10 gauge and 12 gauge baling wire have different diameters, tensile strengths, and load strengths, and are often better suited for different applications. We’ll talk about the importance of wire gauge and the ways these two gauges differ from one another.
Wire gauge vs. wire diameter
A wire’s gauge is inversely related to its diameter. Gauge decreases as diameter increases, and vice versa.
Wire gauge originates from the wire manufacturing process, which involves drawing the wire through progressively smaller holes. The drawing process uses a draw plate, which is a tool with a series of conical or cylindrical holes that decrease in size. As the wire passes through each hole, its diameter is reduced by a specific increment. This process is repeated until the desired diameter is achieved.
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is primarily used in North America, while the British Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) system is most commonly used in the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Wire diameter refers to a given wire’s cross sectional thickness. It is typically expressed in millimeters or inches and provides a direct measurement of the wire’s physical size.The diameter of a given gauge of wire may vary depending on the material and manufacturing specifications. For example, a 12 gauge wire in the AWG system will have a specific diameter, but the diameter may differ between copper, steel, or aluminum wires due to variations in their physical properties.
Thickness and strength
If all other factors are the same, a larger diameter wire will be stronger than a thinner wire (e.g. a 10 gauge wire is stronger than a 12 gauge wire).
10 gauge vs. 12 gauge wire comparison
10 gauge wire
12 gauge wire
Thickness
0.135 inches
0.105 inches
Tensile strength
65,000-220,000 psi depending on wire type
60,000-220,000 psi depending on wire type
Load strength
932-1,850 lbs
565-1,180 lbs
Applications
Baling cardboard, HDPE plastic, aluminum, textiles. Preferred for heavier, denser, more expansive bales.
Baling cardboard, plastic, aluminum, tissue paper. Preferred for lighter, lower-density bales.
A 10 gauge wire is 0.03 inches thicker than a comparable 12 gauge wire. 10 gauge wire is used for baling denser and more expansive materials compared to 12 gauge wire, due to its greater tensile and load strength.
Baling wire finishes
The annealing process improves our black annealed wire’s ductility, and our hot-dip galvanizing process adds a corrosion-resistant layer of zinc to our galvanized products.Annealing involves heating the steel above its recrystallization temperature, maintaining that temperature, and then cooling it. This creates a uniform atomic structure, increases ductility and flexibility, and reduces brittleness to produce a smooth wire that is durable and easy to use.
Galvanized baling wire receives a zinc coating during the galvanization process, which makes it more resistant to rust, even in wet and humid conditions. The zinc coating acts as a barrier between the steel wire and moisture in the environment, providing corrosion protection.
At Baling Wire Direct, we are proud to offer Class 3 galvanization on all available gauges, which delivers significantly higher corrosion resistance than standard Class 1 galvanization. Here are some of the differences between the two galvanization classes:
- Class 1 galvanization. Our Class 1 galvanized steel wire offers a basic zinc coating that uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot. Class 1 galvanized wire is more cost-effective, but will typically rust after anywhere from 2-11 years, depending on the environment. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails even sooner due to saltwater corrosion.
Class 3 galvanization. With 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, this premium galvanization is nearly 3 times thicker than Class 1. The robust coating is more resistant to corrosion, providing a lifespan of 13-30 years. Class 3 galvanization is the superior choice for use in extreme conditions.
