Tips For Getting The Most Money For Copper Wire
If you are looking for a way to make a few bucks, though not necessarily quickly, look around your home for things that are made of copper. Copper wire is often the easiest form of copper in the average household. You can then harvest the wire and take it to a copper wire buyer to be paid. However, if you want to get the most money for your efforts, there are a few things you should do first.
Check Buyers
Not all buyers will pay the same amount for your wire. Contact the different places that pay for copper and ask what they pay for each different grade and what it takes to have the highest grade they buy. Now you know what to expect and how much money you can get.
Strip the Wire
Computer cables, old extension cords, and extra coaxial cables for your home theater set up all contain copper wire. You need to strip off the insulated coverings from the wire to get to the copper. You can do this with a wire stripper or a sharp knife. However, you need to be careful and avoid cutting the wire into small pieces or you will end up losing some of it in the coating.
Separate the Copper
Most cords and cables will have other metals in them with the copper. The best way to separate the other metals is by using a magnet. Copper is not magnetized so it will be left behind when you run the magnet over the strands. Pick the copper out of the strand, removing any of the other insulating materials between the different strands. If some of the strands are the right color of copper but are picked up by the magnet they are probably an alloy that contains both copper and some other metal. These wires are still worth money but are a lower grade and should be put in a separate pile.
Clean the Copper
Once you have all the copper picked out strand you should clean it. This can be done by mixing together vinegar, flour and salt to a thin consistency and putting the wire it in. Once the wire is coated, clean it off with a clean cloth. This will increase the price you can get for it.
While you are not going to get rich from the odd copper wires around your home, you should be able to get enough to put some gas in your car or by lunch. It can come in handy when you are in a pinch
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