11 gauge vs. 12 gauge wire

11 gauge and 12 gauge baling wire are slightly different in diameter, tensile strength, and load strength. We’ll cover why wire gauge is important and the ways these two gauges differ from one another. 

Wire gauge vs. wire diameter

A wire’s gauge is inversely related to its diameter. The smaller the gauge, the larger the diameter, and vice versa.

Wire gauge is a measurement that originated from the baling wire manufacturing process, which involves drawing the wire through progressively smaller holes. The drawing process uses a draw plate, which is a tool with a series of conical or cylindrical holes that decrease in size.

As the wire passes through each hole, its diameter is reduced by a specific increment, which in turn increases the gauge. This process is repeated until the desired diameter is achieved.

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is predominantly used in North America, while in the UK and some other countries, the British Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) system is most common.

Wire diameter refers to a given wire’s cross-sectional thickness. It is typically expressed in millimeters or inches and provides a direct measurement of the wire’s physical size.

The diameter of a given wire gauge may vary depending on the material and manufacturing specifications. For example, 12 gauge galvanized wire in the AWG system will have a specific diameter, but the diameter may differ between copper, steel, or aluminum wires due to variations in their physical properties.

Thickness and strength

All things equal, a larger diameter wire will be stronger than a thinner wire (e.g. an 11 gauge wire is stronger than a 12 gauge wire).

11 gauge wire

12 gauge wire

Thickness

0.117–0.120 inches

0.105 inches

Tensile strength

75,000–220,000 psi depending on wire type

65,000–220,000 psi depending on wire type

Load strength

735–1485 lbs

565–1,180 lbs

Applications

Baling cardboard, HDPE plastic, aluminum, textiles.

Baling cardboard, plastic, aluminum, tissue paper.


Because 11 gauge wire is 0.013 inches thicker than 12 gauge wire, it has greater tensile strength and load strength, all other factors being equal. 11 gauge wire is used for bales that are heavier and more dense, as its load strength is significantly higher than 12 gauge baling wire.

Baling wire finishes

The annealing process improves the ductility and elongation of our black annealed wire, and hot-dip galvanization coats our galvanized wire products in a protective zinc layer.

Annealing involves heating the steel above its recrystallization temperature, maintaining that temperature, and then cooling it. This creates a uniform atomic structure, increases ductility and elongation, and reduces brittleness to produce a smooth wire that is durable and easy to use.

Galvanized baling wire is zinc coated during the galvanization, which makes it more resistant to rust, even in wet and humid conditions. The zinc coating acts as a barrier between the steel wire and moisture in the environment, providing corrosion protection.


Here at Baling Wire Direct, we are proud to offer Class 3 galvanization on all wire gauges, which delivers significantly higher corrosion resistance than standard Class 1 galvanization. Here are some of the differences between the galvanization classes:

  • Class 1 galvanization. Our Class 1 galvanized steel wire offers a basic zinc coating that uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot. Class 1 galvanized wire is more cost-effective, but will typically rust after anywhere from 2–11 years, depending on the environment. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails even sooner due to saltwater corrosion.
  • Class 3 galvanization. With 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, this premium galvanization is nearly 3 times thicker than Class 1. The robust coating is more resistant to corrosion, providing a lifespan of 13–30 years. Class 3 galvanization is the ideal choice for extreme environmental conditions.

Baling wire products we offer

Baling Wire Direct sells the following high-quality baling wire products.

Baling Wire FAQ

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