Abstract: A bale wire tying apparatus is provided to be used in conjunction with a baling press for tying looped ends of lengths of bale wire together around a compressed bale. The bale wire tying apparatus is formed by an elongated generally U-shaped channel member. The channel member generally includes an open wire releasing slot and a knot release opening which may be closed off by a knot release door. A loop securing element and various inner sloped wire loop guide surfaces are provided for guiding the looped ends into tying engagement. Methods for tying pre-formed looped ends of lengths of bale wire using such a bale wire tying apparatus are also provided.