1. The relaxation resistance of carbon steel wire varies with the original structure (the heating temperature and the transformation of austenite during patenting) and with the degree of deformation in drawing. 2. The relaxation resistance of cold drawn wire increases with the temperature at which austenite is transformed, with decreasing patenting temperatures, and with low-temperature tempering. 3. The effect of deformation on the relaxation resistance of patented carbon steel wire is due to the original structure. The relaxation resistance of the pearlitic transformation products increases with deformation, while the relaxation resistance of bainitic transformation products decreases. 4. The relaxation resistance of patented steel wire with a mixed structure is determined by the ratio of the products of the pearlitic and bainitic transformations.