Abstract: Device for mechanically cleaning wire rod for profiled metal wires, comprising at least one press (3) with gripping jaws (4a, 4b) rotating about the wire rod (2) and supporting an abrasive material (5) , such as steel wool for example, arranged in one or more layers around the wire rod (2), pressed against it by the jaws (4a, 4b) and retained by the latter so as to prevent it being drawn along; operating members (6a, 6b) consisting of floating plates (8) joined together in an ordered manner in pairs so that each pair interacts autonomously with the abrasive material (5); means (7) for actuating the operating members (6a, 6b), able to modify the opening of the jaws (4a, 4b); means (10) for synchronizing the relative sliding movement of the plates (8) of each pair in the transverse direction with respect to the rod (2) and able to cause identical displacements of the said plates (8) in opposite directions.