Scrap copper, tips on how to sell your insulated copper

[@CERIHATTON]

Really good information which pretty much is the same here in the UK, As I drive around Somerset I see a lot of electric appliances out such as Vacuum cleaners, fridges, washing machines etc. I always used to run over and cut the lead off. I would save it up and strip it all in one go. Insulated copper is not as good as it was years ago but still worth stripping. Many years ago I came across about 500 feet of Number 1 insulated which I stripped into very long bits and rolled up. That was a good day scrapping. Nice video

[@tomitstube]

good advice, i'm just starting out and have several yards in the area, getting apprehensive about dealing with these people, it's always good to know what you're talking about... like going to a mechanic and going, "idk what the problem is, it keeps making this 'doink, doink, noise."

[@tylerwieczorek6011]

Your videos are so fun AND informative. Thanks for making them!

[@lincolnweller9123]

The ending , impacting , your credibility as being real , went , thru the roof. I've taken scrap in to many places and while watching your video , I thought it would be cool selling my none ferrous to you. Thank you .

[@michaelprue9024]

😂😂😂😂😂 Thanks for the tips bud. I’ve just recently started collecting wire harnesses and scrap copper. My first load brought me a few hundred bucks, not much compared to other people I know, but it was definitely an eye opener. At first I tried stripping each individual wire to get the “bare bright” but when I realized how much effort actually goes into it AND the fact that that stranded wire doesn’t pay more , I sold it as insulated. I know I probably could have got a bit more if I broke the harnesses down, but like you said in a previous video, time management. I was happy with the price I got, and the scrap yard I went to was happy with the product and the price they paid. It was a win win. Now watching your videos I know that since the market fluctuates, I can’t always expect to be treated the same on any given day, so they’ll be no arguments from me, as long as we can do business together everything will be copacetic. I never thought scrapping could be such a viable supplement to my income. And the best part is - it’s freaking tax free ! Fuck the gubment and uncle SHAM.

[@oldhamegg]

"Your vids are the best on scrap metal on KZbin, hands down."

[@chetdavis7715]

Your comment made me subscribe. ..hope your right

[@kingcrank5]

I agree

[@juliusdeane]

Who are you quoting

[@Wrightwayrecycling]

I used to operate a wire mill, some of my coment is just from making wire. Using a ruler 1/16th" to defin 16 gauge is a good example for the everyday person as a visual example, my yard says bigger than pencil lead for a visual example. In the industry, the guage of wire is defined as how many dies it takes to make it that size. Most of the time wire starts out as 1/2" copper rod. Example 10G is fairly thick it takes 10 dies for this size, while 18G is fairly thin it takes 18 dies to make this size.

[@skullmoldycandy]

My yard counts any shiny copper wire as bare bright and paying 2.80 lb currently not many places are that way haha

[@lesleystandafer5866]

You are amazing! Teaching is a gift when it can be done so that everyone understands & people of all aptitudes can gain information. Plus, you’re entertaining & funny in the right spots. I love how you will anticipate some negative comment or correction someone may make about what you have just said because KZbin is full of those type of comments. .I think your doing this keeps the haters out of your comments because I haven’t seen a negative comment yet! I’m on your fifth video now & I would have commented sooner, but your videos are the first videos that ever motivated me to comment anything publicly. I usually just watch a video & don’t even care about the comments but your comments & subscribers, from what I have seen, are legit & worthy of my time. You need a fan club cuz I’m hedging the bet that you are going to have way more fans than haters. And the haters will be bad people who are dishonest. You remind me of a quote I heard once that said, “All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” You sir are a good man, arming everyday hard working people with knowledge that they can use to improve their finances & thereby improve their quality of life. Kinda makes you a super-hero, doesn’t it? Keep up the great work!

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Lesley, thank you so much for all the kind words! It motivates me to keep going! I've never put any comments at the top of the list on any of my videos, but this one is going up first! (as long as I can figure out how) If I can't I'll just ask one of my kids!

[@rubengregoryramos]

Lesley Standafer AWESOME COMMENT!! I agree 100%!

