11 Gauge Galvanized Carrier Stem Wire

Made of 100% US steel, our 11 gauge galvanized stem wire is perfect for baling recyclables, from foam to textiles to OCC.

Wire gauge	11 Gauge
Load strength	848 – 1,074 lbs.
Tensile strength	75,000 – 95,000 psi (517.10 – 655 MPa)
Diameter (inch/mm)	Standard Wire Gauge or SWG (.116" / 2.946 mm) | Actual Size (.117" - .119" / 2.9718 mm - 3.0226 mm)
Elongation	12% Min
Carbon grade	1018
Stem size	1,330 lbs. (Approx.)
Feet per stem	34,340 feet (Approx.)
Quality control	Extensive testing on every carrier
Finish	Hot-dip galvanized with molten zinc

Use cases

A perfect selection for heavy-duty jobs, our galvanized stem wire is commonly used as baling wire, fencing wire, vineyard wire, and more. A wide range of industries use our wire, including the following:

Cardboard

Plastic

Recycling

100% American-made wire

As one of the top baling wire manufacturers in the United States, we’re proud of our wire products. From start to finish, Baling Wire Direct adheres to stringent manufacturing protocols to produce wire products that exceed industry standards. We start by purchasing 100% American-produced steel rods from trusted family-owned mills.

Next, the process continues at our state-of-the-art factory. Our skilled team of over 120 production staff members and 5 on-site engineering experts gets to work transforming raw materials into exceptional baling wire products.

First, to clean steel rods, we use a mechanical reverse-bending technique that reduces die wear and eliminates mill scale and surface rust. We avoid acid-bath descaling methods and harsh, environmentally unsafe chemicals during our production process.

Next, to maximize strength and durability, the baling wire is drawn through a heavy-duty bull-block continuous wire drawing machine. It is then air-cooled to promote a homogeneous crystalline structure and ensure consistent tensile strength. Finally, the wire is sent off to be galvanized.

The galvanizing process

Our stem wire undergoes a hot-dip galvanization process with zinc to enhance its resistance to corrosion and wear. The zinc layer develops an oxide barrier that serves as a robust protective shield.

The galvanizing process consists of 7 stages:

1. Surface preparation: the baler wire is cleansed with alkaline solutions to strip away surface contaminants, ensuring the zinc adheres correctly.
2. Pickling: we then immerse the wire in hydrochloric acid to eliminate any oxides and scales, preparing a clean base for galvanization.
3. Fluxing: the wire is soaked in a flux mixture (zinc ammonium chloride) to avert oxidation and guarantee even zinc application.
4. Galvanizing bath: the wire is submerged in molten zinc at roughly 450°C (850°F).
5. Alloy formation: zinc reacts with the wire's iron to form zinc-iron alloy layers, which bond strongly and resist corrosion effectively.
6. Withdrawal: the wire is gradually lifted from the zinc bath by adjustable rollers, which control the coating's uniformity by draining surplus zinc.
7. Quenching: The wire, now coated in zinc, is swiftly cooled using water or a quenching solution, solidifying the coating and finalizing the process.

Galvanization creates a robust zinc layer that protects the baling wire against rust and abrasion. To further safeguard our wire products, we apply a microcrystalline wax sealant that leaves no residue and ensures easy handling.

Our galvanized wire classes

Baling Wire Direct offers Class 1 and Class 3 galvanized wire. While Class 1 is more economical, Class 3 galvanization applies a thicker zinc coating to provide enhanced protection.

• Class 1 galvanization is the most basic type of coating, typically used for fencing, caging, and enclosures. The wire is galvanized by adding a thin, protective layer of zinc. It is the cheaper and more cost-efficient option. Class 1 galvanization lasts a maximum of 11 years and in some cases as little as 2. In a coastal area with heavy concentrations of salt water in the air, the protective layer tends to deteriorate even quicker.
• Class 3 galvanization provides a stronger, longer-lasting zinc coating. Whereas Class 1 wire coating uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot, Class 3 uses a thicker coating of 0.80 ounces per square foot. It costs slightly more than Class 1, but it will last anywhere from 13 to 30 years before needing to be replaced, making it well worth the investment.

Our commitment to quality

Baling Wire Direct sets the bar high in quality and performance. We oversee every phase of production and distribution, ensuring our clients receive top-notch baling wire products at unbeatable prices.

Our manufacturing process follows stringent protocols, producing high-quality baling wire for the waste management and recycling industries. 

Our Autoship™ system offers real-time tracking and updates via email or text, ensuring quick delivery of baler wire supplies. Additionally, it features automated reordering, so you always have what you need when you need it.