What gauge means when you order wire

Gauge numbers run the opposite way from what people expect: the bigger the number, the thinner the wire. Nobody should have to guess at a drawing review, so here is the chart we use on the phone. We form wire from 1/16" to over 5/8" in diameter, so the sizes below cover the range we bend every day.

Once you know the diameter, the next step is a number on paper. Attach your part spec to an estimate request; a reply arrives within 24 hours.