Baling wire options for farm use

[Tinhack]

I have about a 6" spool of wire I think is electric fence wire. It's been around for at least 20+ years. I've made choke cables and control cables with it and works very well. I bought the spiral sleeve separately so I can make the length I need. I also had 1/4" shrink tubing to make them look factory for old lawnmowers. I can't even remember all the times I've cut short pieces off that spool for paint hangers and what not. I still have a lot left though. I can't imagine having a 100lb$ of bailing wire just sitting around unless I had a bailer.

 

[Pearlsnaps]

Thanks for all the replies gentlemen.
I'd seen that rebar tie wire on tractor supplies website. Wasn't sure about the twist power of it so I appreciate that feedback. I don't really need a 100year supply of it that comes in those big rolls but I guess it's a one-time purchase for the rest of my life wouldn't be too bad.

 

[NoTrespassing]

I will say high tensile fence wire can trash some cutters. I tried to cut some with a pair of Craftsman slip joint pliers and they never cut again. My standard fencing pliers cut it just fine.

 

[scootr]

I will say high tensile fence wire can trash some cutters. I tried to cut some with a pair of Craftsman slip joint pliers and they never cut again. My standard fencing pliers cut it just fine.

I hate when I do that. Tie wire can shear. I tied a lot of rebar in my youth and still use it today on the ranch. For tough applications double it up. The correct way to get the max tightness is to (a) use tie pliers that have a wide flat nose (b) pull the wire tight by grabbing the 2 pieces to be twisted and racking the pliers back against the pipe or (whatever you are tying) then twist up the slack you created. A little final twist can be applied but not too much.

 

[WranglerX]

I hate when I do that. Tie wire can shear. I tied a lot of rebar in my youth and still use it today on the ranch. For tough applications double it up. The correct way to get the max tightness is to (a) use tie pliers that have a wide flat nose (b) pull the wire tight by grabbing the 2 pieces to be twisted and racking the pliers back against the pipe or (whatever you are tying) then twist up the slack you created. A little final twist can be applied but not too much.

Electricians/linesman pliers works pretty well...

 

[chim]

I've used those small rolls of rebar wire for close to 50 years, and it works great. Years ago I had some coaching that resembles scootr's description. Using it double with a saddle tie makes incredibly strong joints. Linesman pliers are my choice.

A few years ago I picked up a roll of wire at Tractor Supply that I really like. It is about the same size as rebar wire but has a coating of some sort that makes it nice to work with, and it doesn't rust up in my tool box like the rebar wire does.

 

[scootr]

No doubt lineman pliers will work great. Are those Klein's shown? Good stuff.
The tie wire pliers have the added hook on one handle making the pull and tug a bit easier.

Later we got gadget twisters that were "faster tighter" but I prefer the do it yerself methods.
That's one of the pleasures of old age.

 

[chim]

The company where I worked did some precast concrete light bases. Always looking for something to make life easier, we tried using a handheld machine for tying rebar. It looked a lot like the one in the video below. It was a cute idea, but it didn't make the wires as tight as doing it by hand.

 

[lman]

TSC has galvanized electric fence wire that is easy to work with and won't rust. Don't try high tensile wire.

 

[WranglerX]

TSC has galvanized electric fence wire that is easy to work with and won't rust. Don't try high tensile wire.

YES.... It comes in different gauges and different size spools..... Should have also mentioned that when I did inital tie wire spot..... Old age and mental fog is my excuse and I am standing buy it....