Scrapping Copper! A beginner's guide to a valuable scrap metal and how best to make good dollars!

[@malicant123]

A few months ago, I saw my neighbour throwing out a few bundles of electrical cable. I asked her if I could have it, and she looked at me like I was nuts. Well, I got nearly half a kilo of copper out of them to add to the stash. Gold, silver and copper. They served humanity for centuries as a means of currency, and they'll do it for years to come.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep - most people thing we are nuts dragging that sort of stuff from other people's rubbish piles! I can live with that! 😁

[@nikkivandermallie6298]

Very good video. Gives clear and straight forward explanations.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Many thanks for the feedback! 😊

[@katherineorourke3330]

Great explanation of different types of copper. Thanks very much 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Katherine 👍😊

[@streetcopper1151]

He’s a great teacher isn’t he

[@deankdx]

i do like the way you mention checking the VALUE of the item rather than scrap.. i agree with the "cashing in" of bulky low value items like transformers also, keeps your storage tidy or other items

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for your feedback deankdx! 👍😊

[@streetcopper1151]

The spoon and plate is awesome I would put that stuff in your shop for sure

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Much better money that way! 💲💲😁

[@vinecat8451]

Oh wow, awesome video! This was just what I needed! Also it’s great to hear kilo’s now and then, helps my brain from breaking every time I hear imperial measurements😂

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

🤣🤣 Thanks for watching & commenting Vine Cat! 😊👍

[@knuktunes]

I recently entered the industry from a completely different industrial sales background. These videos help me look like a pro my first week in the back training for the road.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Awesome, I'm happy to offer career training mate! 😁👍😂

[@humbertopocasangre5931]

Thank you so much for the info I’m just learning about scraping copper wires

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

You are welcome Humberto. Thanks for watching 😊😊

[@Haulingforaliving]

very educational video watched back when i first started helped alot

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks heaps! Glad you got something from it 👍😊

[@johnrogers4926]

Copper and brass ( being an alloy of copper) is used on doorknobs because it has antimicrobial characteristics.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's interesting! Thanks John 😊

[@magnushenriksson6580]

Reminds me of one of Ewaste Ben's videos where he got a copper/brass water jug from Manhari or something.I don't remember a lot but i think one wasn't supposed to use it 24/7.

[@paulw9584]

Great video yet again thanks Chris - years of wondering solved with a youtube video!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Paul, pleased to be of assistance! Now you can start wondering about something else! 😂

[@lostdigger]

Great video, was waiting for this subject matter. More picker videos please

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Lostdigger! Yep.. now that my shop is open again on weekends, we are starting to get calls for shed clean-outs etc! So I'll definitely be filming some 👍👍

[@davidk8699]

Excellent video

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks David, appreciate your comment 🙂

[@phil_k777]

Very helpful and informative. Nicely done. Thanks.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Phil! 👍😊

[@oldmanwinter9345]

Thanks man. Very informative. Much appreciated. Great video. 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for watching and giving some feedback! 😊

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@irishgoldstacker8018]

Good video. I've finally learned why some clean copper is coloured differently from bright wire. I have heard of lacquer but didn't know what it was. Good stuff. I agree that it can be tempting to put copper ornaments in the scrap but they are worth more as ornaments. Good video.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks CS, being a copper collector yourself I thought you'd enjoy this! 😊

[@irishgoldstacker8018]

@@TheUltimateRecycler, very much so.

[@julianalcorso5703]

Excellent and instructional!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Many thanks Julian! 😊👍

[@floydkingi4364]

Good vid, just starting out, so this is good to know

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Floyd! 👍😊

[@cassidycox2480]

Great teacher! Very informative

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks CC, glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@stevieboi61]

thanks for sharing👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching Stevieboi! 👍

[@xriatsux4715]

Very informative, thanks a lot!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@Derbyhobbiescrapper]

Really usefull advice thank you

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Ron, glad it was helpful! 😊

[@Derbyhobbiescrapper]

@@TheUltimateRecycler keep the videos coming

[@jacobstratton]

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge sir! You have a very easy going way of explaining things so as my brain doesn't explode when understanding the fundamentals of the chemistry of metals. My question is, is there an easy and time saving method of stripping #1 copper wire (in bulk) without diminishing the price from top tier.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Jacob. You can buy specialist wire strippers, but it's only viable if you have lots of heavy gauge copper wire to strip. Standard appliance cords aren't worth it in my opinion.

