Where to find bulk cables/wires?

Hey, everyone. This place is insanely helpful, so I figured it would be right to post it in this section.

Where/how can I find big wires/cables? The only scrap wire I can get is from friends when I ask for old or broken electronics. Where I live, I don't have much room for broken down electronics, so I would like to gather copper from cables until I have sufficient space.

Thanks guys!

don't bother to go near the town center, the homeless guys get all those.

Thanks, guys.

Homeless people shouldn't be too big of a problem. We've got some homeless, but I live in the 'burbs.

If you have deep pockets try some of the Hydro, Telephone and Military auctions for large lots of brass and copper wire.

Try local Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing contractors, bring and good scale legal for trade and cash.

Car looms are my best source. That & ovens & fridges.
Don't get the fibre insulation covered stuff mixed into it, it won't burn off.

Once you have cut most of the plastic off the looms & all of the brass connectors.
The 'burnt off weight' will be 2/3rds of that weight.

I dunno how you can burn it off, a icecream container full will cover most of a street with smoke & will cause someone to ring the fire brigade.

just be patent and look everywhere you go

I think, Cables.com is one of the most famous. They offers a variety of Bulk fiber optic, bulk Coaxial cable, bulk speaker and security wire, and other types of cable in bulk for home and business cable needs.

Auctions are good. I bought 1,000+ lbs of copper at an auction for $300 a few years ago.

Look for electircian's and cable-guy's homes. If they park their truck overnight (like att or comcast), most likely they get rid of wire. I have an handyman service and a directTV guy. Both get rid of SPOOLS on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by CageK

Hey, everyone. This place is insanely helpful, so I figured it would be right to post it in this section.



Where/how can I find big wires/cables? The only scrap wire I can get is from friends when I ask for old or broken electronics. Where I live, I don't have much room for broken down electronics, so I would like to gather copper from cables until I have sufficient space.

Thanks guys!

I used to have early coffee and got to know a bunch of AT&T guys. Often times in rural or remote areas they just buried their scrap. AT&T scrap is awesome. Just heard of a place in the woods where PGE did the same. Maybe you'll get lucky and talk to the right old-timer. Pays to get out and talk to folks. Might even watch and see where all the utility trucks park in AM or for lunch and get to know them. Works for me.

AT&T have their own recycling center with a cable granulator...it doesnt get buried

Take te whole vaccum for copper bearing. cut the cord. Central vacs the motor comes out really easy. Hammer the top off and twist the springs. Volia a motor.
Try to find the location of the warranty inspection. They through out lots of motors and wires in the place we go.