Help & FAQs
What does baling wire gauge mean?
The gauge, (ga), is the thickness of baling wire. The lower the gauge the thicker and stronger the wire is. For example 11 gauge is thicker and stronger than 14 gauge. It is important to select the right gauge or wire so you are using the most cost effective wire and the wire is strong enough so it does not break.
What gauge of baling wire do I need?
The gauge needed will depend on the size and density or your bales as well as the material being baled. Vertical balers typically use 12 gauge-14 gauge depending on what material is being baled. Horizontal balers typically us 11 gauge-13 gauge depending on bale size and material being baled. Auto tie balers will typically use 10 gauge-12 gauge wire depending on the size and density of the bale as well as how many wires the baler uses on each bale. Auto ties with only 4 wires per bale will usually use a thicker gauge wire than auto ties with 5 or 6 wires per bale. Two ram balers typically use 10-12 gauge wire with some of the small two rams using 13 gauge wire.
Common wire gauges by baler type
- Vertical Baler - 12-14 gauge
- Horizontal Baler - 11-13 gauge
- Auto Tie Baler - 10-12 gauge
- Two Ram Baler - 11-12 gauge
Common wire gauges by baler type and material
Vertical Balers
- Cardboard 13-14 gauge
- Newspaper 12-13 gauge
- Plastic Shrink Wrap 13-14 gauge
- Plastics 12-13 gauge
- Foam 11 gauge
Horizontal Balers
- Cardboard 11-13 gauge
- Newspaper 12-13 gauge
- Plastic Shrink Wrap 11-12 gauge
- Plastics 11-12 gauge
- Foam 11 gauge
Auto Tie Balers
- Cardboard 10-12 gauge
- Newspaper 10-12 gauge
- Plastic Shrink Wrap 10-12 gauge
- Plastics 10-12 gauge
- Foam 10-11 gauge
Two Ram Balers
- Cardboard 11-13 gauge
- Newspaper 11-13 gauge
- Plastic Shrink Wrap 11-12 gauge
- Plastics 11-12 gauge
- Foam 11-12 gauge
What length of wire do I need?
The length of wire will depend on the size of bale your baler makes and which direction the ties go. The first thing to do is figure out if your baler ties vertically or horizontally. You can do this by looking at your baler or an already made bale. Most vertical balers tie vertically and most horizontal balers tie horizontally. Full penetration or full eject horizontal balers most commonly tie vertically. Look for the tie slots or openings for the wire to feed through and see if it is vertical or horizontal. Once you know which direction your baler ties, then measure the bale chamber of your baler or a finished bale. Vertical tie will be twice the height and twice the depth while horizontal will be twice the length and twice the width. Once you have the full length add 12-18” so you have room to tie off the bale.
Example: A standard 60” vertical baler makes a 60” wide x 48” high x 30” deep bale. The wires go vertically so it will be twice the height and twice the width.
48” x 2 + 30” x 2 = 156” + 12” = 168”
168” is 14 ft, so this baler would need 14 ft long wire
Common wire lengths
14 Foot Baling Wire
14 ft wire is most commonly used for vertical balers and full eject/penetration horizontal balers. Some vertical balers will have larger bale chambers and need longer wire like 16 ft. Common bale sizes are 60” x 30” x 48” and 72” x 30” x 48”
16 Foot Baling Wire
16 ft wire is most commonly used for small horizontal balers making a 60” long bale or a larger vertical baler with a 40” deep bale chamber. Common bale sizes are 60” x 30” x 30”, 60” x 40” x 48”, and 72” x 40” x 48”.
18 Foot Baling Wire
18 ft wire is most commonly used for horizontal balers making a 60” long and a 35” - 42” wide bale. Some 72” horizontal balers will use this size if it makes a 30” or less bale width. Common bale sizes are 60” x 36”, 60” x 42”, and 72” x 30”.
21 Foot Bailing Wire
21 ft is most commonly used for horizontal balers making 72” long bales. Common bales sizes are 72” x 36”, 72” x 42”, 72” x 44”. 72” x 46”, and 72” x 48”
How do I see the cost of shipping?
Baling Wire Direct has a shipping calculator in the cart. Select the items you want and click add to cart. Then go to the cart enter your city, state, zip code, and click the estimate shipping button. Shipping cost will then be added to the cart as a line item as well as the total.
How long does it take to ship my order of baling wire?
In-Stock Products: Orders received before 2:30pm (Mtn Time) will ship the same day Monday through Friday. Orders received after 2:30pm will ship the next day. Orders received on weekends or holidays will ship the next business day.
Non-Stock / Drop Ship Products: Will ship in 3-5 business days
How long does it take to receive my order of baling wire?
Total shipping days will depend on where you are located. Deliveries to most of the country is 1-3 days shipping, There are a few parts that are 4 day shipping. If your product is non-stock item, this will be made to order (add 2-3 additional days for processing)