How Do You Strip Copper Wire For Scrap?

Where to find scrap copper

Are you looking to make more money from your copper scrap wire and cables? The iScrap App team has you covered. While scrapping various electronics and accessories, copper wire is an easy way to make extra money by stripping it for the bare, bright copper wire. There are several widths and lengths of copper wires and cables and a few things to remember before you spend time stripping for the copper.

How To Know What To Strip

We generally suggest stripping wires thicker than your pinky finger; anything skinnier than that will usually yield less copper. But if you want to strip all your wires, no matter the thickness, go right ahead.

How Much Time Will It Take?

We also suggest that you quickly calculate the time you spent stripping. If the time you spend stripping your copper wire is worth the extra $1.50 (approx.) you will get per pound, then it is worth it. However, when stripping insulation from the copper wire, remember you will be taking away a great deal of weight from your overall weight. Just some extra things to keep in mind.

Look For Different Kinds of Wires

Also, remember to check the wires when you are preparing to strip them; there are aluminum and tin-coated copper wires out there, too. They may not be worth your time if you want to strip the bare bright copper wire. Another note is that we suggest you begin stripping copper wire once you have over 50 pounds. If you are planning on hoarding it over a period of time, that is fine to strip as you collect. It can save time in the end before you bring your load to the scrap yard.

Suggested Reading: Determining Types of Copper Wires

Steps for Stripping Copper Wire

  1. Sort all of your copper wires, and separate your aluminum and tin-coated copper wires. Aluminum is silver all the way through, and tin-coated copper is silver on the outside but reddish, with copper color on the inside.
  2. Determine how you are going to strip your copper wire, whether you use a box cutter, razor blade, x acto knife, handheld stripper, table top stripper, or electronic stripper.
  3. Once you have determined how to strip your copper wire, get the right safety equipment, especially gloves and eyewear. Also, be sure to set up your workspace. A bucket or box for your copper and the garbage (stripped insulation) is a good idea, making it less messy.
  4. Begin stripping your copper wire. If you use a hand-held tool, always cut away from yourself to prevent a hand injury or accident. If you are using a power-operated stripper, it is always a good idea to have a bucket at the end of the table to quickly separate the copper.
  5. Once you have successfully separated and stripped your copper wire, be sure to look it over again to make sure you didn’t mix any aluminum or tin coat in there, as the scrap yard will downgrade your load.
  6. Collect the insulation leftovers and dispose of them properly in the garbage and bring the copper to your yard. Cash in and enjoy the benefits!