Hillman Steel Wire Rope 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Cable Wire
Bottom line: The Hillman Steel Wire Rope 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Cable Wire ($6.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:15 UTC): 175 ft per roll - enough for repeat runs without reordering; main trade-off: 15 lb limit rules out heavy shelving, tool hanging, or load-bearing rigging.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 175 ft per roll - enough for repeat runs without reordering
- ✓ Galvanized coating resists corrosion in garages, basements, outdoors
- ✓ Rated to hold 15 lbs per Hillman's spec
- ✓ Same line offered in 16 through 32 gauge for finer or heavier work
Cons
- ✗ 15 lb limit rules out heavy shelving, tool hanging, or load-bearing rigging
- ✗ 20 gauge steel is stiffer than craft wire - harder to bend by hand
- ✗ Galvanized finish is silver only, no black or bronze for visible installs
- ✗ No end fittings, ferrules, or crimps included in the roll
Manufacturer description
The Hillman 123106 steel wire rope is a 20-gauge galvanized hobby cable sold on a 175-foot roll, built for the kind of light rigging and craft work where thin picture wire gives out. The galvanized coating is the point here: it resists corrosion, so the cable holds up in garages, basements, workshops, and outdoor project work rather than rusting through after a season. Each strand supports up to 15 pounds, which puts hanging planters, framed art, signage, bird feeders, trellis lines, and prop rigging well inside its range. At 175 feet per roll, you are not rationing wire across a project…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Hillman Steel Wire Rope 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Cable Wire using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. Hillman's cables & connectors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for cables & connectors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can this Hillman wire actually hold?
Hillman rates the 20 gauge galvanized cable at up to 15 pounds. That covers hanging plants, picture frames, light signage, and feeders, but not shelving or anything load-bearing.
How long is the roll?
Each roll holds 175 feet of wire, enough for many separate hanging runs or a long continuous line without splicing in a second roll.
Will it rust if I use it outside?
The galvanized coating gives it corrosion resistance, which is why it is used in garages, basements, and outdoor craft setups. Hillman does not publish an outdoor lifespan figure, so check the listing for specifics.
What does 20 gauge mean and should I get a different one?
Higher gauge numbers mean thinner wire. Hillman sells this line from 16 to 32 gauge, so pick a lower number for stiffer, heavier cable and a higher number for finer craft work.
Is it good enough for crafts and DIY, or is it too stiff?
It is a steel cable rather than soft craft wire, so it holds shape well but takes wire cutters to trim and real hand pressure to bend. It is widely regarded as suitable for craft and DIY use.
Key Features
- Corrosion Resistance: This Steel 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Wire cable offers exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring durability for craft and DIY projects
- Versatile Gauges: Available in a range of gauges from 16 to 32, our galvanized wire cable accommodates various needs; perfect as stainless steel wire rope for projects requiring robust metal cable
- High Load Capacity: Supporting up to 15 lbs, this cable rope is reliable for multiple tasks; the cable wire rope design ensures strength and flexibility, making it suitable for wire cable rope applications and projects
- Extended Length: Each roll contains 175 feet of wire, providing ample material for extensive work; use it as wire string for cable & wire rope crafting and diy activities
- Durable Construction: Crafted with high-quality materials, this wire withstands up to 15 pounds of weight
Full Specifications
| Brand | Hillman |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Gauge | 20.0 |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Item Form | Coil |
| Item Shape | Round Rod |
| Unit Count | 175.0 Feet |
| Finish Type | Galvanized |
| Item Length | 175 Feet |
| Part Number | 123106 |
| Model Number | 123106 |
| Item Diameter | 0.03 Inches |
| Wire Diameter | 0.03 Inches |
| Item Thickness | 0.03 Inches |
| Item Type Name | Galvanized Hobby Wire |
| Item Dimensions | 1.25 x 3.5 x 4.75 inches |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Tensile Strength | 1500 Pounds Per Square Inch |
| Included Components | The Hillman Group 123106 Galvanized Steel Wire, 20 gauge |
| Corrosion Resistance | This Steel 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Wire cable offers exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring durability for craft and DIY projects |
| Full listing title | Hillman Steel Wire Rope 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Cable Wire, 20 x 175', Corrosion Resistant, Holds 15 lbs, Ideal for Crafts & DIY, Silver | 123106 |
Ready to buy?
Hillman Steel Wire Rope 20 Gauge Galvanized Hobby Cable Wire, 20 x 175', Corrosion Resistant, Holds 15 lbs, Ideal for Crafts & DIY, Silver | 123106 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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