Why wire for rigging?

[Sparkysparks]

So what types of wire and for what application(s) in the rigging are you using it in? What are the alternatives to wire? I seen it used to tie blocks to spars and as back stays. I've also seen it used to tie spars to mast or to hook a gaffs or booms to the mast. To quote every two year old in the world, "Why?" TIA.

[allanyed]

Sparks,  For old sailing vessels, most modelers use copper and brass wire of various sizes,  depending on the item and scale, for making eyes, hooks, railings, and for very small scale models such as those by McNarry, for standing rigging at times.  Both of these can easily be blackened to simulate iron.  Tying spars to masts with wire is probably just an easy shortcut rather than replicating what was done in real world practice.   If you would give a few specifics on what item, vessel, year, &c, that would be helpful in getting  more detailed answers from the members.  

Allan 

[rwiederrich]

Wire in all sizes can be used very convincingly in rigging and as rigging.  In many cases it is preferred because it can be formed to act as natural line would....were thread curls and bows according to its weaved construction.

 

I use wire for eye bolts in many sizes and as the relaxed lifts when yards are raised and for the hanks on jib and stay sails .

 

Rob

[rwiederrich]

I like wire for active looking rigging like this pennant.

[barkeater]

I use wire for eye bolts, ring bolts and hooks. I use sterling silver half hard wire as I like the strength. I solder rather than twist for the eye bolts. My eye bolts are 26 guage and I go up in size for the ring in ring bolts. The silver can also be hammered to make other fixtures such as door handles. I work in 1/48 scale. All my lines standing and running are thread.