Different Kind of Copper

**OkPabloMustard** · 02-13-2011, 12:24 PM

Hi. I am new to scrapping, and I have some copper, but I don't know how to separate the different kinds.

I have some that is hard to bend, and if you do, they snap in half. Some of these kind are brown, and some are pure red.

I have another that is really soft and light.

I have some that is kind of in between, that is somewhat flexable

Are there names for these different kinds? If there is, can you tell me what they are and how much you get per pound for each? Thanks.

**Mick** · 02-13-2011, 01:26 PM

This thread I made should help you: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...-for-Beginners . Don't confuse copper and brass. The "hard to bend" stuff might be brass. Copper is "red-ish"; Brass is "yellow-ish". Copper should bend fairly easily. Can you tell us what the item is that's hard to bend or post a picture?

**rca987** · 02-13-2011, 06:14 PM

A good file comes in handy for that stuff sometimes =)

**IdahoScrapper** · 02-13-2011, 07:13 PM

A magnet is your friend for sure.

Cut open a few compressors today. 2nd one had a coil of copper tubing on top of the motor.

Nope. Copper colored steel.

**OkPabloMustard** · 02-13-2011, 09:08 PM

Can't really post a picture, but it was wrapped around some plastic, like it was wire, but not as flexible as the other copper. It's not magnetic, I checked. It was wrapped around plastic, I think it was used as an inductor. Is brass ever used for that? How can you tell the difference between #1 copper and #2?

**Mick** · 02-14-2011, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by OkPabloMustard

... How can you tell the difference between #1 copper and #2?

See the link in my other response.

**Rowdy** · 02-14-2011, 10:06 AM

Copper can be work hardened, which will make it brittle and hard to bend. Pretty much the more copper is worked (bent, beat, twisted, etc ) the harder it will become.

ETA: Also, copper that has been annealed and not worked much will be almost taffy soft.

**Mick** · 02-14-2011, 10:20 AM

What would be an example of a common product made of work-hardened copper? I know it can be done, just can't think of what of what he might have.

**Rowdy** · 02-14-2011, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Mick

What would be an example of a common product made of work-hardened copper? I know it can be done, just can't think of what of what he might have.

That I really do not know. I've run across some heavier ground wire off of electric poles that has been bent enough to be worked hardened. At the bottom of the pole it is wound into a spiral before the pole is set into the ground (called a butt wrap) but as for common products... no clue. Welding tips for a MIG welder, maybe?

**TJMETALRECYCLERS** · 02-20-2011, 06:38 AM

Most yards use the old "magnet test" and it is the easiest.
BTW, I got a surprise earlier in my experiences, when "stripping out" a chest type freezer.
I was "digging around inside the walls and came across some of the "prettiest copper tubing". I got excited and started stripping out and came out with about 40 feet of this stuff.
Imagine my surprise when I got to the yard and found out it was just "Copper Clad Steel" and not worth the extra effort of digging it out of that old freezer.
BOY, did I fell stupid for not checking it with my magnet.
Remember, "all that glitters, is NOT gold" or in my case "copper", LOL!