[@petersack5074]

the people which use their HANDS to do things, are the backbone of infrastructure, starting like a mustard seed, and growing to a good community, country. Hang in there, all.

[@annaschembri577]

Mr.Hunter I just happened upon your first video on scraping metals from a buyers P.O.V. and sir you are the first I have come across from your P.O.V. that takes the facts and uses humour, sarcasm, sincerity and no nonsense approach to explaining to scrapers new (me) and old or just the weekend recycler what the bottom line is concerning the hobby craft passion or whatever anyone calls It for themselves. I am thankful and entertained by your videos and yours is the first of dozens of other hosts that I have commented on good or bad. So keep it up ill leave you to your craft as I am about to watch your next installment!!! LOVE IT haha enjoy your day sir. sincerely Lorin Houde of A and L,s Ewaste and more recycling. Grand Forks British Columbia, Canada

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Anna, Thank you so much! We always love words of encouragement at Bracken Recycling! I've been slacking on the video making department, but I promise more are coming! It has just been a very busy month with work and the family! I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@annaschembri577]

never apologize for being busy,,its a good problem to have lol! and family ..say no more that's what y'all do it for ! look forward to some more as I'm watching another right now !!

[@artaxerxes2363]

All that for $2 worth of wire

[@JohnDoe-xl1qs]

Love this guy,... Great Sense of humor

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Thank you!

[@jimbanda]

Dude always gives best advice and examples. Kudos 👌👍

[@summertime1953]

Question... on cords from like toasters, extension wire, and other hair type copper would ya'll buy it if we don't strip it? We live close enough to San Antonio to come sell to ya'll. We just watched our first video from you and really enjoyed it!

[@tr4415]

Thanks for explaining how to determine the gauge ....

[@lesleystandafer5866]

I thought that was very interesting also. I’ve been working in the renovation business for a while now & I am around electricians all the time asking questions. No one has ever told me this! Thank you.

[@nicholasjohn7964]

Hello feller, much love from the u,k, I know how to separate grade 1 and 2 copper now, thanks, I've got a nice pile stacked up, lol

[@davidmc2861]

very informative. I didn't realize there was different prices for copper wire and copper tubing.

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Thank you David!

[@soundman6645]

If you find a scrapper that gives you a good deal, and they know you always bring them good stuff, build the relationship. If ya both smart, you both know you can make money together. The better stuff you bring them, the more they make ... they want you commin' back. I got the attention of my local scrappy with a couple of trailer loads of insulated copper ....... they know may face and they know I bring everything clean and well sorted ... I'm in their system with a better price.

[@bucksmith9035]

good video tips on selling copper where i live we have 3 scrap yards that buy copper two of which are owned by the same a hole and the other is owned by a slight lesser of an a hole so now that i get screwed by one of the two a holes what should i do when selling my hard earned and stripped copper wire ??? you should give us tips on these situations my ass would appreciate it thanks

[@atash5401]

Love yor videos and your channel

[@mikeakers2043]

as a scraper i have found that you need to call around when you have a good amount of something just to play the yards against each other...more than once i have called one and then another told them what the other place told me and they will beat the price.but this is only god when you have alot of stuff...not just a pound or 2. i once picked up 900 pounds of #1 insulted wire...called one place they told me x amount for it..called other place told them what first one told me per pound.they beat it by 10 cents. i have also found that the bigger the yard the lower the price.

[@noahzwicker3388]

Do you think you could make a video on how to strip old paper wire and knob and tube quickly? The old paper wire sucks and I’m just looking around to see how people are doing it fast

[@MrMrBurnablunt]

I have a question what would be your best advice on how to check to make sure that the recycling place that I take my scrap to that their skill is correct

[@balerjohnson3099]

I have a market with the domestic choppers that dont care about gauge . They do care about tin and silver plate which makes it #2 .

