The Ultimate Guide to Bekaert Guy Strand

Big grip dead ends, or preforms, are used with high-strength guy strands on large structures that require high tensioning. They are typically used in communications, transmissions or antenna structures. These pieces are designed to distribute the tension evenly throughout the length of the grip, preventing damage to the wire rope.

End sleeves, known as ice clips, secure the ends of big grip dead ends in steel guy wire installations. Using end sleeves in conjunction with big grip dead ends prevents strands from unraveling over time.

Drop forged wire rope clips are used to secure the loose end of the wire rope after it is looped back, creating an eye. The clips feature a U-bolt and saddle, which are tightened onto the wire rope by two nuts. Guy strands typically require two or three clips to grip on ends securely.

Shackles connect the steel guy wire to various components, such as load rings, chains and more. These connecting links are incredibly versatile and have different styles and sizes to fit unique requirements. Bolt-type anchor shackles are often the go-to choice for guy strands due to their longevity in permanent or long-term application.

Thimbles ensure the longevity and reliability of wire rope assemblies. The sturdy metal fittings go inside the loop of the wire rope to protect and reinforce the eye. Thimbles prevent wear and tear and protect the loop from being crushed. Plus, they help maintain uniform load distribution throughout the assembly.

Turnbuckles adjust the tension in wire ropes and cables. They have two end fittings that attach to the anchor point and cable line. Turning the body of the turnbuckle draws these fittings closer together, increasing tension. This flexibility makes them ideal for applications that require precise adjustments. In guy strand applications, turnbuckles are used to push or push anchors.

Utility poles are buried deep underground, which makes them sturdy. However, poles at the end of long, straight sections are vulnerable to movement. Utility companies use power line guy wire to secure utility poles so that they can resist high winds, hurricanes and other severe weather.

Radio masts are some of the tallest human-made structures. Therefore, they need reliable stabilizers. To create that support, installation teams affix the guy strands to the upper part of the mast. The other end of the guy strand attaches to the ground via an anchor. We use several kinds of anchors to secure radio masts and other towers, including:

• Deadman anchors
• Screw anchors
• Expanding anchors
• Grouted anchors

Bekaert guy wire also secures other types of utility structures, including electricity masts. Alternative electricity sources, like wind power, also use guy strands for security. Guy wires provide additional support to increase the stability and sturdiness of wind turbines, enabling them to better withstand strong wind forces.

Telephone poles have a large portion of their length buried underground. Most often, guy wires are necessary on dead-end transmission or anchor poles. 

That said, most telephone pole formations require at least three guy strands to secure the object properly. On a telephone pole, each guy wire creates an angle between the vertical pole and the ground. While guyed structures need a larger area for their foundation, they are more cost-effective than most self-supporting structures. 

Steel guy wire also stabilizes other free-standing structures, like radio transmission cell towers, which support antennas for broadcasting and telecommunications. Though some radio transmission cell towers are self-supported, guyed towers are more common in wireless, broadband and point-to-point communications.

While stranded steel wire is most commonly used to stabilize tall structures, it has other uses. Cable railing also relies on stranded steel wire. You can find this railing on parking decks, public walkways, balconies and other high structures that need a protected edge. Guy wire offers the durability needed for these railings, and it's easy to install post-construction.

Other common uses for steel guy strands include:

• Standing rigging on sailboat masts
• Stabilization wire for cranes when carrying high payloads
• Flexible ladders
• Supports for tents

Bekaert provides Class A, Class B and Class C zinc galvanized coatings for our steel guy wire. The various types of zinc coating we offer meet industry standards. We have created Bezinal® — a zinc-aluminum alloy coating with superior corrosion resistance. 

The zinc coating on galvanized steel resists corrosion, making it the leading choice for telecommunications applications. Benefits of this coating include:

• Cost-effective option: While zinc coatings offer extensive protection, they often come at a relatively low cost compared to other protective coatings.
• Reduced maintenance: Significant maintenance requirements can be demanding for your team. Galvanized steel requires very little care to remain strong.
• Increased life span: Guy wires play an essential role in many applications, so you want a durable product with a long life span. Galvanized steel provides this advantage.

One of the most notable benefits of our galvanized steel wire solutions is their corrosion resistance. Over time, rust weakens guy wires and encourages breakage. A weak guy wire might snap under pressure, causing many issues — and health and safety concerns — for companies and the public.

However, at Bekaert, we coat all steel wires with high-quality zinc-aluminum alloy coatings that prevent oxidation. We rigorously test these coatings to ensure supreme corrosion resistance, especially for guy wires used to support telephone poles. Bezinal® even performs better than pure zinc galvanized materials under various conditions. 

Ultimately, our zinc-aluminum alloy coatings strengthen and weatherproof our guy wires, ensuring impressive longevity in the face of inclement weather. 

Steel guy wire is incredibly strong, which is why many industries rely on it to secure their tallest structures, especially along the coast or in areas vulnerable to straight-line winds. High winds can cause your towers to move but our guy strands have the strength to hold them in place. 

Bekaert steel guy wires also resist breaking, even under excessive tension. That means steel guy wire is your company's safest choice for stabilizing tower supports across the United States.

Guy wire must meet your needs for utility pole support, which is why Bekaert manufactures steel guy wire to your exact specifications. Our production facilities have incredible flexibility. We can manufacture steel wire in any shape, with any composition and mechanical characteristics. 

For industries or regions that require custom guy wire solutions, we can create guy wire cables strong enough to keep the largest and tallest utility poles secure and upright to prevent unnecessary downtime or safety issues. We partner with you to develop innovative solutions that drive your industry forward.

You won’t need to worry about degradation, breakage or high winds with Bekaert guy wire solutions. With corrosion-resistant, galvanized coating options and standardized strength levels, Bekaert steel guy wire cables are durable enough to stand the test of time.

A crucial factor to consider when buying guy wire is the manufacturer you source it and related products from. Choosing the right manufacturer is essential for ensuring the quality, reliability and durability of your product since all of these factors directly impact your structure's longevity and safety. Here is what to look for in a guy wire supplier:

• A track record for producing products that meet quality standards.
• Experience working on working similar projects.
• The product capacity of the guy strand manufacturer.
•  Customization capabilities.
• A high level of customer support.

By evaluating these factors, you can select a trustworthy steel wire manufacturer that will provide you with high-quality guy strands for your applications.