Hi-tensile galvanized baling wire

When we make our high-tensile galvanized baling wire, we leave nothing to chance. Every step of our manufacturing process is done to the highest quality standards in the USA. From the selection of raw materials through the galvanizing process, we put quality control at the forefront of everything we do.

It all starts with 100% American-made steel billets. Each is delivered with metallurgical traceability specs certifying chemical composition to ensure the end product’s load and tensile strength.

First, the newly-formed carbon steel wire is descaled through mechanical reverse-bending. This creates a completely scale-free surface to work from. In addition, mechanical descaling ensures that we eliminate harsh, environmentally unsafe chemicals from the production process.

Next, the wire is drawn through a heavy-duty, bull-block continuous wire machine, and low-carbon (1018) grades are air-cooled to ensure consistent tensile strength. Then, it’s on to the galvanizing process.

Rigorous quality control

We go above and beyond to ensure our baler wire meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

While some suppliers (especially those who don’t control the manufacturing process) may manipulate wire gauge and weight to cut corners or inflate shipping costs, we take a different approach. Our dedication to quality control is unwavering, and we meticulously test our wire to ensure it performs to the highest standards.

Our quality control process begins with tensile testing samples from every carrier, pushing them to their breaking point. Any carriers with failed wires are immediately removed, ensuring only the strongest and most reliable carrier wire gets shipped.

But our commitment to quality doesn t end there. We carefully spool the wire through a coiling machine. Our galvanized baling wire comes by the stem (approx. 1300 lbs), with each one being carefully shrink-wrapped to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in pristine condition.

To make your experience even more seamless, our Autoship™ system keeps you informed every step of the way. You ll receive tracking information via your preferred contact method (email, text message). The entire process takes just 1-3 business days.

With our set-and-forget reordering and invoicing, you ll get exactly what you need, when you need it, without sacrificing USA quality or customer service.

Our galvanizing process protects steel wire from corrosion by applying a zinc coating that acts as a barrier between the metal and the external environment.

We do Class 3 galvanization in an industry where many of our competitors settle for Class 1 galvanization. Here are the differences between Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization:

• Class 1 galvanization: a basic zinc coating that uses only 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot. While Class 1 galvanized wire is cheaper, it rusts within 2–11 years. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails even sooner due to saltwater corrosion. 
• Class 3 galvanization: Baling Wire Direct exclusively uses a Class 3 zinc coating on all galvanized wire products. With 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, this premium galvanization is nearly 3 times thicker than Class 1. The robust coating resists corrosion for a proven lifespan of 13-30 years. Class 3 stands up to the demands of heavy use, friction, moisture, and more. We stand behind our Class 3 wires with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Here is how our Class 3 hot-dip galvanizing process works:

1. Cleaning the wire surface to remove impurities and ensure coating adhesion.
2. Immersing the wire in an acid solution to strip away oxides and prepare the surface.
3. Fluxing the wire to prevent oxidation and enable uniform zinc application.
4. Dipping the wire in a 450°C molten zinc bath allows zinc-iron alloys to form.
5. Withdrawing the wire slowly to facilitate drainage and achieve an even coating.
6. Quenching the coated wire rapidly to solidify the zinc layer.

The galvanized coating delivers durable and long-lasting rust protection. After galvanizing, we apply a smooth wax coating to further shield the wire, provide an attractive finish, and ensure clean, hassle-free automated feeding.

The end result is wire with enhanced corrosion resistance and ease of use.

Galvanization classes explained

Our galvanized wire–both regular and hi-tensile varieties–is offered with both Class 1 and 3 galvanization coatings. These coatings offer different levels of durability and protection, which affect the overall longevity of the wire. 

While Class 1 is the more economical choice, Class 3 galvanization provides enhanced protection through a thicker zinc coating:

• Class 1 galvanization is the most basic type of galvanized coating, typically used in the farming industry for fencing, caging, and enclosure purposes. Wire is galvanized by adding a thin layer of zinc, making it the more cost-efficient option, but sacrificing longevity. Class 1 galvanized wire fences start to rust quickly, typically lasting a maximum of 11 years, and as little as 2. In a coastal area with heavy concentrations of salt water in the air, it deteriorates even faster.
• Class 3 galvanization provides a stronger, longer-lasting zinc coating. Whereas Class 1 uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot, Class 3 galvanized wire has a zinc coating that is nearly three times thicker (approximately 0.80 ounces per square foot). It costs slightly more than Class 1 but will last anywhere from 13 to 30 years before it rusts, making it well worth the investment.

What is hi-ten galvanized wire used for?

Hi-tensile galvanized baling wire is used across many industries to bind materials securely into bundles. The strength of hi-ten wire allows it to withstand more tension and pressure, reducing the likelihood of breakage when baling recycling and waste materials that are excessively heavy or dense.

Hi-ten wire is compatible with high-pressure baling machines that exert more force than other models and can secure much larger bundles.Some of the most common uses for hi-ten galvanized wire include:

• Recycling and waste management centers use our high-tensile wire to compact and secure recycling and waste materials like paper, metal, cardboard, and plastic into compact bales that are easier to handle and transport.

Vineyards and orchards use our hi-ten galvanized wire for trellises, tree supports, and other purposes. Our galvanized wire products perform well under the demanding outdoor conditions of vineyards and orchards.

At Baling Wire Direct, we offer high-tensile galvanized wire in 11 gauge and 12 gauge. Gauge refers to the wire diameter size, although this measurement system may seem backward. As the gauge number increases, the actual diameter of the wire decreases.

This inverse relationship stems from the manufacturing process. Wire is produced by pulling metal rods through progressively narrower holes, stretching the material thinner with each pass. The gauge number historically corresponded to the number of draws needed to reach a specific thickness. Wire that has endured more pulling and narrowing is denoted by a higher gauge value and measures thinner in real diameter.

For our galvanized baling wire, 14 gauge represents the thinnest option with 11 gauge being the thickest.

Here’s a handy reference of gauge size and equivalent diameter.

Why our wire is Class 3 galvanized

Our galvanized wire–both the regular and hi-tensile varieties– undergoes Class 3 galvanization, extending the longevity of its coating and the protection that it provides.

With a zinc coating that is approximately three times as thick as Class 1 galvanized wire, our Class 3 galvanized products will last anywhere from 13 to 30 years longer. Class 1 wire can develop rust in as little as 2 years and need to be replaced, so a slightly higher price point is well worth the investment.

This is yet another reason why we are a cut above the rest. We offer only the highest quality, extra-durable products that are built to last and proven to perform. Don’t settle for thinly coated galvanized wire that some companies sell to sweeten their bottom line. Get the best baling wire for your needs from Baling Wire Direct.