A single job is not enough to cover the family expenses of some people. Thus, running a side business may be an avenue towards financial independence. Collecting and selling scrap wire is an excellent idea for a side business. Selling scrap wire for cash requires a strategic approach to make it a lucrative venture. One way of doing it is learning to strip waste wires. It involves the removal of the plastic insulation, leaving the copper wire naked. This article highlights tips for stripping waste copper wire. 

Use the Sun's Heat 

The plastic insulation on copper wires can be stubborn, making the stripping process a long and challenging experience. Therefore, it is advisable to soften the insulation first before beginning the stripping process. Unfortunately, some scrappers use shortcuts to soften scrap wire insulation, only to regret their decision. For instance, some people burn wires in direct fire, not knowing that this approach downgrades the copper inside. Consequently, it reduces the amount of money you receive for your scrap wire load. The best strategy is to use the sun's natural heat to soften the insulation. Most importantly, it helps retain the quality of the copper wire inside, increasing your revenue significantly. 

Use a Cable Stripping Machine 

Once you have softened the insulation, it is time to strip the sheath off scrap copper wires. There are two ways to do it: by hand or using a cable stripping machine. Notably, you can comfortably use your hands to strip waste wires if you operate on a small-scale basis. Alternatively, you can make a DIY cable stripper from a piece of wood and a sharp razor. However, you need a sophisticated cable stripper if you plan to collect huge amounts of waste wire. A cable-stripping machine makes the insulation removal process easy and fast. Thus, you can spend more time collecting waste wires and less time cleaning them.

Understand Cable Sizes 

The size of a cable impacts the stripping process. Therefore, if you treat all the scrap wires in your collection the same way, you risk breaking thin wires. For instance, it would make little sense to use a big cable stripper on thin wires, such as those found in small household appliances like radios and computers. Instead, such cables are best stripped using a handheld stripping machine. However, you need a specialised cable stripper to process large copper wires found in huge equipment such as electric transformers.

Contact a business that offers cash for wires to learn more.

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