Guy Strand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is guy strand?

Guy strand is a type of galvanized steel strand with a 1×7 construction, which consists of one core wire wrapped by six outer wires. It is designed for static tension applications where a low-stretch, high-strength cable is needed to stabilize or brace a structure.

What is guy strand used for? 

Guy strand is commonly used to brace and stabilize free-standing structures such as utility poles, radio towers, wind turbines, and trees. It is also used in fencing and other applications where a rigid, straight-line tension cable is required.

Is there a difference between guy strand and guy wire?

The terms are often used interchangeably in the industry. Guy wire typically refers to the complete guying assembly, including the strand and its hardware, while guy strand refers specifically to the cable itself. At Fehr Bros., both terms refer to the same 1×7 galvanized steel strand product.

What types of guy strand does Fehr Bros. supply? 

Fehr Bros. supplies two grades of 1×7 galvanized guy strand: Common Grade and EHS (Extra High Strength). Both are Class A hot-dip galvanized and ASTM A-475 compliant, and are available in a range of diameters from 1/8 in to 7/16 in.

What is EHS guy strand and when should I use it? 

EHS guy strand stands for Extra High Strength. It offers higher tensile strength per diameter and minimal stretch, making it the right choice for high-load or long-span installations such as bracing radio towers, utility poles, and wind turbines. EHS guy strand requires dead ends or tensioners for terminations.

What is the difference between Common Grade and EHS guy strand? 

Common Grade guy strand has a lower tensile strength than EHS, but is easier to work with by hand. It is spliceable and can be wrapped around a thimble, which gives installers more flexibility in how it is terminated. EHS offers higher strength and lower stretch but requires specific termination hardware, such as dead ends or tensioners.

What termination hardware does guy strand require? 

The required hardware depends on the grade. EHS guy strand requires dead ends or tensioners, meaning it cannot be spliced or wrapped around a thimble. Common Grade guy strand can be spliced or wrapped around a thimble, and is compatible with a wider range of termination methods.

Can I use wire rope instead of guy strand? 

Guy strand and wire rope are not interchangeable. Guy strand is a rigid, low-stretch product built for straight-line, static tension applications. Wire rope is designed for flexibility and dynamic use, such as lifting, hoisting, or running over sheaves and drums. Using wire rope where guy strand is specified, or vice versa, can compromise performance and safety.

How do I choose the right guy strand for my application?

Start with the load and span requirements. For high-load or long-span installations, EHS guy strand is the appropriate choice. For moderate applications where ease of handling is a priority, Common Grade is a practical option. If you are unsure which product fits your project, contact our customer service team for guidance. To see pricing for guy strand and our full range of hardware, create an account.