Jointing and splicing baling wire

Joints are connection points between two wires. Splices are types of joints that involve manually wrapping wires together, sometimes applying solder to seal the connection.

Baling wire can be jointed and spliced using several techniques. Farms, vineyards, orchards, and hobbyists splice wires for normal wire extension and repair, building fences, adding tensioning points, securing objects, etc.

Splicing should be reserved for non-industrial applications. Spliced wire is usually incompatible with baling machines, and the load strength of spliced wire can be inconsistent. Always follow your baler manufacturer’s recommendations regarding wire specifications.

The best way to connect baling wire for industrial baling is to use bale ties or auto-tie balers. Single and double loop bale ties have pre-configured loops to allow operators to quickly tie the wire. Automatic wire balers cut and tie baling wire without operator intervention.

Baling wire splices

A splice forms a permanent mechanical and electric connection between two wires. Here are some common splice types.

The lineman’s splice

Hobbyists and farmers splice wire using solder to reinforce the joint. Here’s the process:

1. Pre-coat the ends of the wires in a thin layer of solder.
2. Overlap both wires.
3. Use pliers to put three twists into the wires.
4. On both sides of the twists, use pliers to add three coils (tight wraps without gaps).
5. Coat the coils and twists in solder, covering all parts of the splice.

If done correctly, the spliced area will be slightly stronger than the wire itself.

The figure eight knot

Farmers use the figure eight knot to joint fence wires for repairs. It is simple to perform and provides a high degree of strength under tension. To tie a figure eight knot:

1. Overlap the wires and bend one into a small loop around the other wire.
2. Bend the second wire into a loop around the first wire.
3. Make sure the working ends of both wires feed back through the gap between wires.
4. Pull the wires tight.
5. The knot should form a figure eight.

After the knot is tied, tension can be added to the wires to finish repairs.

Use bale ties

In industrial baling, bale ties are the best way to secure the ends of baling wire. To tie bale ties, follow these steps:

1. Insert one end of the baling wire into the slot on the bottom of the baler’s plunger or platen.
2. Wrap the baling wire around the bale, then bring it back to meet the first end in front of the baler.
3. Complete the loop. If using single loop bale ties, feed the working end through the looped end and pull the wire tight. If using double loop bale ties, the wire will be pre-cut to your specifications. Join the loops by hooking them together and twisting them in a single direction. For both ties, leave some slack in the wire, as bales can expand and apply pressure that exceeds the wire’s tensile strength, potentially causing breakage.
4. Tie the knot. This step is only for single loop bale ties. Bend the free end of the baler wire back against the loop and wrap it about ten times.

Repeat this process with each wire slot on the baler. Sometimes, the wire needs to be tightened after it has been tied to prevent collapsing bales.