What does bare bright copper look like?

Bare Bright Copper

Also referred to as “bright & shiny copper,” it is the most valuable and high-paying grade around. It refers exclusively to bare, uncoated and unalloyed wire or cable – no thinner than 16 gauge in thickness – which is of #1 copper quality. Copper piping is not included within the classification.

How can you tell bare bright copper?

Bare bright copper wire is defined as clean, bare, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire, not smaller than No. 16 gauge wire. Bare bright also should be free of copper tubing, burnt copper wire and nonmetallics.

Is bare bright copper pure copper?

Bare bright copper. The most valuable type of copper wire, bare bright must meet several criteria, including 99% pure copper composition, a minimum of 16 gauge, and a lack of insulating materials.

What's the difference between number 1 copper and bare bright copper?

Bare Bright Copper

Also referred to as “bright & shiny copper,” it is the most valuable and high-paying grade around. It refers exclusively to bare, uncoated and unalloyed wire or cable – no thinner than 16 gauge in thickness – which is of #1 copper quality. Copper piping is not included within the classification.

What is greasy bright copper?

Greasy Bright Copper is very similar to Dry Bright Copper, it is slightly less valuable. Usually sourced from old underground power cable, greasy bright copper often has traces of lead on it.

Scrapping copper. How to grade and sort your bare bright, #1 copper and #2 copper for MORE money.

What is considered dirty copper?

Scrap copper that has a dirty appearance falls under the #2 copper grade. To qualify for this category, the material's copper content should be 94 to 96 per cent. Any unalloyed wire or pipe that has solder, paint, coating and other types of tarnishing falls are classified as #2 copper.

How can you test the purity of copper at home?

All you have to do is clean your copper item with a mixture of table salt and vinegar and then observe the color change to find out if your object is made of copper. If the color that comes out after cleaning shinning reddish-brown, then it is indeed copper in a considerably pure form.

What is the most expensive copper?

Bare bright copper wire is the most valuable copper wire. As reflected in the name, bare bright copper has a shiny, light-orange hue. To be classed as bare bright copper, the wire must be 99 percent copper and completely free of coating, corrosion or other impurities.

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.

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.

Is it worth stripping copper wire?

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 dry bright copper?

Dry bright copper for scrap is no thinner than 16 gauge in thickness – which is of #1 copper quality. #1 Copper. #1 copper is the second most valuable grade. This category is like bare bright copper but has traces of oxidation. Scrap copper in this grade include clippings, bus bars and clean copper tubing.

What is the difference between clean copper and dirty copper?

Clean metals are those that are free of any other metals or materials. For example a copper pipe that has not fittings or or material on it. Dirty metals are those that have another material along with the metals we are looking for. For example copper wire with a plastic casing around it would be considered dirty.

What is heavy scrap 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.

Where can I find bright copper wire?

Some items like coffee makers, AC Units, Fans, Blenders, Toasters, and more all have insulated wire inside and on the outside of them. Small Electronics – Cell phones, cameras, handheld games, and other small electronics that may need regular charging, are good places to find insulated wires.

Why do Scrappers cut cords?

It is a reusable, recyclable material. Most scrap yards pay more for pre-stripped wires, and non-stripped power cords are heavily discounted by scrap yards so that you will get less payment.

Can you scrape painted copper?

Scrape the paint off the copper pipe by using a plastic scraper or any sharp object (make sure that the sharp edge is wrapped with a cloth). If there are any stubborn paints left, apply a thin layer of mineral spirits on the spot using a rag.

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.

What is scrap #2 copper?

2 Scrap Copper consists of clean, unalloyed copper solids. It may include clean, oxidized or coated (plated) copper clippings, punchings, bus bars, commutator segments. Copper pipe or tubing free of excessive solder also falls in this category, but must be clean and oxidized.