How to get plastic off copper wire?
Another means of how to get plastic off copper wire is to use controlled heat to melt the plastic off the wire. If you decide to use heat to strip the copper wire, do not use fire.
What do you need to melt copper?
Containers and pans used to melt copper should be stored separately from the pans you use for cooking. Things You'll Need Copper wires Wire cutter
How do you melt copper wire on the stovetop?
Keep the full force of the flame on the copper wires until it completely melts. If you want to use the copper in its melted state, use the tongs to carefully tip the crucible and direct the melted copper into a mold. Melting Copper on a Stovetop Place an iron pan on your stovetop.
How much garbage do you need to dispose of copper wire?
Let’s say you start with 100 lbs of insulated copper wire and break it down in to different gauges since copper recovery is very different. 12-gauge wire has 75% copper recovery, so after you are done stripping your wire you end up with 75 lbs. of copper and 25% of plastic garbage that you need to figure out how to dispose of.
Can you burn plastic off copper wire?
NO BURNING: First and foremost, we would like to reiterate that you should NEVER under any circumstances “burn” your copper wire to remove the insulation. Not only does it harm the environment from the fumes, but it will downgrade your copper at the scrap yard.
How do I get the plastic off of copper wire?
0:282:06How to strip the plastic coating off copper tubing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you just take a razor blade. Get down in there and you're just going to peel this up likeMoreBut if you just take a razor blade. Get down in there and you're just going to peel this up like this. The sharper the knife the better.
Can you melt insulation off wire?
Avoid Burning First, don't be tempted to use the old-fashioned method of cleaning up wires by trying to burn or melt off the insulation. This method produces dangerous and toxic fumes that can result in a serious fine from the Environmental Protection Agency. It also damages the wire itself and lowers its scrap value.
How do you remove insulation from copper wire for recycling?
By simply squeezing the handles about 3/4" from the end of the wire and then twisting it slightly the insulation will be cut free. Then by pulling the wire strippers towards the end of the wire, the insulation should slide right off of the copper wire.
Is it worth stripping copper wire for scrap?
If you chose to strip it, you will end up with 90 pounds of copper don't forget 10 pounds in plastic waste and in today's market you will get $1.90 per pound for stripped copper wire so your 90 pounds will net you $171.00 difference of $21.00 between stripping it or selling the way it is, just want to mention one thing ...
What is the fastest way to strip copper wire?
3:335:59How to strip copper wire cheap and fast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd move it back and forth and then just take the first couple inches of your wire that you're goingMoreAnd move it back and forth and then just take the first couple inches of your wire that you're going to strip. And hold it in there and get your blade adjusted down to where it sets against the wire.
What's the easiest way to strip wire?
0:556:37How to Strip Electrical Wire like a Pro 6 Ways - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that's one big advantage over the scissors. And once you squeeze it it's a pretty easy job toMoreSo that's one big advantage over the scissors. And once you squeeze it it's a pretty easy job to strip the wire. And you end up with a decent. Result.
What is the best thing to scrap for money?
What Are The Most Valuable Things To Scrap?1) Aluminum. One of the most profitable items to scrap this year is aluminum. ... 2) Copper. Copper is one of the most valuable things to scrap that you can easily find around your home. ... 3) Brass. ... 4) Lead. ... 5) Stainless Steel. ... 6) Platinum Jewelry. ... 7) Used Appliances. ... 8) Old Tools.More items...•
How do you remove insulation from electrical wires?
0:175:36How to Remove Insulation From Wire - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply take a utility knife. And cut maybe about two inches of the sheathing then peel it back. AndMoreSimply take a utility knife. And cut maybe about two inches of the sheathing then peel it back. And then you can grasp the conductor's.
What has the most copper in it to scrap?
Older appliances have more copper which gives you more scrap and more money. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners make great scrap appliances for their copper coils.
How do you remove insulation from electrical wires?
0:175:36How to Remove Insulation From Wire - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply take a utility knife. And cut maybe about two inches of the sheathing then peel it back. AndMoreSimply take a utility knife. And cut maybe about two inches of the sheathing then peel it back. And then you can grasp the conductor's.
How do you strip coating from wires?
0:061:07How To Strip a Wire - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 2 stick the wire into the notch on the wire stripper. And gently squeeze the handles togetherMoreStep 2 stick the wire into the notch on the wire stripper. And gently squeeze the handles together the stripper will cut through the rubber insulation.
How do you melt a wire?
First, take your copper wires and place them into the bottom of a crucible, after first making sure that the bottom is completely dry. Then place this crucible on a cement slab. Take your blowtorch with a flame-tip temperature of between 1,300 degrees Celsius and 1,900 degrees Celsius and light it.
What tool is used to remove insulation from wires?
wire stripperA wire stripper is a small, hand-held device used to strip the electrical insulation from electric wires.
What is the recovery rate of copper wire?
Insulated Copper wire smaller than 16 gage (1/16 inch) and has a copper recovery of 55% - 79%. The copper wire may be coated by tin or nickel. All stranded wire smaller than 1/16”. Most of these cables are made of copper, and this makes them ideal for scrapping, as copper products are bought at good rates.
How much copper is in 12 gauge wire?
12-gauge wire has 75% copper recovery, so after you are done stripping your wire you end up with 75 lbs. of copper and 25% of plastic garbage that you need to figure out how to dispose of. Here is the money break down (we are going to use today’s market prices for the following calculation). For 12-gauge wire average price is a $1.30 per lb. the way it is with insulation, that would translate in to $130.00 for your 100lbs of 12-gauge wire, without stripping it. If you were to strip it, your 75lbs of copper would bring you $1.90 per pound $142.50 the difference between stripping and selling it the way it was would be $12.50. So you will net $12.50 from stripping 100lbs of 12-gauge wire, at this point it’s your decision if you should do it or not.
Can you use knives to get insulation off copper?
Unfortunately, majority of people are not equipped with this kind of machinery and resort to use knives or any other type of sharp object to get the insulation off the copper, this process could be very timely but most important dangerous.
How to melt copper wire?
Melting Copper With A Blowtorch. Use a wire cutter to remove any outer insulation coating, as this is toxic when burned. Cut your copper wires to size to ensure they fit into the crucible, which is a bowl-like container made of a material able to withstand very high temperatures, such as ceramic.
How to keep copper from melting?
Place your copper scraps into the pan and cover it with a lid to help maintain the temperature. Turn on the stove and set its temperature to the highest possible setting. Lift the lid on the pan now and then to check on the progress and see if the copper has melted. Warnings.
What is the best torch to use for copper wire?
Light the blowtorch. For this purpose, an industrial grade blowtorch such as oxy-acetylene is better than a propane torch because copper has a high melting point. Hold the crucible in place with tongs and direct the flame of the blowtorch at the copper wires.
What is the melting point of copper?
It has high thermal and electrical conductivity (only silver has a higher electrical conductivity than copper) meaning it is easy to melt. Copper has a relatively high melting point of 1,083 degrees Celsius (1,982 F), ...
Can you pour copper on damp surfaces?
Never breathe in the fumes as they can be toxic and cause lung-related illnesses. Never pour melted copper on damp surfaces, which can damage both the metal and the surface. Containers and pans used to melt copper should be stored separately from the pans you use for cooking.
Can you use iron pans to melt copper?
Place an iron pan on your stovetop. If you use a pan made of a metal with a lower melting point than copper, the pan may melt before the copper does. Different stovetops have different temperature settings, so not all stovetops can reach the high temperature needed to melt copper.
