What is GI wire used for?
GI wire (galvanized iron wire), locally called "tie wire" or "alambre," is zinc-coated wire used mainly to bind rebar during concrete construction. Una Wire Products supplies it factory-direct in Quezon City in gauges #6 to #16, in approximately 35kg rolls. Call (02) 8260-0181 for current pricing.
What is GI Wire?
GI wire — short for galvanized iron wire — is one of the most widely used construction materials in the Philippines. Locally, it is commonly called tie wire or "alambre" and is the go-to material for binding and securing steel reinforcement bars (rebar) together during concrete poured construction. You will find it on virtually every construction site in the country, from small residential builds to large commercial and infrastructure projects.
The "galvanized" in the name refers to the zinc coating applied to the wire during manufacturing. This coating creates a protective barrier between the steel wire and the environment, giving GI wire significantly better resistance to rust and corrosion compared to uncoated black iron wire. In the Philippine climate — where heat, humidity, and frequent rainfall accelerate metal corrosion — this galvanized finish means the wire holds up far longer on-site and in storage. For applications that require extended outdoor exposure, hot-dipped galvanized wire provides an even thicker zinc coat than standard electro-galvanized wire.
Beyond the construction site, GI wire is also widely used in agriculture, packaging, and general-purpose binding wherever a strong, flexible, rust-resistant wire is needed at a practical cost.
GI Wire Specifications
We supply galvanized iron wire in a range of standard gauges to suit different applications. All rolls are supplied at approximately 35kg per roll.
| Gauge | Wire Diameter (mm) | Weight per Roll | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | 4.88 mm | ~35 kg | Heavy-duty structural binding, ground anchors, industrial applications |
| #8 | 4.06 mm | ~35 kg | Heavy construction binding, securing large structural members |
| #10 | 3.25 mm | ~35 kg | Rebar tying in heavy concrete work, bundling large pipe and lumber |
| #12 | 2.64 mm | ~35 kg | Standard rebar tying in slabs and columns, general construction binding |
| #14 | 2.03 mm | ~35 kg | Light construction binding, chicken wire installation, packaging |
| #16 | 1.63 mm | ~35 kg | Fine binding, crafts, agricultural trellises, light packaging |
Other gauges available on request. Contact us with your gauge, quantity, and delivery requirements.
Common Uses of GI Wire
GI wire's combination of strength, flexibility, and rust resistance makes it the preferred binding wire across a wide range of industries and applications:
- Tying rebar in concrete work. The most common use in the Philippines. Workers use GI wire to bind intersecting steel bars together at the correct spacing before the concrete pour. Gauges #12 and #14 are the standard choice for most residential and commercial slab and column work.
- Bundling construction materials. GI wire is used on-site to bundle rebar, pipes, lumber, and other materials for organized storage and safe transport. Heavier gauges (#8 and #10) are preferred for large, heavy bundles.
- General binding and fastening. From securing scaffolding components to tying down tarpaulins and attaching temporary barriers, GI wire is the all-purpose fastener on Philippine construction sites.
- Agricultural and farm use. Farmers use GI wire to train climbing plants, build vegetable trellises, repair fencing, and secure netting in poultry and livestock enclosures. Its resistance to outdoor weathering makes it durable in farm environments.
- Packaging and shipping. Lighter gauges of GI wire are used to bundle and secure packages, bales, and goods for transport. The galvanized finish prevents rust from staining the packaged contents during storage.
Why Choose Galvanized Over Black Iron Wire?
Both GI wire and black iron wire are used for tying and binding, and black iron wire is typically the less expensive option. However, the zinc coating on galvanized wire provides meaningful advantages that often make it the better choice — especially in the Philippine climate.
The zinc layer acts as a physical barrier, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. When the coating is intact, corrosion cannot begin. This is particularly important in the Philippines, where high humidity and frequent rain mean that uncoated steel will begin to rust within weeks of outdoor exposure. Black iron wire left on an outdoor construction site, or stored in a poorly ventilated warehouse, will oxidize quickly — reducing its strength and eventually causing it to fail.
For rebar tying in slabs and foundations, the wire is permanently encased in concrete once the pour is done, so corrosion resistance matters less once the structure is complete. However, for applications where the wire remains exposed — agricultural trellises, packaged goods, fencing attachments, or temporary outdoor structures — galvanized wire's longer service life makes it the more cost-effective choice over time. The slightly higher upfront cost of GI wire is recovered through fewer replacements and less maintenance.
How to Order
Ordering GI wire from Una Wire is straightforward. Here are the three steps:
- Call us or submit the quote form. Reach us at (02) 8260-0181 or use the contact form below. Let us know the gauge(s) you need and the approximate quantity.
- Confirm gauge and quantity. We will confirm pricing, availability, and lead time based on your requirements. If you need an unusual gauge or a very large quantity, we can discuss production scheduling.
- Arrange delivery or pickup in Quezon City. We deliver to Metro Manila and nearby provinces, or you can pick up directly from our factory in Balingasa, Quezon City. We will coordinate the most practical arrangement for your project timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GI wire and what are its common uses in the Philippines?
GI wire (galvanized iron wire, also called tie wire) is a zinc-coated steel wire used for binding rebar, securing scaffolding, tying plants and crops, packaging and general construction. Its galvanized coating resists rust in outdoor and humid conditions.
What gauges of GI wire do you supply?
Our standard gauges are #6 (4.88 mm), #8 (4.06 mm), #10 (3.25 mm), #12 (2.64 mm), #14 (2.03 mm) and #16 (1.63 mm). #12 is the usual choice for rebar tying in slabs and columns. Other gauges are available on request.
How many kg are in one roll of GI wire (tie wire)?
Our GI wire rolls are about 35 kg each, in every gauge from #6 to #16. Thinner gauges give you more length of wire per 35 kg roll.
What is the difference between GI wire and black iron wire?
GI wire is zinc-coated, giving it corrosion resistance for outdoor and long-term use. Black iron wire (annealed wire) is uncoated, softer and more flexible, so it is often preferred for rebar tying where the wire ends up embedded in concrete. GI wire is more weather-resistant; black iron wire is more pliable and usually costs less.
How much does GI wire cost per kilo in the Philippines?
Price per kilo depends on the current steel market, gauge and order quantity. Call (02) 8260-0181 for a current per-kilo or per-roll quote; we also offer pricing for bulk orders.
Do you deliver GI wire outside Quezon City?
Yes. We deliver across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and you can pick up directly from our factory in Balingasa, Quezon City. Ask us about minimum order quantities and freight to other areas.
Or call us directly: (02) 8260-0181 · +63 922 857 7288