[@asarand]

In 2017 I worked for a scrap yard. I learned about something I have not known before. We would get in this wire that looks like copper, but it was magnetic. I was told that this wire was actually steel that was copper clad or copper plated. I have not been able to find out about this type of wire, or when they started making it this way. I realize this video is a couple of years old, but could you shed some light on this type of wire and if it would ever be worth trying to separate the copper from the steel?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

The core from coax cable

[@petersack5074]

i have about 150 pounds, in 3 inch cables, with 3 large multi-core conductors, about 1.25 inches diameter. thanks for any/all info. should i strip it all, down to raw red ?? and chuck all the insulation ??

[@BonzoFan1]

These guys are hilarious! Wait for the very end.

[@jackgyver4683]

Does it have to be insulated? I ripped out a few kilos of copper from old wires and ac motors and I plan on melting them into an ingot or blob. Will a scrapyard buy that?

[@joemc111]

I live in the Tampa area, I find the closer your scrap yard is to the ship yard the better the price.

[@themikEE40]

Hey I've got 1000ft of 6/3 w ground submersible wire and another 1000ft of 12/2 w ground. Idk what weighs total but am I better off selling as is or burning it ?

[@cornerthrift6133]

I have about 10000 lbs of scrap insulated wiring I won in a auction my truck isn’t that big should I get a few trucks together to bring it all at once or can I do 3000 lbs at a time to get the best deal ?? What would u say

[@davidmugsyclewell8157]

I came across a bucket of stripped copper wire. From what you say it is mixed 1 and 2. Will a yard take it? Thanks

[@anthonymeriscal3071]

Great video ... I would like to see one on armored tube wire Aluminum/Metal

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Anthony, I can definitely do that! In the scrap industry, we still refer to it as BX cable even though it's an older name. It's been a while since I have done that recovery but now I'll get it on video!

[@anthonymeriscal3071]

Thanks for replying

[@handduggraverdronline]

I have a yard that's 4 miles from me and several other yards within a 20 Mile radius. my main yard will give me what the big yard pays if I bring in at least a 100lbs or more.

[@joecoelho7030]

Man I miss your videos they were so educational and funny did u stop making them ?

[@alaskaloosa]

thanks for responding and promptly by the way! OK so burning vs. stripping...... is it faster to just burn everything then the thick gauges wire just wash off the carbon so it's bare bright again or better just to strip, or just to burn

[@pakosinbad830]

I've got quite a bit of scrap copper cable that I've started stripping at home but I'm slowly running out of room, So would it be worth melting down and if so would affect the price? Also are there places that buy the waste pvc insolation? I'd rather ask you cos you seem like a true honest guy instead of the bulls***ers we have here in the uk! Thanks

[@brackenrecycling9505]

My answers aren't always the correct ones for everyone's situation, but I can give you my advice! Anytime you melt down metal there is a chance you will lose a certain percentage of weight. It just depends on how you melt it down. It might not be a big percentage but if you have a lot of volume it adds up. The other reason is because when customers melt it down themselves it can become difficult to sell to a yard. When we buy copper items from the public, we know the chemistries of those items. We also know that the copper pipe that they are bringing in was made with certain standards, so we know these chemistries are what they are supposed to be. If I buy a block of copper from an individual who melted it down, I would just be taking their word for it that they haven't added or taken anything away from the original chemistries. On the other hand, you might find a yard that just doesn't care! If you are going to melt it, you should call the yard first to make sure they will take it and what they would be willing to pay for it. As far as the insulation goes, I've heard it is worth money, but every plastic buyer that has ever come to our yard has never been interested in buying it! We recycle plastic at one of our yards, but it is not something we specialize in. If I find out something else ill definitely, let you know!

[@pakosinbad830]

Bracken Recycling Thaks for the reply(s) really good advice very helpful thanks, I was only thinking of melting it down to save space but if I'll loose quantity by melting then I'll try something else like compacting or something, You're quite a knowledgeable guy for someone that doesn't work there haha Keep up the good work love the vids Thanks again

[@princeofallnegros4035]

Bracken Recycling wow. O learned alot

[@JustForFun77077]

Should I strip the wire, or no?

[@bmorse68]

Another great video. Answered my questions about insulated wire. Do most yards take insulated wires from computers? I suppose it's considered #2? What about the ribbon cables?

