What Gauge is Baling Wire?

When selecting your baling wire, there are several elements you have to consider. One of the biggest is the gauge. 

If you browse our product range, you’ll be aware there are different gauges of baling wire available. Yet, what does the gauge mean? Why are there different gauges? This article will explore the answers. 

What is gauge baling wire?

In summary, the baling wire gauge is a system used to measure the thickness of the wire. In certain industries, they demand the most robust and thickest wire to handle the extreme conditions thrown its way. However, for baling tasks that are less demanding, a thinner wire is usually ideal for the job. 

For newcomers to the gauge scale, there’s one confusing aspect: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire. This means, for example, that a 10 gauge baling wire is much thicker than a 12 gauge baling wire. 

What are the factors when choosing the gauge? 

While you might initially think ‘the thicker, the better,’ there are various factors to think about when selecting the bale wire gauge. These include: 

• Your baling machine

First of all, you have to consider the baling machine you’re currently using. It should come as no surprise the machine plays an integral role in the wire gauge. For example, vertical balers require a thinner wire in general, as this type of baler is designed for less demanding work. Due to this, you’ll typically shop for a 14, 13, or 12 gauge wire. 

However, a horizontal baler is designed to handle strenuous tasks on a continual basis. As the process requires a lot more effort, a thicker gauge – such as 11 or 10 – is often utilized. 

• The material you’re baling 

Another point to remember is the material you’re baling. There are certain materials that only require a thin wire, whereas others need a thicker one – otherwise, the baling process won’t work. 

Cardboard and newspaper, to use two examples, can both be packaged with a relatively thin wire. Yet a material such as foam, which is notorious for giving thinner wires trouble, will require an 11 gauge baling wire.

• Price

As a business owner, you want to maximize your profit margins. One way of doing that is by reducing your costs when possible. This means if you don’t need a thicker gauge, there’s no point in splashing out extra money when a thinner – and more inexpensive – wire will do the job. 

Finding your ideal wire

To get the perfect gauge for your needs, you might need to go through a spot of trial and error. Are your current wires struggling to handle the baling process? Obviously, your next step would be to go with a thicker wire and analyze the results. Continue down this route to find your ideal wire. 

For help, the owner’s manual that came with your baler should point you in the right direction. However, always feel free to consult the experts – aka us – if you require any further assistance with your gauge baling wire needs.