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I have recently started stripping wire. I mostly get the wire from dumpster diving. I have this happen a few times, and want to know if it is still considered illegal. I will be stripping the wire,and there will be sections that are black as if burnt. I would say 85% is still bare,and bright. Should i cut the black sections off,and just throw them away,or can i still sell it along with the rest? Thank you in advance
Depends on the amount of labor vs the difference between price of BB. if it's smaller then a pencil lead it's #2 any way.
it's not burnt. It's corroded from moisture. It goes as copper #2
You can clean it. If you search the old threads you will find out how.
But it usually costs more in time and money (for material) than what can be gotten from the increased price. Usually only .10-.15 cents difference between # 1 and # 2.Quote:
Originally Posted by BRASSCATCHER
Agreed but sometime people have to learn things for themselves. And we all learned by research and reading. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688
Thank you all very much. I just didnt want to be fined for burning wire.
Copper oxidizes, where the shielded wire has had the shield stripped away, the copper will change color because of oxidation. Just like a penny will.
If it's black where the shield has been pulled away, it could be that it arced, and oxidized during that process, which would make it turn darker.
If you come across a large amount of copper that has been burned, there are ways to clean it easily, without too much expense, so that you will not incur a fine. I believe however, most places that fine for burning wire do so when they are able to catch the person in the act. But that burnt wire will not bring you a fine, it will just make it impossible for you to sell it as they scrap yards that purchase it will be fined for having it, and will not buy it from you.
Scott
I think the best thing a scraper can learn about wire is the pros and cons of stripping wire, or selling it as insulated wire. That lesson starts with the amount of wire one thinks they will be scraping. Then being able to determine just what type of wire do they have. Next is learning how to determine percentage of copper for any type of wire. All three important factors for stripping or selling it as is. Regardless of how you decide to process wire, the profit from wire will be better, know your weight, type and return percentage determines best way to deal with wire. Wire can be one the best returns for a scraper, it all depends on how you sell it, as there is at least five different grades at most yards. Lowest grades is cents per pound and highest being dollars per pound, still even in this down market.
I get 100's of lbs of burnt to crisp wire from my dads jobs. It's no problem at my yard I just strip it all down and as long as it's thicker than a pencil led and pure copper it's all good with them. As long as your beinf honest, and not sketchy about it hiding it you'll be good.