A tying device and method of assembling same is disclosed. The tying device has a wire guide member adapted for mounting on an upper platen of a baling press. The wire guide member includes a top wall and side walls depending laterally from the top wall to form a channel. A door is pivotally mounted to one of the side walls, and the door having an inner, forward edge extending generally perpendicular to the side walls for guiding the wire tie into the channel. A removable wear insert is mounted to one of the side walls and has a cutout adapted to receive a portion of the door.