than aluminium, so it is better able to reduce thermal hot spots in electrical wiring systems, and therefore often deemed safer. It also has a high tensile strength, so it is more resistant to stress before breaking.

Brass wire

Brass

Brass wire is used to create springs and wire brushes. It is also used in many art sculptures.

Wonkee Donkee Tools
Logo