Chain Link Fence Wire Diameter and Mesh Size: How to Compare Supplier Quotations

A buyer's guide to core wire, finished wire, diamond opening, roll dimensions, selvage, weight and inspection

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Chain link quotations often look comparable while using different amounts of steel. The most common cause is an incomplete wire description: one offer states galvanized core diameter, another states finished PVC-coated diameter, and both use the same number. Mesh opening, selvage and roll size can also be measured differently.

MaiFa Fence publishes 1.8 to 5.0 mm wire, openings from 40 x 40 to 100 x 100 mm, roll heights from 0.5 to 4.0 m and lengths from 5 to 50 m. These ranges give buyers multiple options, but the signed specification must define one combination and its measurement method.

Comparison rule: convert every quotation into the same fields: steel core diameter, finished diameter, opening, roll height, roll length, selvage, coating, theoretical/actual roll weight and tolerance.

Wire gauge labels can vary by market and may not show whether a polymer layer is included, so millimetres are the safer comparison basis for an international RFQ. Ask the supplier to identify the measurement location and tool, especially when the wire has a coating. Mesh opening also needs a stated method because buyers may describe a diamond by different reference dimensions. Combine those definitions with roll height, roll length, allowed variation and selvage at both edges. Finally, request actual or calculated roll weight with its basis. The weight is not a substitute for measurement, but it can help identify a quotation that used a different diameter, opening or roll length. Keeping all these fields in one normalization sheet makes commercial comparison more meaningful and creates clear incoming-inspection criteria.

1. Define each mesh variable

2. Do not rely on gauge labels alone

Wire gauge systems can vary by market and source. For an international RFQ, specify millimetres and tolerance even if a local gauge description is also included. If the buyer needs a particular mass per square metre or roll weight, state whether it is an acceptance criterion and define how it will be checked.

For PVC-coated mesh, the steel core and polymer layer must be separated. A finished 3.0 mm product with a smaller steel core is not the same as a 3.0 mm steel core plus coating.

3. Select opening and wire from the application

Avoid generic labels such as light, medium or heavy duty. Describe the boundary use, fence height, animal or object containment requirement, visibility, public interface and security objective. The project team can then select an opening and wire that match the use and local requirements.

• Smaller openings generally increase wire used per unit area for the same diameter.
• Larger wire generally increases roll weight and handling demand.
• Roll length should respect safe unloading and installation methods.
• Twisted selvage creates protruding ends and may not suit every public interface.
• Privacy screening changes wind loading and should be disclosed before posts are selected.

4. Set an incoming inspection method

Request labelled sample rolls or a pre-production sample where the order is large or repeatability matters. Define sample frequency and tools for wire diameter, opening, roll height/length, coating appearance and selvage. Record gross/net roll weights and compare package counts with the packing list.

5. Quotation normalization sheet

6. Copy-and-send RFQ

Please quote chain link mesh rolls with finished height [m], roll length [m], clear opening [mm], top selvage [type] and bottom selvage [type]. Required steel core wire [mm] and finished wire [mm], with tolerance and coating sequence [galvanized/PVC details, colour]. State theoretical and actual net roll weight, inspection method, rolls per bundle/pallet, package dimensions/weights, container quantity and [Incoterm] price to [named place]. Quote posts and fittings separately if included.

Frequently asked questions

Why specify both core and finished wire?

To prevent a PVC layer from being counted as steel diameter.

Can two gauges be assumed equivalent?

No. Use millimetres and tolerance for international comparison.

Why request roll weight?

It helps check steel content, handling and shipment calculations, although the acceptance method must be defined.

Does MaiFa offer custom roll sizes?

The website publishes broad height, length, opening and wire ranges; confirm the exact selected configuration in the quotation.

Ask MaiFa for a fully measured mesh schedule

MaiFa can quote multiple chain link configurations. A normalized schedule makes differences in steel content, coating and packing visible before the purchase order is issued.

Review MaiFa's published chain link specifications.

Technical reference

MaiFa chain link fence product — published wire, mesh-opening and roll-size options