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Hey Bob, every yard should take computer wires. If they don't then they should take a better look into their operation! And yes it does have #2 copper inside. Ribbon wire has a very small recovery, but it does have a value. Every yard is different in how they package it. Some yards have a category for ribbon wire only. Between both our yards we buy so much lower grade insulated wires we just throw them all together. Most customers like this because they can throw all the lower grade wires together (including ribbon wire). Plus they don't have to cut the plug ends off and they still get paid more than the plug ends them self. The price is still very competitive because we have a handful of buyers we sell to that we have established long lasting business relationships with. This means they know our package and can be more aggressive with their price because they know exactly what they are going to get, so they don't need to leave any room in their price for error. The only customer this might not be so great for is someone who had 2,000 lbs of extension cords only.

[@bmorse68]

This is such good info. To bad your yard wasn't closer you would get all of my business. Thanks again for the perspective you provide. It's unique!!!!

[@petersack5074]

@@brackenrecycling9505 HONESTY, and trust ! must win out, for any country to be viable.. GOOD for you....MY word, is TRUTH. HANDSHAKE, and the deal is done !! no white collar bs.....

[@russg1801]

The 'decision' used to be easy Back in the Day; scrap yards wouldn't buy insulated wire at all which led people to burn the insulation off and even then you'd get about 30c a pound! That was when raw materials in this country were in plentiful supply.

[@alfonsobernabe4291]

Been scrapping for a while bare metals out of griffin ..my family scrapped a wood stove at another yard down the road and they gave them aluminum price for steel !!!

[@petersack5074]

6:30 In todays' world, the CONSUMER must educate themselves against all companies, in their particular field. Like buying used autos from dealers, see (Kevin Hunters' youtube videos). For mechanics/tech in fixing autos= see Scotty Kilmer, and etc etc. ' for copper recycling= see Bracken Recycling ' GOOD MAN. thankyou too much, for educating me/us. Will try tor strip all this # 1 copper i have, very large cables, all 14 or 12 gauge conductors in these MASSIVE 5 FOOT CABLES, 3 inches diameter. Stay safe, bro !!!! Never knew their was ' grades' of copper, though i've been fixing all stuff with wires for 30 years.

[@brianedward2643]

I have a question... I have a lot of Christmas lights right now. If I clip everything untill it’s completely clean wire you think I can get #2 wire price ?

[@rogersears6262]

Love your vids! Very Informative! Ive always burned my copper ! Whats your thinking Burn it or not?

[@christianblanton4155]

that ending was fucking great man😂

[@scrappydogfinance8434]

Negotiating a few cents more for your scrap doesn't cover cost of gas and time to drive around with truck and trailer... Does it?

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Buda, great comment and question! It all depends on the situation and it would depend on all the factors like how much weight you have, how much of a better price you will get elsewhere, and the mileage you would be driving between locations. But in majority of situations I would say that it would NOT pay to drive from yard, to yard, to yard. This is why I always tell people to call around on the phone before you go to a yard. It doesn't really cost you anything to do this and then you can choose where you want to take it, and you won't have to drive to every yard. The other advantage to this is that if you speak with the right person when calling, scrapyards are usually more willing to try and pay you more to get you to come. When you drive in with your material and ask for a better price they usually have a sense that you are already most likely going to sell it to them because you already loaded it up and drove to their location. I guess what I'm saying is that they feel like you already intended to sell it to them no matter what price they give you. If you know your fuel cost to the yard you want to go to, you can divide that by how much weight you have and it will tell you how much it is costing you per pound to take your scrap to that yard. Example: If your fuel cost is $10 and you have 500 pounds in your truck you would divide 10 by 500 and you would get $0.02. So it would cost you 2 cents per pound to take it. I hope that was a good explanation. Thanks for watching and thank you for your comment!

[@sugengmujiono8948]

Where to buy scrap copper?

[@amandathescrapper2671]

Thank you. ♻️ This is cool. And very helpful.

[@jackpotdigger834]

new sub nice information video liked the ending

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Thanks again, I'm just trying to get real information out there!

