The Evolution Of Metal Coat Hangers: A Material Breakdown

Metal coat hangers are typically made from steel wire, with some featuring a thin plastic coating. The steel wire used is usually 14 to 15 gauge and is formed into a flattened triangle shape with a hook at the top. The wire can be of various types, including galvanized steel, electro-galvanized wire, and rubber-coated steel. Some metal coat hangers are also made from recycled materials, although many cannot be recycled due to their curved ends, which can clog sorting equipment at recycling facilities.

Metal coat hangers are made from steel wire

The wire is then coated with an environmentally safe electrodeposition paint, and special machines form the wire into the recognisable hanger shape. The standard thickness for a coat hanger is 14 to 15 gauge steel wire. The wire is versatile and can be used for a variety of home projects, including art, welding rods, and automotive repair.

Metal coat hangers are a popular choice due to their durability and recyclability. They are plated with a metallic finish to protect against rusting and are ideal for hanging coats, jackets, and other heavy garments. Steel is the most commonly recycled metal, and many scrap metal recyclers will accept old hangers.

However, it is important to note that not all metal hangers are recyclable. The curved ends of hangers can get caught in recycling equipment, causing clogging and damage. As a result, some recycling centres do not accept metal hangers, and it is important to check with your local council or recycling guidelines before attempting to recycle them.

Metal coat hangers are a convenient and functional option for hanging clothes, and their recyclability makes them a more environmentally friendly choice compared to plastic hangers.

They are coated with environmentally safe paint

Metal coat hangers are made of steel with a thin plastic coating. However, this plastic coating is not environmentally safe. Fortunately, there are paints that are.

When it comes to eco-friendly paints, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand what VOCs are and why they are harmful. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals found in many commercial products, including paint. These compounds are released into the air as gases and can have a strong, noxious odour. More importantly, they can cause a variety of health issues such as allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, and even more severe problems like central nervous system disorders and cancer.

To address this issue, paint manufacturers have started creating low-VOC and zero-VOC paints. These paints have reduced levels of VOCs or none at all, minimising toxin exposure and improving indoor and outdoor air quality. When choosing an eco-friendly paint, look for independent testing certification seals like GREENGUARD or Green Seal, which indicate lower VOC levels.

In addition to VOCs, it's also important to consider other additives in paint, such as pesticides and biocides, which can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Natural paints derived from substances like citrus, balsam, and minerals are a good alternative, although they may still contain terpenes, which are VOCs derived from plants.

Another option is milk paint, which is made from milk protein and lime. This type of paint was commonly used in colonial America and is safe for both interiors and exteriors, giving wood a rich, deep colour.

By using these environmentally safe paints on metal coat hangers, you can not only protect your health and the environment but also add a personalised touch to your hangers, making them more aesthetically pleasing.

They are recyclable, but not always accepted by recycling centres

Metal coat hangers are typically made from steel with a thin plastic coating. They are recyclable, but not all recycling centres accept them. This is due to the hangers' curved ends, which can clog sorting equipment. However, some recycling centres do take them, provided they are free of any wrapping material.

Before attempting to recycle your metal coat hangers, it is important to check whether your local recycling program accepts them. Many materials recovery facilities are not equipped to handle the pointy edges and awkward shape of these items, which can damage machinery. If your local program does not accept metal coat hangers, you can try taking them to a scrap metal recycler, who may be better suited to handle this type of waste.

Another option for recycling metal coat hangers is to donate them to a dry cleaner, who will often accept them for reuse when distributing dry-cleaned laundry. Some dry cleaners may also pay for scrap metal hangers, as steel can be a valuable material that can be remade into other objects.

If you are unable to recycle your metal coat hangers, there are several ways to reuse them. For example, they can be used as plant supports, wreath rings, or anti-static tools to break the static bond between hair and clothes. With a little creativity, they can also be turned into sculptures, organisers, or even cat houses!

They are typically 14-15 gauge steel wire

Metal coat hangers are typically made from 14 to 15-gauge steel wire. This wire starts as huge coils of wire rod, weighing between 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, with a steel rod diameter of almost a quarter of an inch. The wire is then cleaned and stretched until it reaches the desired gauge, which is less than half its original diameter. The wire is then straightened and cut to the appropriate length for each type of hanger.

The wire used for metal coat hangers is most commonly made of steel, although other types of metal wire can also be used, such as galvanized iron wire or rubber-coated iron wire. The type of wire used will depend on the specific requirements of the hanger, such as the desired thickness and corrosion resistance. For example, galvanized iron wire has a galvanized layer on the surface that provides strong corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in industries such as building highway fences.

The process of making metal coat hangers involves cleaning and stretching the wire to the desired gauge, straightening and cutting it to the appropriate length, and then forming it into the shape of a hanger using a machine. The wire is also typically coated with an environmentally safe paint before being formed into hangers. This process is similar for different types of hangers, such as strut hangers and cape hangers, with some variations in the assembly process.

Metal coat hangers are known for their durability and are often plated with a metallic finish to protect against rusting. They are commonly used for hanging jackets, coats, pants, and shirts, and can be found in most households. While they are functional and long-lasting, metal coat hangers are not always the most environmentally-friendly option, as they can be difficult to recycle due to their curved ends and thin metal construction.

They are also made from bamboo and rubber-coated steel

Metal coat hangers are also made from bamboo and rubber-coated steel. Bamboo is a natural and durable material that is strong and long-lasting. It is a sustainable resource that is often preferred over other materials due to its eco-friendly nature. Bamboo hangers are sturdy and lightweight, making them ideal for travelling.

Rubber-coated steel hangers are designed with a thin rubber coating over a steel frame. The rubber coating provides a non-slip surface, making it ideal for hanging pants, shorts, and skirts. The steel frame ensures that the hangers are strong enough to bear the weight of heavy garments such as coats and jackets. These hangers are also lightweight and space-saving, making them perfect for closets and suitcases.

The rubber coating on steel hangers not only provides functionality but also adds to the aesthetics of the hanger. The rubber coating is available in various colours, including black, white, and walnut. The rubber coating also helps to reduce noise when hanging or removing items from the closet, creating a quieter experience.

Both bamboo and rubber-coated steel hangers offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional metal or plastic hangers. They are durable, lightweight, and functional, providing a sophisticated and space-saving solution for hanging clothes.

Frequently asked questions