[@aluminumcantheif6557]

That is why it is important to recycle things. So we can see the same product in the future! Such as, copper transformers and motors! $$:)$$

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Absolutely SML! 👍👍

[@teamSHTF]

Thanks for the scrap wisdom!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! 😊👍

[@MrAguamiel]

excellent video thank you sir

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks very much Francisco! 😊👍

[@scotthoward4836]

Thank you for the educational video. I'm glad you pointed out the copper coated Ali wire on the transformer as I to came across the same type out of a microwave. As the wire was quite black I had to scrap it and noticed the colour plus it was considerably lighter. As a begginer I'd already pulled it apart lol. My question is regarding copper pipes. I found a pile of mixed pipes and some are a chrome colour possibly from a wall mounted urn or water cooler drink fountain. Non magnetic and after filing its a bright gold colour possibly brass unless stainless can be that colour? Oh have you a video on car stater motors I got a couple and found one to have a good amount of thick flat heavy coils almost like the type you see people wearing as braclets for arthritis. Worth it they were insulated with a rubbery material which peeled easily once unwinding each coil was over a meter long and 4 coils I was quite chuffed with that one but the other one had very little copper and didn't have the type of thick flat copper coils that the other one had. I'm also an Aussie 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Scott! 😊 The chromed pipes will be brass if a yellow colour. They did chrome both copper and brass piping. If it was stainless, it would be noticeably harder when filing and will be a silver colour. You could also do a spark test with a grinder. Brass/copper doesn't spark at all - stainless will. Nope, no vids on car starter motors at this stage. I usually sell them as motors as I'm usually short on time! Thanks for watching mate!

[@scotthoward4836]

@@TheUltimateRecycler all good, one thing about you I noticed is you always reply back to each comment which does take a lot of your time but it really realy means a lot. Thanks again

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@scotthoward4836 Yeah, I try and reply to everyone who has taken the time to comment - even the negative ones! There will be a time if my channel keeps growing that it may be impossible to keep up with - but I'm always up for a challenge! 😆

[@Magnumas]

Great content! Thank you.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@yensabi]

Very informative , thanks and I’ve subbed.....👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks yensabi and welcome to my channel! 👍😊

[@andrewbussell3224]

That was an awesome video thank you very much for that

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it! 👍😊

[@haveyoulostyourcircusmitch248]

Never knew that they had started swapping out the copper for aluminium in the transformers. Cheers Chris.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah, it's been sneaking in over the years - cost cutting by the manufacturer's I guess! Disappointing for copper hunters!

[@howardchambers9679]

@@TheUltimateRecycler even more disappointing when you take the top off a fridge compressor and find it's aluminium and not copper.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@howardchambers9679 It would be! I didn't know they were using aluminium in compressors! As a rule, I don't scrap them out anyways - too messy!!

[@streetcopper1151]

As always chris great lesson ... you know what I do with my coppa .. and I tell ya what taking something apart that has a aluminum transformer always feels like a kick down under 😉😂.. that coppa cylinder is awesome I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those 😳great video chris 👊🏻

[@streetcopper1151]

Sorry brother I had to do some play on words 😂👊🏻

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@streetcopper1151 Hahaha @ down under! 🤣 Most old houses around here used to have large copper hot water cylinders! The trouble is, most plumbers know what they are worth!

[@streetcopper1151]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I bet .. again sorry I firgured we known each other long enough we could have a bit of fun 😉👊🏻

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@streetcopper1151 For sure mate! 😁

[@oldmanwinter9345]

If ya say "coppa" wouldn't ya say "cylinda" as well? 😝

[@rogershaver8748]

I was wondering EPNS plated copper ie silver plated copper and brass does that bring no.2 when handles etc. is removed

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes Roger, silver plated copper would be the same as chromed copper (some water pipes are chromed), and would go as no. 2 👍 Plated brass should just be able to go in the general brass bin!

[@darranstephens7667]

So do you take the electrical components small green ones and such straight to scrap or do you unravel the copper of each one? Would I get 1 or 2 copper from said parts?

[@darranstephens7667]

There is some light flux or putty on some of it from it being on electrical components

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@darranstephens7667 Any coils etc found in electrical situations are going to be lacquered copper wire and would go as No. 2 copper. I don't usually unravel any of them unless I have spare time (which pretty much never happens!). Hope that answers your question.. 😊

[@davidbrown9390]

Nice video

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks David! 😊

[@WesleyJolly]

​ @The Ultimate Recycler Is it worth it to dunk tarnished copper or brass in a vinegar bath to remove the verdigris? Vinegar can be had cheaply, and a 35 gallon drum will clean a LOT of copper and brass.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It depends on the time you have Wesley. Generally though there's not a huge difference in price between No. 1 copper & No'. 2, so I don't think it's really worth the time (regardless of the vinegar cost). Brass can pretty much go in with a small amount of corrosion anyway..

[@barbarella191able]

19.12 I have a few copper aluminium radiators from A//C , split system units. So you do suggest with a grinder cutter down to remove those copper pipes which look like noodles sticking out . What do you suggest. Cheers very informative video

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Stella Bella! I only cut the copper noodles off if I need to remove any steel on the radiator - otherwise I just sell the radiators complete. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@barbarella191able]

Really?? I thought cutting through that very easy material to get to the copper pipes?? I also have various motors from huge industrial heating/cooling which I don’t no if I should pull apart or sell or just take them to the recycling scrap yard. Also I have like 4 inverters/ transformers- yellow & green & guessing they are used on building sits for high voltage use . I don’t no what to do . ?sell them I don’t know.