[@rectalswig6052]

I made a ten pound 15 oz ball of copper just to test my favorite scale. I gave them the 15 oz benefit.

[@petersack5074]

ok, so if i want to melt down some, and make a super duper soldering head, how much heat ? is needed. ? maybe like a forge ??? thanks in advance, bro...

[@sheester21]

Lmao! The ending was the best!!!

[@xpmule]

I called the police.

[@menopassini9348]

So all Stranded wire is always 2#? Unless all the strands are 16 gauge or larger? What about cable and the strand size? Example; 10 gauge strand wire would be 2#. 10 gauge solid wire would be 1#. Thanks

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Meno, yes your example is correct based off of scrapyard standards. However it can vary from yard to yard. It just depends on who the scrapyard is selling it to. So even though the copper inside the 10 gauge is #2, the buyer that is buying it from the yard might not care. Plus if it goes to a wire chopper it will most likely get upgraded to #1 copper bare bright chops once it goes through the turbo mill. To see more about wire chopping check out my friends channel and ask him questions. His channel is cable management. He is super smart with this stuff, and he started in his garage. I put a link to his most recent video below. I bought the same system from him but its WAY bigger than the one in the video. It should be here sometime this summer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4qspIGwirOaqck

[@menopassini9348]

Bracken Recycling Congratulations, glad to see you are adding metal recovery to your business. Now you can be a wholesaler/dealer. Good choice to go with the dry separation instead of the wet tables. Always enjoy your videos.

[@theChrisAndHoLLieShow]

Thanks for the info brother!

[@Sniper.925]

What about copper and brass bricks?

[@gremlin3362]

That ending though 😂🤣

[@stacieejgreen9256]

How much for this much quality 1 copper lil brother?

[@michaelnonferrousscrapper682]

hello i was wandering if i should strip cat3 wire for the bare bright instead of getting number 3 insulated or would i lose money? there are 4 wires that are 24awg its a little hard to do with a utility knife is there a easier way?

[@petersack5074]

angle grinder, with 3mm cutter on it.....BE CAREFULL !!!

[@bmorse68]

I heard that computer cat 5 or cat 6 wire pays differently than most other wires? BS or some truth to what I heard?

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Bob, again I apologize for the late response! It depends on the yard. Here we separate Cat 5 and communication wire by themselves. In this case, they do bring more money than most other #2 copper insulated wires. My buyers have different recoveries for Cat 5, some call it 52%, some 53%, and others 55%. But like I always say "I don't care what you call it, what is the price"? Cat 6 actually runs less. If I remember correctly, I think it is around 48-49%. Some yards will try to blend cat 6 with the cat 5 and that all depends on what kind of relationship they have with their buyers. But don't be surprised if a yard buys the cat 6 for less. I have also seen yards that mix the cat 5 with lower grade wires. Sometimes they kind of make that decision based on what they buy the most of. They would rather keep the customers happy that bring in 80% of the normal wire they package. That is also why a lot of customers might take one item to one yard and another item to a different yard. Another reason they won't separate it is they just might not want to gamble on the market if they know they can push out more wire faster if they just mix it.

[@bmorse68]

No need to apologize...you have a business to run. Thanks again for all of the information it really is beneficial!!!

[@johnfrazier3678]

Kool info

[@emiliorocha2647]

I have a central a.c. unit that does not work so i need a letterhead from a licensed head to sell the unit but I'm a licensed electrician can i sell it using my license thank you

[@crakilldurmom]

I'm here hoping you would tell me not to strip the 900lbs of commline I'm scrapping.

[@rectalswig6052]

Your videos are getting better bro. Make sure you kick up the comedy.

[@trash2cash841]

Great video dude, just subscribed :)

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Thank you so much!

[@ryansalladay9523]

Have a little John C. Riley in ya

[@nathanielx23]

Nice outro 😂👍🏼

[@handduggraverdronline]

38 is great stuff to hoard

[@mrgreenswelding2853]

16 gauge wire is 1.6mm

[@joannamonroe6208]

you are rock solid man

[@silasgames3952]

How much do you sale a load truck of copper?

