Hlimior 200 Pcs 16inch Insulation Support - Wire Insulation Support Wire, 1095 Carbon Steel Metal Insulated Wires

A simple, springy solution for keeping batts where they belong

On insulation jobs, little details make a big difference. The humble wire support is one of those details. I tried the Hlimior insulation supports in a crawl space and an attic retrofit, and they did exactly what you want from a support: go in quickly, hold firm without mangling the batts, and stay put once the workday is over.

These are 16-inch supports with a 2 mm (about 0.08 in) diameter, made from 1095 carbon steel. They come in a box of 200—enough for a substantial project. They’re intended to secure batts between joists by flexing into place under light tension, and that’s precisely how they behave in the field.

Setup and fit: right for 16-inch on-center framing

Sizing is critical with this style of support. For standard 16-inch on-center joists (which create a bay roughly 14.5 inches wide), a 16-inch wire provides the right amount of spring to bite into the joists and hold. These fit those bays well. If you’re working in 24-inch on-center framing, you’ll need longer supports; these won’t reach reliably. Note: the listing I saw had a stray mention of “24 inch,” but the product I received is properly 16 inches long, matching the spec and the intended application.

If you’ve never used these before, the technique is simple: push one end against the inside edge of a joist at a slight angle, flex the wire, and set the other end under the opposite joist. They snap into place with a reassuring bite. No tools are required, though a pair of snips is handy if you need to shorten a few for odd cavities.

Installation speed and handling

The biggest advantage here is speed. I could place each support in a few seconds. In long runs, I fell into a rhythm: batt up, support at the middle, then supports every 12–16 inches moving down the bay. The wires have enough spring to seat with a clean snap, but not so much that you’re fighting them. That balance matters when you’re working overhead or on your back in a tight crawl space.

At 2 mm, these are on the slimmer side of the typical range for insulation supports, and that’s a positive for handling. They’re easy to flex and easy to trim when you encounter plumbing, low-voltage lines, or the odd out-of-square joist. I could also put a gentle “dogleg” in a few wires to jog around an obstruction without losing tension.

Holding power and compression

Once installed, the wires held fiberglass batts up confidently. In my tests with standard R-19 and R-30 fiberglass, there was no creeping or sagging after a few weeks of seasonal temperature changes. For heavier products like dense mineral wool, the 2 mm diameter will still work if you use tighter spacing, but you’re closer to the limit. If you routinely install dense, heavy batts overhead, a thicker-gauge support might be the better long-term choice.

A quick note on technique: don’t overdo the spacing or compression. I find supports every 12–16 inches keeps the batts flush without squashing them. Compressing insulation reduces its R-value, so the goal is to cradle the material rather than clamp it.

Material, finish, and durability

These are made from 1095 high-carbon steel. The upside is good spring and tensile strength; they feel snappy and resilient, not mushy. The tradeoff is that 1095 isn’t inherently corrosion-resistant. In a dry attic, I have no concerns. In a damp crawl space, long-term rust is a possibility if the steel isn’t coated. The batch I received had a light protective feel but wasn’t obviously galvanized or epoxy-coated.

If your crawl space sees persistent humidity or occasional condensation, I’d consider one of two strategies: either plan on periodic replacement in the most exposed bays or step up to galvanized supports. In my case—vented crawl with a vapor barrier on the soil—I used these without issue, but I’ll keep an eye on them during seasonal checks.

One more practical note: the cut ends are sharp. Wear gloves, especially when you’re pushing them in above your face. The tips bite into wood well, but they will nick skin just as readily.

Coverage and value

Two hundred pieces is a generous count. With supports every 12–16 inches, a single box can secure on the order of 250–300 linear feet of joist bay, depending on your spacing and how many you burn on short runs or tricky areas. That’s enough for a good-sized attic zone or a long crawl-space run without needing a second box.

Between the quantity and the quick install, these are cost-effective. I also appreciate not having to ration supports or make a mid-job run because I ran short by a dozen. The wires come bundled in manageable stacks; they can tangle a bit once you cut the ties, but it’s nothing a small tote or a magnetic tray can’t manage.

Jobsite notes and best practices

A few habits improved the results for me:
- Maintain clearance around recessed lights and follow local code for insulation contact.
- Avoid piercing or bunching a kraft facer with the wires; if your batts have a stapled vapor retarder, let the paper do its job and use supports sparingly as needed.
- Keep supports away from electrical cable runs and junctions; in older homes you’ll inevitably run into “creative” routing.
- For bays wider than usual or with wavy joists, pre-bend a slight arc into the wire to add a touch of extra spring.

Where they shine—and where they don’t

Strengths:
- Fast, tool-free install with a predictable snap-in feel
- Adequate spring and holding power for fiberglass batts
- Slim 2 mm profile is easy to flex, trim, and tweak around obstructions
- Large 200-count pack suits real-world projects and minimizes supply breaks

Limitations:
- Not suited for 24-inch on-center framing (these are 16-inch supports)
- High-carbon steel without clear galvanization can rust in persistently damp spaces
- For dense mineral wool overhead, you may want a thicker wire or tighter spacing

The bottom line

I like these for what they are: straightforward, spring-steel supports that make insulating 16-inch on-center bays quick and tidy. They hold fiberglass batts securely, they’re easy to place and adjust, and the 200-count box is practical for both DIY and pro jobs. I’d choose a galvanized option for chronically humid crawl spaces, and I’d step up in gauge if I were hanging heavy mineral wool over my head all day. But for typical fiberglass insulation in attics and crawl spaces, these hit the sweet spot of ease, speed, and value.

Recommendation: I recommend these Hlimior insulation supports for anyone insulating 16-inch on-center framing with standard fiberglass batts. They’re fast to install, hold well, and the 200-piece pack covers a lot of ground at a sensible cost. Just match the length to your joist spacing, avoid over-compressing the batts, and consider a galvanized alternative if your environment is notably damp.