Steel bars serve a wide range of industries, from construction to manufacturing. No matter what business your company is in, it is important that you understand the terminology associated with steel bars.

As you look to purchase steel bars for your company make sure that you learn the meanings behind the following terms: hot rolled, Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute, cold finished, bar-in-coil, rod and merchant bar.

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Hot rolled

Just as the name implies, hot rolled steel bars are created by pushing incredibly hot steel through a series of rollers. Hot rolled steel has a gray-blue scale due to the oxidation it undergoes in the cool-down process.

I recommend: Metal References provides an in-depth explanation of hot rolled steel.

Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute

The Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute (CFSBI) is North America's main cold finished steel bar trade association. It helps the industry comply with government regulations and seeks to stay in the forefront of cold finished steel bar technology.

I recommend: Visit the Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute website to learn more about its mission and explore the resources that it supplies.

Cold finished

A cold finished steel bar is created by running a cooled hot rolled bar through a die, removing the oxidized layer. The bar's surface is then ground and polished.

I recommend: Niagra LaSalle provides a step-by-step description of the cold finishing process.

Bar-in-coil

Bar-in-coil describes a steel bar that is in coiled form. This format is most often used with small steel bars. Steel wire is often sold in bar-in-coil form.

I recommend: Visit the Steel On The Net website to learn more about bar-in-coil, along with the definitions of a wide selection of other steel bar key terms.

Rod

A rod is a steel bar that is cylindrical in shape. Industrial steel wire is actually classified as a rod.

I recommend: SBQ Bar provides a wealth of technical and chemical information about its selection of stainless steel rods.

Merchant bar

Merchant bar is a term used to describe a wide range of steel bar products, including rounds, flats and squares.

I recommend: Visit the Steel Business Briefing website to learn the specifications of a merchant bar.

Steel bars in windows and doors are a visual and physical deterrent to criminals interested in your inventory, cash or property. Steel bar products used for security contain alloy steel bars or stainless steel bars. The bars come in many shapes, including steel square bar, round and triangular. Several finishes are available, including high gloss, rust-proof and scratch-proof coatings. Buy no-frills steel bars for security in standard sizes for regular windows and doors or have the products custom made for nonstandard sizes or decorative designs.

Security steel bar distributors offer two main styles, fixed and retractable. Fixed bars mount into the window frame or the surrounding wall. Welded bolts prevent removal. Fixed steel bars are highly effective but obstruct the view and prevent emergency exiting. Retractable bars secure doorways and windows and run on a track. They roll back when open and expand to close. Instant locking mechanisms offer immediate security when closed. Before you buy steel bar security consider the following:

1. Count the number of windows, doors and entry points to cover with steel bars.

2. Determine if you want fixed or retractable steel bar products.

3. Consider custom-made steel bars to secure nonstandard entry points and maintain curb appeal.

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Arrange for quotes from security steel bar distributors

Get security steel bar quotes by answering a few simple questions online about the number of entry points, size of entry points, desired product features and business location.

I recommend: Buckley Associates provides a variety of security bars and grills. ServiceMagic will provide several quotes from pre-screened security steel bar distributors located in the vicinity of your business.

Buy steel bars in standard sizes

Standard steel bars are available for self or professional installation. They look utilitarian but are highly effective.

I recommend: Mr. Goodbar manufactures its own line of security bar products. The company has been in business for decades and provides a lifetime, no-questions-asked, guarantee on its products. Aubuchon Hardware carries steel bar products from a variety of manufacturers.

Order decorative, custom made steel bars

Custom-made steel security bars can be visually appealing while providing peace of mind. A security steel bar supplier providing custom-made products can recommend designs or work from your suggestions. In general the more complex the design, the higher the price.

I recommend: GlassEssential.com and LINGCO Manufacturing & Tooling focus on quality and affordability and offer flexible designs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your security steel bar supplier to provide the bars primed for painting. You can then spray paint or brush on the color of your choice.
• •  Allow for sufficient space in the installation of steel bars to permit windows to be opened and closed from the inside of your building. You can enjoy the fresh air and still maintain security.