BX Wire - Strip or Not?

Apologies in advance if this has been discussed, but I couldn't seem to find a thread about it.

I was given a roll of BX wire (I think there are 3 strands of insulated copper wire in it? Haven't looked closely yet).

Anyway, should it be traded in as is or what is the best way to prepare it?

Thanks

I would take the time to at least get the outer sheath off. You will then have 2 wires with plastic on them, and 1 wire which will be bare copper. I believe you will have 2 different prices going on there. I take a razor knife and run it down the middle, the you can peel the cover right off.

Yes, in fact after you pull it out, it becomes insulated copper. No plastic sheath. And the last bit of plastic will come right off with that razor, careful because the metal is soft and will catch the razor occasionally. You just got to find the right angle, then *ZIP* it'll come right off.

the newer stuff will just pull out if cut into managable pieces but i did happen to run across some old that even if cut into one foot pieces, the wire would still not pull out, i dont know what was holding it, but i just tossed it to the side and still havent figured out an easy way to get the wire out.

Thanks guys! I hadn't touched the wire since I made this post originally, so I'll dig into it tonight. Thank you.

Originally Posted by mikeyshane331

the newer stuff will just pull out if cut into managable pieces but i did happen to run across some old that even if cut into one foot pieces, the wire would still not pull out, i dont know what was holding it, but i just tossed it to the side and still havent figured out an easy way to get the wire out.

If you start cutting the metal sheath, you'll see that it is wound in a spiral around the wire. You can get the end of it and start pulling, it will eventually get small enough you can pull the wire, or you will have unwrapped it all.

and still havent figured out an easy way to get the wire out.

Hi, what if you put it into a burn pit and made a fire. Whatever is holding it should melt or burn out. Just a thought,,, :confused::confused:

If the wire is stuck inside or outer sheath kinked, cut into 2-3' sections with cutoff saw and pull wire sections out with needlenose.

sometimes it pulls out easily when cut into 2-3 foot pieces and sometimes it doesn't.

Usually the new stuff is easy, and the old stuff hard, but this is not a rule.

When you cut it, you may have to use pliers to unroll the ends a little where them got crimped by your cutters.

Sometimes if you hold the copper wires withe pliers and twist a little while you pull it will come out a little easier.



If the wire wins the battle, the yards usually buy it for electric motor price, but some want it in a separate pile.