Iron and wire products: secure tying and structural materials for the building site

The construction sector consumes tonnes of steel in the form of drawn wire. The industrial process starts with the cold drawing of steel wire rod, a mechanical operation that progressively reduces the cross-section of the metal until the gauges required for different uses are obtained. This process produces the essential consumables for construction, commonly sold as coils and small hanks. Correct diameter calibration ensures the material pays out easily, avoiding tangles when handled at height and guaranteeing a clean cut with pincers, speeding up installation.

Hard-drawn steel is too stiff for manual tying operations. To overcome this, the material undergoes an annealing heat treatment in dedicated furnaces. This treatment relaxes the metal's fibres and restores extreme malleability, allowing the operator to make tight twists without causing sudden breakage. The technical range is divided mainly into bright and black annealed wire: the black version is the first choice for assembling reinforcement cages to be embedded in reinforced concrete, while the bright version, being free of mill scale and surface residue, is preferred for general uses where greater cleanliness is required.

When fixing outdoors or in very damp conditions, untreated metal tends to oxidise and deteriorate rapidly. For installing fencing, exposed ties or agricultural applications, galvanised PVC-coated wire is essential. Hot-dip galvanising creates a solid barrier against oxidation, while the extruded PVC coating adds a further level of protection against bad weather and salt attack. Completing the range for fixing into timber, steel staples are indispensable: sturdy U-shaped nails used to anchor metal mesh firmly to fence posts or temporary timber-board formwork.

Handling metal products involves considerable weight, which can complicate internal procedures and fill up warehouse floor space. FT SPA supports distributors by ensuring fast shipping directly on pallets, making it possible to fulfil large orders for major construction sites without overloading the store. In terms of display, it is strategic to organise these items in sturdy divided bins or on high-capacity gravity-flow shelving. A rational layout, clearly labelled by diameter and finish, not only optimises the available floor space but also makes stock rotation easier and encourages self-service purchasing by professionals.