[@b.g.8373]

Humanity. We're fucked.

[@davidgaylord2035]

i found out by crushing my alum cans flat my yard would give me more because he didn't have to run it thru his crusher less wear and tear on his machine and i could stockpile more cans weight at my house

[@rectalswig6052]

Please help with a tutorial on how to make our own incats of copper brass and aluminum. I know that's not your thing. But if your searching to make more you tube videos. Your the man... Right Pile it up Melt it down Get more money For drinking beer and fucking around

[@b.g.8373]

Is there some reason (other than illiteracy) these guys in the comments all call themselves "scrapers"?

[@gyver471]

The ending was priceless.

[@hansomdaley3365]

LOL, that is good advice thanks

[@mikebourns9236]

Rule of thumb is pencil lead or larger is #1

[@hannarae4311]

What about the copper in cell phone chargers? Can I sell it insulated for stripped?

[@brackenrecycling9505]

In my opinion it is better to sell them as insulated. If the charger has a plug, some yards require you to cut it off, some don't. You'll have to see what they pay and decide which is better for you.

[@hannarae4311]

Thank you for the promt reply! It just with how often we go through cables and cords, i figured if I saved them I could get a decent payday.

[@princeofallnegros4035]

No. They are worthless unless u have like 100 of them.

[@Mr._Lister_The_Sister_Phister]

Plot Twist: the #2 wire example was actually just beard hairs.

[@finddeniro]

Go Viking. .Copper is Sacred...and Peeples don't. .Care...❤...

[@igjacob.0v038]

Gypsys ?

[@GeorgeZapo]

Thank you...

[@scraprodriguez]

The outer lol.😆

[@annaschembri577]

haha best one yet!!

[@rectalswig6052]

For the love of God. Watch the AvE channel. Don't take my word for it. It's very entertaining.

[@rectalswig6052]

I'm kicking it. Subscribed after the first video I randomly searched.

[@silverking4281]

If I melt it down to bars to i get the best price in copper

[@mcfitty9804]

No its still the same price at a scrapyard. You could sell it at retail prices to get more tho.

[@rectalswig6052]

I just turned in today to the local shredder. No. 1 clean and breakage plus brass. It makes me angry brass is cheaper than copper. Anyway... One ticket later 37 pounds of brutal work. Number one only. (Candy) plus some dirty breakage bullshit. 90.$

[@desmondlafleche2588]

lmao good video

[@henryk1031]

#1 strip it

[@kirkniles4184]

I hope you haven’t given up the KZbin gig

[@jethross12]

dont no where you live but i have one scrapyard in my town?

[@brackenrecycling9505]

We are in San Antonio Texas. There are 10 companies here I can think of on top of my head, but there are more. If you're asking because you don't have another option, so it might be hard to get the only yard in town to go up on your price I only have one suggestion, and it might still not work in your case, the situation dictates. You can find the next closest one to you (even if it is 100 miles away), save up as much scrap to haul as you can, check what price this other yard will give you for it and make sure to tell them where you are driving from so they know they will have to make it worth your time, then calculate it out and see if it is worth it. Find out how much it is going to cost you (fuel, etc. ) Then divide that number by how much weight you think you can carry and that will tell you how much it will cost you per pound to haul it to another town. Then it will be up to you to make that call. For example, if I pay $200 a truck to haul shred to a steel mill, and I get a net weight of 30,000lbs in the trailer it will cost me $200/30,000lbs=$0.0066 cents per pound to haul that material. However, if I can put 40,000lbs in a trailer, it would cost me $0.005 cents per pound. That doesn't seem like much, but when you start hauling a couple million pounds a month, it will save you thousands of dollars. Hope that helps!

[@scottramey1070]

How to sale house ground wire do you cut it in section

[@jacobwatson1009]

Wal-Mart called. They would like their shopping carts back.

[@RafalScrapper]

cool begin to like you dude

[@brackenrecycling9505]

Thank you Rafal!!!

[@donkeykongsdad1312]

X2 speed is better

[@yo.mama100]

Lol

[@kristiemarie3770]

Hie as t we