What is the Correct Spelling Baling Wire or Bailing Wire?

The correct spelling is baling wire, although if you search for bailing wire online, you'll get near enough the same results. This is because the two spellings have become somewhat (incorrectly) interchangeable, and many companies still refer to it as bailing wire. Baling and bailing are known as homophones, two words that have separate meanings, yet they sound exactly the same. Bear in mind, however, that currently, Google will suggest the correction of baling wire if you search instead for bailing wire. There is also no difference in the product that the words are describing, so one type of wire will not differ in function from another simply because of the name. The term bailing usually refers to either the releasing of a prisoner on bail, bailing out a bank or an institution (providing it with money to keep it afloat), or to leaving an area (informally). Baling, on the other hand, often refers to the bundling of goods, the primary function of what baling wire is used for. As a noun, a bale describes a tightly packed bundle of materials like hay, cardboard, or scrap metal. To find out more, you can check out this blog post on bailing wire vs baling wire.

Do You Have a Wire Gauge Chart to Choose the Correct Size?

Gauge refers to the thickness of a wire. Gauges operate on an inverse scale, which means the smaller the gauge number, the larger the circumference of the wire. Typically, baling wire starts at around 9 gauge, and can go all the way up to the incredibly thin 35-gauge variety. Choosing the right type of baling wire can be tough if you don’t know what to look for, yet it’s essential if you want to ensure maximum quality and functionality. You can find a reliable wire gauge chart by clicking here. You can find a wide range of different gauge baling wire online, but if you’re not sure which one will work best, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer of your baling machine; they should be able to give you advice on which size go for. For paper, it’s worth going for a lighter gauge, like a 14, but for tougher materials like plastics, you’ll probably need to go as low as 12. It’s worth noting that the properties of the wire can differ based on whether they’re galvanized or annealed, even if they’re the same gauge. Remember that it’s crucial to check your baler’s specifications before you start using the wire, as it may have limitations as to what gauge you can use.

Which Wire is Best for Cardboard Baling?

Generally, you'll want to use either an 11, 12, or 13 gauge wire for baling cardboard. The 11 gauge wire is the thickest and, therefore, more suited to packing denser bales. It is important to consider your baler, however, as this will likely determine the type of wire that you'll need. This can differ between make and model, and there will likely be a users manual that will have the right info. If not, you could always call up the manufacturer and ask them directly. You wouldn't want to risk damaging your baler by using the wrong materials with it. For example, a smaller vertical baler that generates smaller bales may need a smaller gauge, like a 14. In contrast, a horizontal baler that operates at a larger scale may require an 11, even though you're baling the same material. Cardboard baling wire is usually very tough, no matter the gauge, so the main point to concern yourself with is whether or not your chosen type of wire is compatible with the machine you're using. It's worth noting that this can vary extensively, so make sure you find the right wire for your specific machine and the type of material you hope to bale.

What is baling wire used for?

Baling wire is used to secure waste and scrap materials into neatly manageable bundles, making them easier to transport. It's perfect for aiding waste management in the recycling industry, and cutting down on wastage in general, no matter the area of work that you're in. Baling wire can come in many different forms, for example, galvanized baling wire is exceptionally strong and durable, and it's able to withstand the harsh conditions of the recycling process with ease. Galvanized baling wire is strong enough to survive being submerged into a molten liquid for some time, making it suitable for the galvanization of other types of metal. Black annealed baling wire is developed using the annealing process, a cycle of carefully measured heating and cooling, which is what gives it the increased level of ductility and elongation. Baling wire can be threaded through a baling machine to secure the scrap or waste material, or it can be tied by hand, as it's incredibly ductile, making it an extremely versatile material and an essential one in the recycling and agriculture industries. Baling wire has long been regarded as a fix-all type of material, so it's always handy to have some around the workspace.

Why is it called baling wire?

It's called baling wire because it refers to the job it's used for, securing bales of scrap material like hay and cardboard. The word bale might have its roots in the old Germanic language, relating to ball. Bales are the bundles of material compressed in a baling machine, and the wire is what binds this material together, holding it in place for easier maneuverability. Baling wire has been used extensively since the 1800s (this is likely when the term began gaining widespread popularity), but it's come a long way since then in both form and function. From humble origins, baling wire has become a critical material in the recycling and agricultural industries, largely due to the phenomenal rise of modern machinery like advanced baling machines and tractors.The words baling wire are often interchanged (incorrectly) with bailing wire, yet searching for either term on Google will likely still send you to the right place. By galvanizing either stainless steel or iron wire, manufacturers can make baling wire tougher than ever before. This process involves submerging the wire in a molten metal coating (usually zinc) in order to make it more durable and corrosion resistant. Baling wire can also be developed using the annealing process, which is when the wire is exposed to a cycle of heating and cooling over time.

What kind of wire is baling wire?

Baling wire is ultra-strong, highly durable, galvanized steel or iron wire. The galvanization process refers to the act of hot dipping (submerging) stainless steel or iron wire in a bath of molten zinc.The resulting metallurgical reaction causes the zinc to bond with the steel, creating a protective coating, enabling it to withstand erosion with ease. This process enables the baling wire to become exceptionally resilient and able to resist even the harshest weather and wear and tear for extensive periods of time. You can also find baling wire in the form of black annealed wire, an incredibly sturdy and versatile material that's created using a meticulous cycle of heating and cooling, causing it to increase in ductility for maximum ease of use. You can find out more about the properties of this wire here. Due to its many unique properties, including its ability to stand up to harsh conditions, baling wire is essential in the recycling and agricultural industries, and it's generally found in any type of baling application, include office recycling. Its main purpose is to secure bales (compact bundles of waste and scrap material) and hold them in place, making them easier to store, handle and transport, greatly aiding the waste management process.

