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| When I was growing up the hay bales we had at my grandfather's place was held together with two strands of wire. We had a machete in the barn with which to break the wires chop, chop. The wire was then pulled from the bale, wadded up and tossed into a barrel. My grandpa had many uses for this wire, some similar to what is used with hay rope today. Mend fences, repair a door hinge in the barn, wire up something hanging down from under the truck. My grandma used to make trellises for her beans, peas and grapes. Most interesting to me and something you cannot do with rope was use the hay wire as welding rod. I understand the derogatory term "haywire" derived in part at least from this practice. Around grandpa's farm the word haywire was only used for something that did not work. If the repairs made with hay wire served their purpose they were just fine. |
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Today hay bales are bound with string. You might call it baler twine, binder twine, hay rope and various other unmentionable names when it becomes tangled around your feet. If you've got horses, no matter what you call it, you've probably got a huge hank of it hanging off a nail somewhere. After all, you can't just throw it away-it must be good for something....
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Like hay wire it can be used to mend fences, and tie things down. I have some tied to a bucket brush that has been hanging off the same nail on the same post for as long as I have had my mini Willy. It's not so pretty as it was, nor as smooth, but for all the hot summers, cold winters and wet springs it's still there tough as ever.
Below are some uses I gleaned from the web on what others have used their bailing string for. Some are silly but some just might work:
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Macramé - cool plant hangars, coasters, rugs, wall hangings and other decorative items to give away as gifts. (Many clever horse owners have macraméd haynets from baler twine.)Click Here for "How to Make a Hay Net" Clothes Lines - Knot several lengths together and replace your old clothes line Collector's Items - Make a conversation piece by simply winding baler twine in a ball and marvel as it grows bigger and bigger with each passing week. I started one, but oddly it has gone missing... Streamers - Make cool streamers to tie to your truck antenna. Think also: streamers for birthday, wedding, shower, and Christmas decorating. This might be regarded as a time saving tip as you will likely never be asked to help decorate again, thereby saving you time. Belts and Braces - Need a belt and don't have one? A length of baler twine is inexpensive and adds a rustic flair to your wardrobe. Scratch, scratch. Horse Equipment - Braid several lengths together to make inexpensive longe lines, lead ropes and rope halters. No one will ever use them because they are too rough and picky, but they'll look better hanging around the stable than hanks of 'unorganized' twine. Costumes and Wigs - Make a scary costume. My cousin once made a "Cousin It" costume using binder twine for hair. It was too heavy to wear, but it was a great idea. Other costume ideas: Lady Godiva,, a sea anemone. Learn to Crochet - Learn to crochet and make heavy duty sweaters, lap quilts and hand bags. Hint: Wear gloves. Dental Hygiene - Separate the strands and use it for dental floss. The Duct Tape of the Horse World - Baler Twine is essential for doing temporary fixes on fences, gates and door latches until you find the hammer and nails. It's the duct tape of the horse world.
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Word of caution: Using it to repair bridles, girths or harness is asking for trouble--unless you want equipment that will break.
Bailing twine/wire along with duct tape, bungee cords and WD-40 form the basis for the creation of all things. That is to say any problem can be solved using these fundamental materials. I travel with my horses a great deal and always have these items in my trailer just in case. My uses are more practical than most of those listed above but not always. Maybe I'll tie up a hammock if the weather ever warms up enough to use it.
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Keyboard Duster |
Fence Fixer |
Shoe Laces |
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