Do you have wire?
fi-lo di FER-ro — stress 'FER'; double 'r' is trilled; filo is two syllables with stress on the first.
Use this when you need binding wire for general repairs, gardening, or light construction work. Wire is a versatile and inexpensive material available in many gauges and types.
Filo di ferro (iron/steel wire) is the general term for plain wire used in construction, gardening, and general repairs. It comes in various gauges (spessori) — the most common for general use are 1mm to 2.5mm. Other types include filo zincato (galvanised wire for outdoor use), filo armonico (spring steel wire), and rete metallica (wire mesh).
Filo zincato da 2 mm per il giardino.
2mm galvanised wire for the garden.
Zincato (galvanised) is essential outdoors; plain iron wire rusts quickly.
Filo elettrico da 2.5 millimetri.
2.5mm electrical wire.
Specify filo elettrico (electrical wire) to distinguish from structural wire.
Rete metallica per recinzione.
Wire mesh for fencing.
Rete metallica is the generic term; rete plastificata (plastic-coated mesh) is common for garden use.
The Italian tradition of orti (kitchen gardens) and giardini pensili (roof gardens) means garden-related ferramenta supplies are in constant demand. Many Italian ferramenta in rural areas are as much agricultural supply stores as hardware shops, stocking grafting wire, vine ties, anti-bird netting, and drip irrigation components alongside traditional tools.