Do Stainless Steel Pegs Work In Strong Wind?

December 28, 2023 Tracey Bailey

Originally published 2023, updated 2026.

Yes — good quality stainless steel pegs generally work much better in strong wind than standard plastic pegs because they maintain a firmer grip and are less likely to weaken, crack or lose tension outdoors.

During recent tornado-like winds in South East Queensland, one family woke up to find their washing still hanging on the line.

Not blown across the yard.
Not wrapped around the fence.
Still clipped on.

The only casualties? A few pairs of underwear.

This incredible footage, captured by @kimberleyxduncan, showed Biome’s stainless steel wire pegs holding firm through wild wind and rain — a pretty impressive real-life test for such a small household item. Thankfully, Kim is as safe as her washing!

Not to mention, the incredible Hills Hoist washing line — another brilliant Australian invention that in its day was also built to last forever!

The storms were devastating, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. Extreme weather events like these are becoming more common across our climate change-impacted world, and while pegs are only one tiny part of the picture, this moment showed just how much difference a stronger peg can make when the weather turns.

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Anyone who has had to rewash half a load of laundry after a windy afternoon knows how frustrating weak pegs can be. If your clothesline is exposed, you live in a windy area, or you regularly find washing blown onto the ground, stronger stainless steel pegs can make a surprisingly big difference.

Why do stainless steel pegs work well in windy weather?

Stainless steel wire pegs are made from one continuous piece of wire. This means there are no separate plastic parts to crack, weaken or snap apart over time.

Because the wire holds its shape and tension well, stainless steel pegs can grip clothing firmly on the line, even during windy weather.

Biome’s windy-condition pegs are made with thicker wire for extra grip, making them a good choice for exposed clotheslines, apartment balconies, Queensland storms and heavier washing.

Why do some stainless steel pegs grip better than others?

Not all pegs are made equally.

The strength and grip of a peg is usually affected by:

the thickness of the wire
the quality of the stainless steel
the peg design
grip tension
whether the peg uses weak spring mechanisms

Many cheap plastic pegs lose tension over time, crack in UV exposure or weaken in hot weather.

Almost 10 years ago, Biome was one of the first stockists of these stainless steel wire pegs in Australia, introduced by the original Wire Peg man.

We immediately saw the potential in a peg made from one piece of stainless steel wire — no brittle plastic, no wooden parts, no weak spring mechanism, and no constant breaking apart.

Since then, many cheaper versions have appeared, but quality matters.

Most of the pegs sold at mainstream retailers for very cheap prices are not the same long-lasting quality as Biome’s pegs.

the wire is thinner, so the grip is not as strong, especially in windy conditions
they are made with lower quality stainless steel and may rust over time
cheap pegs can leave rust marks on your washing

Good quality stainless steel pegs are designed to maintain their grip far more consistently outdoors.

At Biome, we choose genuine stainless steel grades including 201, 304 and 316 marine grade stainless steel. These are tested to confirm the claimed grade of steel.

Which stainless steel pegs are best for windy weather?

Our standard stainless steel pegs already perform well in windy weather, but for very exposed clotheslines, apartment balconies or storm-prone areas, the windy-condition pegs offer an even firmer grip.

Biome’s windy stainless steel peg is made with slightly thicker wire for a firmer grip, helping hold washing more securely during strong wind and storms.

This makes it especially useful for:

exposed backyard clotheslines
apartment balconies
Queensland summer storms
coastal breezes
heavy towels and thicker washing
homes where washing often ends up on the ground, especially during storm season or windy afternoons

Even though these pegs grip firmly, they are still easy to squeeze and clip onto the line.

This makes them a good middle ground between everyday pegs and the extra-strong largest peg.

Customer review: “Super strong pegs, perfect for windy conditions and heavy items. Have purchased previously and they look as good as the day I bought them.”

What are the strongest stainless steel pegs?

For very heavy laundry, thick fabrics and strong wind, thicker wire stainless steel pegs are generally the strongest option.

Biome’s largest stainless steel peg is made from thicker 2.3mm stainless steel wire, making it the firmest gripping peg in the range. The thicker 2.3mm wire creates a noticeably firmer grip than standard pegs.

These pegs are especially useful for:

doonas
pillows
thick towels
heavy winter laundry
king-size sheets
wet jeans
rugs and bath mats
exposed clotheslines
strong wind and storms

Because the wire is thicker, they are also firmer and slightly harder to open than the standard or windy-condition pegs.

This stronger grip is excellent for heavy washing, but may not suit everyone — particularly anyone with arthritis, hand pain or dexterity challenges.

We also offer additional peg styles to suit different laundry needs:

The easy squeeze peg — designed for easier handling and dexterity support

Of course, no peg can control the weather, and no peg can guarantee every item will stay on the line in every storm. But for windy days, exposed homes and anyone tired of washing ending up on the ground, stronger stainless steel pegs are a small swap that can make a noticeable difference.

They have become one of the most trusted laundry swaps at Biome — especially for customers who want pegs that grip firmly, last well and do not constantly break apart.