The benefits of galvanized wire

Galvanized steel wire offers enhanced corrosion resistance compared to regular baling wire. According to the American Galvanizers Association, galvanized steel corrodes at a rate of 1/30 that of unprotected steel, and it lasts roughly 70 years in average conditions.

The galvanization process involves coating the wire in a protective layer of zinc, which improves the wire’s resistance to corrosion and abrasion and makes it suitable for outdoor applications.

What are the properties of galvanized wire?

Galvanized wire is known for its:

Rust and corrosion protection.
Strength and durability.
Long lifespan.
Versatility.
Affordability.

Rust and corrosion protection

The main advantage of galvanization is enhanced protection against rust and corrosion. The protective zinc coating makes galvanized wire ideal for use in wet conditions and outdoor environments. Since zinc is anodic, it must be entirely corroded before the underlying steel wire starts to rust.

Strength and durability

Galvanization increases the wire’s resistance to abrasion, making galvanized wire an excellent choice for harsh conditions and exposure to the elements. Through a process called cathodic protection, even when small areas of the steel wire are exposed, the remaining zinc coat protects the exposed section from rusting. The process of galvanization increases the hardness of the zinc layer beyond that of the steel, providing extra durability.

Galvanization has a negligible effect on tensile strength. In fact, depending on the galvanization process, the wire might lose up to 10% of its strength. Hot-dip galvanization (our method) is sometimes correlated to a minor increase in tensile strength.

Long lifespan

Galvanization dramatically increases the wire’s lifespan. In maritime and aquatic environments, galvanized wire can typically last up to 12 years, while in moderate conditions, it can remain functional for up to 150 years. Longevity has made galvanized wire a go-to choice for farm fencing.

Versatility

Superior corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, strength, and long lifespan make galvanized wire extremely versatile. It is used in the recycling, agricultural, construction, and even telecommunication industries for jobs that demand long-lasting durability.

Affordability

The durability and longevity of galvanized wire make it a cost-effective solution. It is often cheaper than stainless steel wire, and eliminates frequent maintenance and replacement costs to offer a wise long-term investment.

What is galvanized wire used for?

Galvanized wire comes in regular and high-tensile varieties. It is used for a wide range of industrial applications, these include:

Fencing. Galvanized steel wire is commonly used to create chain-link fencing, welded wire mesh, and other protective enclosures.
Baling. Galvanized wire is used for securing recyclables such as aluminum, textiles, and plastic. It is also used for bundling hay, branches, and other agricultural materials.
Construction. Galvanized wire is used for binding or baling materials on construction sites, as well as for supporting structures.
Vineyards and orchards. Galvanized wire is used for running trellises and supporting the growth of crops such as grapes or tomatoes. High-tensile wire is often preferred because of its rigidity and superior load strength.

Telecommunication industry. High-tensile galvanized wire is used in the manufacture of reinforcement for overhead aluminum and steel conductors.

Our galvanizing process

We use a hot-dip galvanization process, here’s how it works:

Surface preparation. First, the wire is cleaned to remove any surface impurities. This is important for ensuring proper adhesion of the zinc coating.
Pickling. The wire is then immersed in an acid solution to remove any remaining oxides and scale.
Fluxing. The wire is then immersed in a flux solution (zinc ammonium chloride), which helps to prevent oxidation and promotes a uniform application of the zinc coating.
Galvanizing bath. Next, the wire is dipped into a molten zinc bath at a temperature of around 450°C (850°F).
Alloy formation. While immersed in the molten zinc, a metallurgical reaction occurs between the iron in the wire and the zinc, resulting in the formation of a series of zinc-iron alloy layers. These provide excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance.
Withdrawal. The wire is then slowly withdrawn from the zinc bath, ensuring the final product has an even coating.
Quenching. The coated wire is then quenched in water or a quenching solution to cool it rapidly. This process solidifies the zinc coating and completes the galvanizing process.

This multifaceted process creates a durable and corrosion-resistant coating that protects against the elements.

Our galvanized wire is available in stems and also as bale ties.

Class 3 galvanization

We offer two classes of galvanization. Class 3 galvanization offers excellent corrosion resistance compared to the standard Class 1 galvanization. Here are some of the differences between the two classes:

Class 1 galvanization. Our Class 1 galvanized metal 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 offers a higher degree of protection, providing a lifespan of 13–30 years. While it involves a higher initial cost, Class 3 galvanization is the ideal choice for harsh environments.

Does galvanized wire rust?

Galvanized wire will eventually rust after the zinc coating completely corrodes, however, it lasts much longer than untreated steel wire. The zinc coating offers enhanced resistance to rust and corrosion, even in wet and humid environmental conditions. It acts as a barrier between the steel wire and moisture in the environment, providing corrosion protection.

Even though galvanized bale wire has good rust resistance, it can eventually wear down over time, especially in highly corrosive environments. The zinc coating will start to corrode before the steel underneath, protecting the steel itself for some time. However, once the zinc layer is fully worn away, the steel itself will begin to rust.

Our galvanized baling wire manufacturing process is done to the highest quality standards to ensure maximum strength and longevity.

Baling wire products we offer

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

Baling Wire FAQ

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The benefits of galvanized wire

What are the properties of galvanized wire?

Rust and corrosion protection

Strength and durability

Long lifespan

Versatility

Affordability

What is galvanized wire used for?

Our galvanizing process

Class 3 galvanization

Does galvanized wire rust?

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