Tips For Stripping Copper Wire

Posted on: 17 April 2018

  

If you've been thinking about getting involved in copper wire recycling, you may be wondering how best to prepare and strip the wire before you turn it in. After all, stripping the wire yourself reduces the work that the buyer has to do, which can sometimes net you more money for the wire. Here are a few things you should know about stripping copper wire and the best ways to do it.

Heat It With The Sun

Especially during the peak summer months, you can make hand-stripping copper wire much easier by heating the outer coating with sunlight. The sun will actually soften the coating around the wire, making it much easier to remove with a razor blade or a handheld wire stripper. Just don't burn it. You may think that if sunlight is good, a flame is better, but if you burn it, you risk damaging the copper inside, which will reduce how much you net for the sale.

Use A Handheld Stripper For Smaller Jobs

If you're just getting started and you're working on a small scale, a handheld stripper is the best way to go. You may find the process a little bit tedious, but it's best not to invest a whole lot of money up front on elaborate stripping machines unless you're going to be doing high volume copper wire recycling. Otherwise, you aren't likely to get your investment back. When you use a handheld device (or even a razor blade), make sure that you wear protective gloves. Copper wire can damage your hands.

Invest In A Tabletop Stripper As You Grow

Tabletop wire strippers are quicker and easier than doing the work by hand. If you're starting to expand your wire stripping business, you may find that investing in a tabletop stripping machine is the best way to go. There are many brands, so shop around before you make an investment.

Choose Electric Strippers For Large-Scale Work

Electric wire strippers are motor-powered, and they're quicker and more efficient than any other option. However, they are more expensive. If you'll be working on large scale projects, you may find that it's a wise choice to purchase one of these so that you can strip the wire much faster.

With these tips, you can not only start your copper wire recycling business, but also grow with the demand. Talk with a local wire stripping company today for more information about your options.

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