When you shop for baling wire at Vulcan Wire, you’ll quickly notice that we have a number of wire gauges available. It’s always nice to have options, but do you know which is right for your needs? In this post, we’ll teach you how to choose the right baling wire gauge for you.
An Intro to Buying Wire
If you are new to buying wire, you may need a little clarification on what we mean by “gauge.” Simply put, the gauge of a wire is its thickness. Some tasks require a relatively thin wire, while other jobs need a thicker product, so it’s always smart to pay attention to gauge before placing your order.
It’s important to note that wires actually get thinner as the gauge goes up. This is counter-intuitive for some people, but smaller numbers equal thicker wires. For example, 10 gauge wire is thicker than 12 gauge wire, which is thicker than 14 gauge. You may be a little confused by this point at first, but you’ll get used to it soon enough as you order more wire.
What Kind of Machine?
There are a few different types of balers on the market today, and the machine you are using will play a role in picking the right wire gauge. Often times, vertical balers will demand a slightly thinner wire than horizontal balers, as they are usually meant for lighter-duty work. So, you will probably find yourself in the 14-12 gauge range when shopping for a vertical model, while a horizontal model may go as thick as 10 or 11.
Consider the Material
Another factor to note when picking out your wire is the material that you will be baling. Newspaper and cardboard are two items commonly packaged up in a baler, and both of those materials can be managed with relatively thin wire, often around 14 gauge (depending on the machine). On the other hand, a material like foam can cause trouble for a thinner wire, so a thicker 11 gauge is usually appropriate.
Making Adjustments
To get started, it’s a good idea to consult the owner’s manual for your baler to determine what wire gauges it can handle. That information will point you in the right direction and will help you place your first order. From there, you may need to go through a bit of trial and error until you dial in your wire selection just right. If you notice your wires are struggling to handle what you are trying to bale, the obvious next step is to try a thicker wire and test the results. After a short period of making adjustments, you should land on the perfect wire for all of your baling projects.
Order from Vulcan Wire Today!
Now that you know how to choose the right baling wire gauge, it’s time to place your order! If you have any questions about wire gauges or anything else related to our products, please feel free to contact us right away for assistance.
