Baling wire rusts as it encounters oxygen, moisture, electrolytes, temperature changes, and chemicals. You can improve your baling wire’s shelf life and slow corrosion by using the following techniques:

• Store in a dry, cool environment
• Use galvanized wire
• Apply wax, grease, or oil

While even galvanized wire can eventually corrode, proper storage techniques and wire selection will slow the process and maximize the working lifespan of your baling wire.

Store in a dry, cool environment

Temperature, stress, and humidity accelerate or decelerate corrosion. High temperatures and wet conditions promote corrosion, while temperature fluctuations cause mechanical stress that cracks the wire or its protective coating, exposing the underlying metal to the elements.

Here are some tips on how to slow baling wire corrosion through proper storage:

• Store in a dry, cool area. Moisture and humidity cause rust and corrosion. A dedicated, temperature-controlled storage area can keep your wire dry.
• Keep wire away from direct sunlight. Temperature fluctuations cause the wire to expand and contract, which eventually affects the wire’s tensile strength. Temperature changes also cause condensation, which leads to rust.
• Keep wire off of the ground. Contact with dirt, insects, and rodents, exposes wire to pollutants and abrasion.
• Maintain a clean environment. Avoid insects, rodents, and dirt by cleaning your storage area frequently. A clean environment will increase the shelf life of your baling wire.

Use galvanized wire

Use galvanized wire for environments that involve weather, chemical, water, or heat exposure. While galvanized steel wire is more expensive than other types of wire, it is the best option for outdoor use or prolonged storage.

The galvanization process coats steel wire in a layer of zinc, providing superior corrosion resistance than non-galvanized wires. Its protective zinc coating acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen, significantly improving baling wire’s lifespan.

Different galvanization classes provide tailored protection against corrosion. We offer Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization:

• Class 1 galvanized wire features a thinner zinc coating of 0.28 ounces per square foot and provides basic protection. It tends to rust after 2–12 years depending on the environmental conditions. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails sooner due to the presence of salt. It is often used for barbed wire fencing.
• Class 3 galvanized wire provides a premium zinc coating (roughly three times as thick as Class 1) that uses 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot. This wire coating offers a higher degree of cathodic protection, providing a lifespan of 13–30 years. Class 3 galvanized wire is more expensive but long-lasting. Class 3 galvanization is our most rust-resistant wire coating, the ideal choice for corrosive environments.

We carry galvanized single and double loop bale ties, stem wire, and high-tensile wire to tackle the toughest baling applications.

Apply wax, grease, or oil

Proper storage and wire selection are the best corrosion-resistance techniques for industrial baling. While more applicable to farm and hobby cases, wax, oil, and grease can enhance the corrosion resistance of baling wire in several ways:

• Wax and grease-based coatings create a protective barrier that isolates the steel from the environment, preventing direct contact with moisture, oxygen, and other elements.
• Lubricating oils inhibit the electrochemical reactions that lead to rusting. Certain oils also contain corrosion-inhibiting additives that further enhance the protection.
• These coatings create a water-repellent surface, preventing rust. The greasy nature of these coatings also prevents the accumulation of contaminants that accelerate corrosion.

We finish our annealing processby adding a protective wax coat that enhances our black annealed wire’s resistance to corrosion. Baling wire with a manufacturer-applied coat is the best choice for use with industrial baling equipment.

What corrodes baling wire?

Corrosion is a process through which refined metals break down into more chemically stable forms. As a refined metal, baling wire is susceptible to rust and corrosion. The four primary factors that cause corrosion are:

1. Oxidation. Metals corrode when they chemically react with oxygen, losing electrons and forming oxides such as rust.
2. Electrolytes. Corrosive electrolytes such as water or salt solutions transport ions that accelerate rust and corrosion.
3. Environment. Temperature, stress, and humidity affect corrosion rates.
4. Chemical exposure. Harsh chemicals can react with and break down baling wire and any protective coating leaving the wire vulnerable to corrosive attacks.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the primary mechanism of baling wire corrosion. When exposed to oxygen, steel chemically reacts, losing electrons and forming oxides. This process gradually weakens the baling wire's strength and compromises its structural integrity.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes accelerate corrosion. Corrosive substances, such as water or salt, act as a transport medium for ions, facilitating the movement of electrons and intensifying the rusting process. Saltwater, in particular, is especially corrosive, since it creates a highly conductive environment that expedites corrosion.

Environment

Environmental factors also influence corrosion rates. Factors such as temperature, stress, and humidity can either accelerate or decelerate the deterioration process. High temperatures and humid conditions promote corrosion, while mechanical stress leads to cracks in the wire or its protective coating, exposing the underlying metal to the elements.

Chemical exposure

Harsh chemicals, such as acids and chlorides, react with and break down baling wire, including galvanized or oil coatings, leaving the steel wire vulnerable to corrosive attacks.