What is galvanized hi-tensile stem wire?

Galvanized hi-tensile stem wire is a type of baling wire manufactured from high-carbon steel, galvanized to resist rust and corrosion, and sold on a large spool called a stem.

High-carbon steel increases the tensile strength, load strength, and hardness of baling wire. It provides the extra strength and durability required for heavy-duty baling applications.

The galvanization process imparts a coating of zinc that acts as a shield that protects the underlying steel wire from rust and other forms of corrosion.

Our galvanized baling wire is sold by the stem in 11 or 12-gauge and as single loop or double loop bale ties in a range of gauges.

What is galvanized hi-tensile stem wire used for?

Galvanized hi-tensile wire is often used in the recycling and agriculture industry. Common applications include:

  • Baling recyclable materials. The increased tensile strength can withstand the expansive pressure of plastics, foam, rubber, and cardboard.
  • Storing recycled materials outdoors. Galvanized wire is the perfect selection for use on bales that will be stored outdoors, in damp, corrosive environments, or in otherwise harsh conditions.
  • Animal fencing. Both high-tensile strength and the corrosion-resistance of galvanization are needed for animal enclosures and other agricultural fencing.
  • Trellising. Vineyards and orchards commonly use galvanized hi-tensile wire as the main structural support for trellising systems on vineyards and orchards.
  • Construction applications. Job sites use hi-ten galvanized wire to bind heavy materials and reinforce rebar. The corrosion and abrasion-resistance benefits of galvanization are useful for construction jobs.

How strong is high-tensile wire?

While the strength of high-tensile wire varies between manufacturers and manufacturing processes, our high-tensile wire has a tensile strength range of 145,000–175,000 psi, a load strength range of 1,256–1,832 lbs, and an elongation of 7–11%. Compared to the 95,000 psi tensile strength of our regular 11 gauge galvanized wire, high-tensile wire is significantly stronger than regular galvanized wire.

How is hi-tensile wire made?

Hi-tensile wire is made the same way as regular baling wire. The carbon grade of the steel rods used to make the wire determines its tensile strength. High-carbon steel produces hi-tensile wire that is harder, more rigid, and less elastic than low-carbon steel.

Our baling wire manufacturing process

Our manufacturing process involves the following steps:

  1. We start by buying 100% American steel billets from family-owned mills.
  2. The raw materials ship to our factory where our team of over 120 trained technicians and 5 engineering experts go to work.
  3. The steel rods undergo a mechanical reverse-bending descaling process. This reduces die wear and removes mill scale and rust to leave a smooth surface, while also reducing the environmental impact of our process.
  4. Then, the wire rods pass through a continuous bull-block wire drawing machine until the desired gauge is achieved. Diameter and gauge are inversely correlated: a higher gauge indicates a smaller diameter.
  5. After sizing, the wire gently air-cools to ensure consistent tensile strength.
  6. If needed, the wire continues on to be galvanized or annealed.

We carefully monitor the manufacturing process to ensure the quality of our wire products. Any wire that does not meet standards gets removed from stock so our customers only receive the highest quality baling wire.

How is galvanized wire made?

Galvanization is the process of adding a protective zinc coating to wire to improve its corrosion and abrasion resistance. We use a hot-dip galvanizing process that proceeds as follows:

  1. First, the wire gets cleaned to remove impurities from the metal's surface. This ensures proper zinc coating adhesion.
  2. Next, the wire is soaked in an acid solution. This removes any remaining oxides or scales and prepares the surface for galvanizing.
  3. Then, the wire is soaked in a flux solution. This prevents oxidation and enables uniform zinc application.
  4. After that, the wire is dipped into molten (450°C) zinc.
  5. While immersed, a reaction occurs between the steel and the zinc. This forms zinc-iron alloy layers that provide excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance.
  6. The wire is slowly withdrawn from the zinc bath. The withdrawal rate allows excess zinc to drain off for an even coat.
  7. Finally, the coated wire is quenched in water or a quenching solution. This solidifies the zinc coating to complete galvanizing.


The result is hot-dipped galvanized steel wire. We offer both Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization. Class 1 is cheaper, but its thin zinc coat wears out faster. Class 3 galvanization features a thicker zinc coat that protects much longer, making it a wise investment in the long run.

Baling wire products we offer

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

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