A bale tying apparatus for use with a baling press distinguished from the prior art mechanisms in that the articulated arms which shape wire ties about a bale also incorporate elements on the ends thereof to effect the tying of the wires without engagement of the wires with positioning surfaces in the follow block of the press. Thus the tying function is made more reliable and is independent of the follow block precise positioning. A wire loop on at least one end of the wire tie remains in contact with the arm mechanism until the wire knot is made up. The apparatus may use wire loop holding devices at the ends of both arms or may use a housing carried on the end of one arm with an opening for insertion of the other end by the other arm.