Stripping copper wire can be highly profitable—but only if you understand how scrap yards evaluate your material. Selling without knowing the basics of wire grading or preparation can lead to downgraded loads and reduced payouts. If you want to make the most of your scrap wire, it pays to understand how pricing works and what steps you can take before heading to the yard.
What Scrap Yards Look For When Pricing Copper Wire
Scrap yards base their pricing on several core factors:
- Copper grade: Different grades command different prices. Bare Bright pays the most, while insulated wire pays the least.
- Material condition: Clean, stripped copper fetches more than dirty, oily, or mixed loads.
- Weight: Pricing is per pound, but that rate is tied directly to the copper’s quality.
- Market demand: Copper is a globally traded commodity, so prices can change daily based on market trends.
Understanding this pricing structure gives you more control over your return—and prevents scrap yards from lumping your high-grade wire into a lower-paying category.
Know the Common Copper Grades
Each type of copper wire is categorized by quality and cleanliness. Here are the most common:
- Bare Bright Copper: Clean, shiny, and free from insulation or coatings. At least 16 gauge. This is the highest-paying grade.
- #1 Copper Wire: Clean and uncoated, but may have slight discoloration. Still must be free of insulation, solder, or paint.
- #2 Copper Wire: Includes oxidized, painted, or soldered wire. Still valuable, but pays less than #1.
- Insulated Copper Wire: Copper with plastic insulation still intact. Value depends on insulation thickness and copper content.
The more wire you can convert into Bare Bright or #1 copper, the higher your payout.
When Is It Worth Stripping Wire?
Stripping wire removes insulation to reveal the copper core, boosting its grade and value. But not all wire is worth stripping. Here’s when it makes sense:
- YES: Thick, high-yield wire like Romex or larger-gauge THHN. The bigger the wire, the better the return.
- NO: Fine-stranded or low-copper-content wire with heavy insulation. Wire under 14 AWG can be stripped, but the return is minimal—more about keeping the lights on than making profit.
Manual strippers work well for small jobs, while powered machines like StripMeister models save time on larger volumes. The key is efficiency—only strip what gives you a measurable return in time and profit.
Tips for Getting the Best Price at the Scrap Yard
- Sort before selling: Keep your wire grades separate. Don’t mix Bare Bright with #2 or insulated wire.
- Remove non-copper components: Brass fittings, steel ends, or plastic ties can lead to downgrades.
- Keep your wire clean and dry: Dirty, greasy, or corroded copper may be penalized.
- Ask for pricing in advance: Rates change frequently. Call ahead or check online listings for the best yard in your area.
- Build trust: Consistent sellers with well-prepped material often get preferred treatment and faster processing.
FAQs
How often do copper scrap prices change?
Copper prices can fluctuate daily due to global commodity markets. Always check prices on the day you plan to sell.
Should I clean tarnished copper before selling?
It’s not necessary to polish the copper, but remove insulation, solder, and other contaminants. Slight discoloration is acceptable for #1 copper.
How can I estimate the value of my wire before selling?
Use a scale to weigh your wire, estimate the grade, and multiply by current price-per-pound rates from local yards or online listings.
What’s the best time to sell copper?
When prices are high. Follow copper market trends and hold your scrap if the current rate is low, provided you can store it safely.
Get the Most from Every Pound
The scrap yard isn’t just weighing your wire—they’re evaluating it. And if you don’t understand what they’re looking for, you could be losing money without realizing it.
At StripMeister, we build wire stripping machines designed to help you move up the copper grade ladder—turning insulated wire into cleaner, higher-paying material with less time and effort. Our machines are easy to set, precise, and reliable, giving you the confidence to strip smarter and maximize every load. Whether you’re stripping wire for extra cash or running a full-scale operation, success starts with the right prep, knowledge, and tools.