Is burnt copper worth less?

(When you burn copper wire, it loses about half its weight, depending on the type of wire.) On the other hand, if you were to strip the same wire, you would make at least $31! If you DO want to strip the wire yourself, you will generally get Copper #1, the highest value copper available.

How do you clean copper after burning it?

Fill a pot with water, then add a cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of salt. Mix thoroughly until the salt is dissolved. The mixture of vinegar and salt produces a mild acid that can dissolve copper oxide.

Is stripped copper worth more?

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 copper wire is worth stripping?

The most valuable type of scrap copper wire is bare bright copper. This uncoated and unalloyed copper is stripped of insulation, paint, and other impurities, making it easy to reuse or recycle. As such, it is usually the first thing that scrap buyers look for.

Where is the most copper in a house?

Washers and dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners can be excellent sources of copper.

Why Burning Copper Wire Scrap Is A No-No

What is considered number 2 copper?

#2 grade insulated copper consists of unalloyed wire – thinner than 16 gauge – which includes heavy, double or plastic insulation. The grade generally covers many common types of telecommunications wiring as well as electronics such as outlet and extension cords.

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.

Should I strip wire before scrapping?

Not Properly Preparing Your Materials. Scrap yards will never encourage you to strip your copper wire when you bring it in. That's because they don't have to pay you as much for the copper wire when it's not stripped! Get the most out of your copper wire by taking the extra time and stripping it!

What is the best thing to scrap for money?

Can burnt copper be cleaned?

Combine lemon juice (or vinegar) with baking soda and stir until mixed completely. Apply to the surface and buff in a circular motion using a soft, clean cloth, then rinse and dry.

What will vinegar do to copper?

When copper is exposed to oxygen, it forms molecules called copper oxide that make pennies look dirty. Pouring vinegar over the pennies helps break up this copper oxide and expose the pure copper on the penny. As the penny dries and is exposed to the air, a chemical reaction occurs and the penny turns green!

How do you get carbon off copper?

Mandar is quite correct - oxidation will remove the carbon but will oxidize the copper. You can do it in your self-cleaning oven. A hydrogen plasma will remove the carbon but will leave the copper clean.

What happens if you burn copper?

Burning copper wire releases carcinogens and toxins into the air and into the ground around the burn site, including “dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, selenium and cadmium) and other pollutants.”

What's the difference between #1 copper and #2 copper?

In commercial level applications, copper #1 refers to a form of copper metal which has a clean and uncoated surface and is unalloyed. In commercial level applications, copper #2 refers to a form of copper metal which has an unclean and a coated surface.

How many feet of copper wire are in a pound?

Soft Copper Wire of 16 gauge comes in 1 lb spool and measures 126 ft.

What is the highest paying scrap metal?

Where can I find large amounts of copper?

How much copper is in an alternator?

Starters, generators, and alternators contain an average of 2.8, 2.6, and 1.5 pounds of copper, respectively. Alternators also contain 3 to 4 pounds of aluminum. Most of the remaining metal is iron. About one-half of the starters have a solenoid that contains 0.5 pounds of copper.

Where is the most copper found?

The largest copper mine is found in Utah (Bingham Canyon). Other major mines are found in Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico and Montana. In South America, Chile, the world's largest producer, and Peru are both major producers of copper.

What is classed as heavy copper?

Heavy Copper is defined as having layers of copper weighing more than 3 Ounces. It can often be found on things like circuit boards. It must consist of a minimum of 98% Copper. It is a lot heavier and more subsantial than its other Copper counterparts, and has a variety of uses.

What is considered number 3 copper?

The lowest grade of copper, having the lowest scrap copper price, #3 includes thin gauged copper sheet as well as copper materials with a high level of solder and/or paint contaminants.