Three Methods For Stripping Insulation Off Copper Wire

If you have sold and recycled scrap metal before, you likely know the benefits of recycling copper wire. Not only does it reduce waste in our landfills, protect our environment, and help conserve resources, but it is also worth a pretty penny when you sell it to a local scrapyard! One thing to note when it comes to selling copper wire is that insulated copper wire isn’t worth as much as selling it stripped free of those outer non-metal layers. In this article, we’ll cut to the chase on why you should strip the insulation off copper wire and the best ways to do it! If you have any questions about selling scrap metal or would like to sell copper wire in the Greater Boston area, contact Second Street Iron & Metal today!

Why Should I Strip Insulation Off Copper Wire?

Let’s start by answering the obvious question: Why strip the insulation off copper wire in the first place? The main reason is that there is a big difference in market value. Stripped copper wire can earn you significantly more than its insulated counterpart. This substantial increase is because scrap yards pay more for copper that is free of insulation, as it saves them the labor and cost of stripping it themselves.

Stripping the insulation off copper wire increases its purity. Scrap yards and recyclers assess copper’s purity to determine its grade and price. Higher-purity copper, free from coatings, insulation, or other materials, is considered more valuable and can be directly melted down and reused in manufacturing new products.

Additionally, recycling cleaner copper has some big environmental benefits. By removing insulation, the copper is prepared for direct recycling, reducing the need for further processing and the associated energy consumption and emissions. This cleaner recycling process helps minimize the overall environmental footprint of copper production!

3 Methods For Stripping Copper Wire

1. Manual Stripping: Use basic tools like wire strippers or sharp scissors. Simply grip the end of the wire and pull the insulation away. This method is perfect for small jobs or if you’re just starting out.
2. Mechanical Stripping: For those with a lot of wire to strip, a mechanical wire stripper is a great investment. It’s faster and more consistent. Just feed the wire into the machine, and it cleanly removes the insulation.
3. Thermal Stripping: This involves using heat to soften or burn off the insulation without damaging the copper. Heat guns or controlled burns are common methods, but require careful handling to ensure safety and avoid harming the copper.

Contact Second Street Iron & Metal to Sell Scrap Metal in the Greater Boston Area!

If you have any questions about scrap metal recycling or are a resident of the Greater Boston area that would like to sell your scrap metal, Second Street Iron & Metal in Everett, MA, is here for you! We strive to give our clients the best prices for all kinds of scrap metal, including brass, steel, iron, copper, aluminum, and more! Give us a call at (617) 387-1188 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!