What gauge wire is used for baling hay?

Type of wire used in agriculture and industry

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Baling wire, sometimes referred to as bale wire, farm wire, haywire, or soft wire, is utilized in agriculture and industry for various purposes, including binding rectangular bales of hay, straw, or cut grass. It finds applications beyond agriculture, such as banding together corrugated cardboard, textiles, aluminum, and materials in the recycling sector.

This wire is often employed informally for quick repairs and is viewed as a fundamental repair material. Its typical applications range from supporting loose mufflers to patching chain-link fences. The term baling wire is commonly used to denote an improvised, all-purpose material, alongside well-known items like chewing gum, duct tape, and cable ties.

Uses

In the U.S., Australia, and globally, baling wire has seen widespread use with mechanical hay balers drawn by tractors. These automated balers used wire twisters to cut and twist wire ends, ensuring bales retained their shape after compression. Such hay balers were prevalent until the late 20th century. After cutting the wire for feeding the hay to livestock, farmers frequently stored it in bundles or barrels. They also employed soft wire for temporary repairs on farms, including fences and horse harnesses. A creative use included making small screwdrivers by reshaping wire.

Despite the rise of baling twine in the late 20th century, baling wire remains available, particularly in small rolls made of soft iron for tying rebar or general utility. Mechanic's wire or Utility wire serves as a similar alternative.

Etymology

'Baling wire' is often mistakenly spelled as 'bailing wire.' However, 'bailing' typically refers to removing water from a boat, while 'baling' pertains to gathering materials into bales. The term 'haywire' has led to various slang usages; for example, 'haywire outfit' refers to a makeshift, poorly equipped job, while 'to go haywire' signifies erratic behavior, either stemming from the wire's propensity to tangle or its ad-hoc repair functionality.

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What is Gauge in Baling Wire & How to Choose the Right Size

Understanding gauge wire is crucial for those working in agriculture or recycling. Using the appropriate baling wire size optimizes material handling and cost efficiency in the long run.

Wickwire Warehouse, a premier baling wire supplier near PA, is a trusted resource for guidance on selecting the proper baling wire size. Before delving into sizing specifics, let's clarify a key component of baling wire: the gauge.

What is a Wire Gauge?

A wire gauge indicates the wire's thickness. Choosing the correct baling wire gauge is essential for job efficacy. Often, confusion arises regarding wire labeling; a smaller number indicates a thicker wire. For instance, a 12 gauge wire is thicker and more robust than a 14 gauge wire.

Why the Right Size Matters

Choosing various baling wire gauges entails consideration of your baler's type, the materials being processed, and the bale dimensions.

Vertical and Horizontal

Depending on whether you are using a vertical or horizontal baler, the necessary gauge will differ. Vertical balers usually require a wire gauge from 12 to 14, while horizontal balers require gauges from 11 to 13.

Material

The materials being baled, such as newspaper or corrugated cardboard, influence the required bale tie size. Thinner 14 gauge wire suffices for lighter materials, while thicker materials may need gauges of 10 to 11.

Getting the Right Dimensions

Measuring your baler properly is crucial to determine the appropriate bale tie length and gauge thickness. For vertical balers, measure the width and height of the bales; for horizontal ones, the width and length are essential.

The Best Wire Suppliers in PA

Finding the right bale tie size is straightforward! Wickwire Warehouse's professionals ensure you’ll discover suitable options from our vast baling wire gauge selection. As leading steel wire suppliers in PA and its vicinity, customer satisfaction with our service and products is guaranteed! For more information, contact us today!

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