In the manufacture of wire, a process is employed in which the metal rods
are passed through dies of decreasing diameters. A lubricant is necessary
to reduce the friction as the rods are forced through the dies. The
lubricant must adhere to the rod by forming a coating that cannot be
removed. Borax pentahydrate or Borax Decahydrate can be used as an
effective carrier and also will neutralize any residual acid since they have
a higher pH content and thereby prevent corrosion from occurring on the
rods.