[@janmoret517]

At my job I degrease copper and brass blasting caps and if any of them fall on the floor, which is usually a lot after a shift, I cannot use them anymore and have been told to just throw them out. Can I trade in the empty copper blasting caps?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

For sure! You'd probably have to check with a scrap yard as to the grading - but they would certainly buy them! 👍😊

[@josephfields42]

I go the flea market and pick up some cheap also.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, and garage sales / yard sales 👍😊

[@dlkashyap]

very nice

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks DLK 😊

[@scotthoward4836]

Can scrap number 2 copper pipe be put in the same bin as number 2 copper wire from electric motors. Or does pipes have to be separate from wire as I'm unsure what scrap yards require in Perth WA

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It's pretty much the same Scott, so should be able to go together. I've always had separate tubs just because pipes and larger pieces of no 2 copper stack in bigger tubs better while wire usually bundles up small and stores better in buckets. Best check with your yard to be sure though 😊

[@scotthoward4836]

Ok cheers. I did store it separately to begin with but I needed the other storage tub for something else. I got my pipes small enough to fit. I really hope they take it mixed when the time comes or I buy another tub and separate it before I get to much

[@yellowlighthouse3057]

Quick question, I had some bare bright about the same size as your example and I stripped it. It was all beautiful and shiny but then tarnished really quick and is now a complete brown colour. Is there any way to prevent or remove the tarnishing? I'm not really interested in sending my copper to the yard but more if I decide to end up melting it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I don't think tarnishing would have much impact on melt quality YL, but the copper certainly doesn't look as pretty! You could simply keep it in an airtight plastic bag to prevent bad tarnishing.

[@yellowlighthouse3057]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks mate 👍

[@jimballos9936]

very good

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Jim! 😊

[@cristiangodoy3572]

In Latín Ameriica, we would grab the whole device to dissamble it completely, not only the cord

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, many do that! Thanks for watching 👍😊

[@paulleblanc7917]

those transformers has 2 coil i seen some whit one coil being aluminum and the the other coil being copper. thats where the files comes in hand

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes Paul, one has to be careful of the aluminium windings on modern transformers!

[@troutfever6918]

Can you just burn off the coated wire an then brush it to shine. May take time but yr getting more money.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

No 2 Copper is only about a dollar or so behind the best price anyways - so cleaning up 1kg of it just to make an extra dollar isn't something I want to spend time on.

[@shaystern2453]

good content

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thank you shay 😊😊

[@bigsemtv5327]

Are tv power cords Worth stripping?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

In my opinion, no. Not even close! I guess it depends on how you value your time.

[@bigsemtv5327]

Thanks!!! 👍

[@RafalScrapper]

cool to watch vid well made like from me 👍😀👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Rafal! I've been meaning to check out your channel for awhile - subbed now! 😊👌

[@ScrapFatherScrapSon]

10:03 that coil is aluminum . Unless your lighting on the camera is bad

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It was definitely copper Taylor. Poor light conditions for sure.

[@andrewrobb9021]

Is nickel a non precious metal or semi precious, ,,,,,,,, ?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I don't think it is classed as a precious metal Andrew. Google will probably tell you! 😊

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Copper is not pink, it's orange.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Ok, pinkish orange then? 😁 I guess that's why "copper" can be used to describe the colour of something - it's a little different to anything else!

[@treytill9437]

I beg to differ

[@MrSlimshady649]

I’ve worked for a scrapyard for 30 years in Canada . Your roll of corroded wire would be bought as number 1 copper

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Ok cool! I guess scrapyards vary a bit with their guidelines!

[@doitmanrv1084]

😁

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

😁👍

[@ناظمالمعادن-ب2م]

Hi

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for saying Hi! Hi back! 😊

[@seedplanter7173]

They will give you the lower price and they won't even tell you when mixing copper wire together. I'm running out of space for my scrap. All my friends have a nice pile of random scrap on the side of their house and I sense they don't like it

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, you do need to keep the lines of communication open with scrap yards and keep questioning them on their pricing and requirements! They must love people who come in with a load of mixed stuff and just take whatever the yard pays without question! I think it's healthy to build a good business reputation and they know that you are a shrewd business person. It earns mutual respect. As for scrap storage at home - it's really a fine balance between efficiency and keeping the "boss" happy! 🤣

[@huckstirred7112]

burn the insulated wire , lop of the ends there brass

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It's illegal to burn insulated wire! Many scrapyards won't accept it for that reason!

[@huckstirred7112]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I live 45 minutes from St. Louis .Every yard with in an hour distance will take burned wire . How on gods green earth did you hear burning copper is illegal .Because it isn't

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Different countries, different rules I guess! It's certainly illegal in Australia and there's rather large fines!

[@huckstirred7112]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I am in the US and I can't believe the amount of people loosing huge amounts of cash because of not burning wire . I never thought of other countries rules

[@anglo-saxon9182]

£5 for one lb right now

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

The copper price is certainly a lot higher than when I made this video! Over $11/kg for clean copper in Melbourne!

[@audriussedbaras8584]

Bad recycle bad!!!! Bad scrap bad!!!!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Care to explain this comment? What's bad?