M22759/32 vs M22759/16 — What’s the Difference?
At first glance, M22759/32 and M22759/16 can appear very similar. However, there are important differences that affect weight, flexibility, and durability depending on the application.
1. Insulation Thickness
M22759/32
- Thinner insulation
- More compact overall diameter
M22759/16
- Slightly thicker insulation
- More robust outer layer
What this means:
/32 allows for tighter, cleaner harness builds, while /16 provides a bit more protection.
2. Weight
M22759/32
- Lighter weight
- Preferred for motorsports and other weight-sensitive builds
M22759/16
- Slightly heavier due to thicker insulation
What this means:
In race cars and high-performance applications, /32 is often preferred because reducing harness weight matters.
3. Flexibility
M22759/32
- More flexible
- Easier to route in tight spaces
M22759/16
- Slightly stiffer due to thicker insulation
What this means:
/32 is often easier to work with when building compact or complex looms.
4. Durability & Protection
M22759/32
- Very durable, but thinner insulation
M22759/16
- More resistant to abrasion and physical wear
What this means:
/16 can be a better choice in areas where the wire may be exposed to more abuse.
5. Construction Differences
There is also a construction difference between the two:
- M22759/32 uses cross-linked ETFE insulation
- M22759/16 uses a single-layer insulation
This is part of why /32 is typically viewed as the higher-performance option for serious loom building.
Why Do People Call It “/32” and “/16”?
This is simply industry shorthand.
Instead of saying the full part number:
- M22759/32 is often called “/32 wire”
- M22759/16 is often called “/16 wire”
This is very common language among loom builders and motorsports wiring professionals.
Can You Actually Tell the Difference?
For most people—especially beginners—the answer is:
👉 Not easily
Even though /16 is technically thicker, both /32 and /16 are:
- Much smaller than standard automotive wire
- More compact than TXL or OEM-style wire
- Surprisingly small overall
Many first-time buyers double-check their order because the wire looks much smaller than what they’re used to using.
How Much Larger Is /16 Compared to /32?
👉 Only 1/32 of an inch
Unless you’ve worked with a large amount of this wire, it can be difficult to tell the difference without reading the printed part number on the insulation jacket.
Typical Use Cases
Choose M22759/32 if:
- You want a lightweight, compact harness
- You are building a motorsport or performance vehicle
- Space and flexibility are important
- You want the most premium option for a high-end loom
Choose M22759/16 if:
- You want additional abrasion resistance
- The wire will be exposed to harsher physical conditions
- Weight and packaging are less critical
- You want many of the benefits of Tefzel with slightly more protection
Do You Need Special Tools to Work With Tefzel Wire?
Stripping
Yes—Tefzel wire does require more specialized stripping tools if you want to do it properly.
Because of the insulation type, improper stripping can easily damage the conductor.
While there are other ways to strip it, using the wrong method increases the risk of damaging the wire.
Crimping
Crimping is more straightforward:
- Wire AWG is still wire AWG
- The crimping process is generally the same as other wire
However, because the overall outside diameter is smaller, you do need the correct seals when using Tefzel wire in connectors.
That’s why all of our connector kits include seals sized appropriately for this type of wire.
Final Thoughts
Both M22759/32 and M22759/16 are excellent choices compared to standard automotive wire.
The right one depends on your priorities:
- /32 = lighter, smaller, more flexible
- /16 = slightly thicker, tougher, and more protective
For most motorsports and high-end loom builds, M22759/32 is usually the preferred choice.
For more rugged environments where extra protection matters, M22759/16 can be a great option.
Either way, if you are building a serious wiring harness, Tefzel wire is one of the best options available.
Need Help Choosing the Right Wire?
If you're not sure which wire is best for your application, we’re happy to help.
📧 sales@ksvlooms.com
📞 1-888-725-5711