<p>A sinker is described for use in hot-dip coating of moving lengths of wire in a molten metal bath. The sinker guides the wire through the bath with little turbulence or vibration, and with reduced friction and contact with the wire. The sinker includes a frame supporting a plurality of rolls along an arcuate periphery. The rolls may be grooved and may comprise carbon-impregnated fused silica. The grooves control the gap between wires and allow for proper coating of the wire. The rolls are spaced apart so that dross does not collect on the sinker. The number, spacing and diameter of the rolls depend on the type of wire being coated and the tension on the wire.</p>
