1. Introduction
Just 24 hours ago, a viral TikTok video showed a DIYer turning $200 worth of old electronics into over $1,200 in stripped copper—sparking a nationwide surge in people raiding their garages for copper wire. If you’re jumping on this trend (or just tired of tangled, insulated messes), you’re in the right place.
Stripping copper wire isn’t just about making cash—it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and without melting your eyebrows off. Whether you’re salvaging from AC units, old wiring, or industrial scrap, this guide gives you the best methods to extract clean, shiny copper fast.
2. Why Strip Copper Wire?
Raw insulated copper wire fetches pennies per pound at scrap yards. But stripped, bare copper? That’s where the real money is. Plus, clean copper is essential for repurposing into copper rod, copper strip, or even copper bus bar projects.
And no—burning copper wire for scrap isn’t just lazy; it’s illegal in many areas and releases toxic fumes. Don’t be that guy.
3. Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need a NASA lab. Here’s the bare minimum:
- Wire stripper (manual or automatic)
- Utility knife (for thick cables)
- Heat gun (optional, for stubborn insulation)
- Safety gloves and goggles (non-negotiable!)
- Bucket or bin for sorted copper
Pro tip: If you’re handling large volumes, consider a motorized wire stripper—it pays for itself in under a week if you’re serious about recycling.
4. Step-by-Step: Best Way to Strip Copper Wire
4.1. Sort Your Wire First
Not all copper is created equal. Separate:
- THHN/THWN (common in homes)
- Romex (has multiple conductors)
- Coaxial or Ethernet (low-value, often not worth stripping)
- Thick copper cable from AC units or industrial gear (high-value!)
Aircon copper pipe and copper tubing often come bundled with wiring—don’t toss them! The copper rod or copper round bar inside compressors can be worth extra.
4.2. Use the Right Tool for the Job
For thin wires (<12 AWG): A standard wire stripper works great. Just clamp, twist, and pull.
For thick cables (like those from air conditioning copper pipe systems): Score the insulation with a utility knife, then peel it back like a banana. Avoid nicking the copper—scratches reduce resale value.
For long runs: Automatic strippers or even modified bench grinders (with caution!) can zip through hundreds of feet per hour.
4.3. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t burn insulation off. It ruins copper conductivity and is hazardous.
- Don’t mix copper with aluminum or steel. Scrap yards penalize contamination.
- Don’t skip cleaning. Wipe stripped copper with a dry cloth to remove residue—clean copper = higher copper rod price later.
5. What to Do With Stripped Copper
Now that you’ve got gleaming bare wire, your options explode:
- Sell it as scrap (check copper strip price and copper rod price trends weekly)
- Melt it into copper ingot or copper bars for sale
- Repurpose into copper strip for earthing, copper earth rod components, or even copper tape for snails (yes, gardeners use it!)
Flat copper strip, beryllium copper strip, or nickel plated copper strip can be cut from larger pieces using shears—just measure your needed width (e.g., 1mm copper strip or 25x3mm earth strip).
6. Advanced Tip: From Wire to Rod or Strip
Got serious volume? Consider rolling your stripped copper into custom shapes. A simple rolling mill can turn scrap into copper round bar or flat copper strip on a roll.
Need grounding components? You can even fabricate your own copper bonded earthing rod or copper clad steel ground rod using compressed copper around a steel core—but that’s a project for another day.
For HVAC techs: Those aircon copper pipe offcuts? Clean and straighten them—they’re essentially pre-made copper rod for welding or brazing. Speaking of which, copper to copper brazing rods work best with clean, oxide-free surfaces.
7. Where to Sell or Buy Related Materials
Once you’re hooked, you might want to buy or sell related items. Search for “copper strip near me” or “copper bars for sale” to find local suppliers.
Compare prices: copper bonded ground rod vs. copper clad earth rod vs. solid copper earth rod—each has pros and cons for conductivity and cost.
And if you’re into fabrication, don’t overlook copper tubing fittings or copper pipe connectors—they often contain high-purity copper worth salvaging.
8. Conclusion
Stripping copper wire doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can turn electronic junk into serious cash—or raw material for your next copper rod, strip, or earthing project.
Remember: safety first, speed second, profit third. And never, ever burn your wire. Your lungs—and your local scrap yard—will thank you.
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