Is it Worth Clipping Cords and Wires for Scrap Metal?

Strange question, but seriously! How many times have you let the wire bin fill up, only to spend all afternoon clipping the ends off and cleaning it up? It's happened too many times to me, and I'm wondering; Is it worth it? Is it worth spending the time clipping a whole bin of wires? how much is this actually making? Well i did the math, so you don't have to! Make more money scrapping!

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[williammeeks]

I always cut cord ends for brass and I feel like a responsible scrapper in doing so. 👍

[logandouglas]

I feel like snipping the ends off is best to clip them when you first get them.

[tonytavary]

I've done this same experiment with CAT5/6 and clipped cords. I've found I get higher value for the wire and aluminum breakage for the cut ends. If you stay ahead of it, it pays off.

[TheUltimateRecycler]

The other problem with having a large amount to clip is sore hands! Definitely clip as I go here - and not necessarily everything, just the better stuff. There's no rule that says you have to do all or nothing! Nice vid Thub 👍😊

[TeamBlackDiamond]

Love when you do these videos figuring out total profit. Great job once again.

[iffy]

My scrap yard doesn't take the wire unless you have taken off the ends. So I never let them build up. Plus the brass plugs are much thicker here in the UK. I have a steady supply of electric appliances wire, so I definitely need to cut the ends off as I get them otherwise I end up with approx 100kg a month. A nightmare task if not completed as I get them.

[richardwarnock]

Thanks making my no power during Hurricaine Ian much better on my phone just a better day!!!; )

[chrism-qkjm]

The information you provide is invaluable. Wish there was more resources out there. Some just get it, others have a gift. Wish I could repay you with one million subs. I super appreciate the wisdom. Keep the is it worth it vids coming. Some can do the same but truly representing the straight forward variables, is a gift. Thanks much.

[twisted]

Clipping the ends off as you go is the best way to stay ahead. Then on a dead day. Pull the brass off the clipped ends. I do that during the time I am watching TV. So it is like I am getting paid to watch.

[jonathanbuckley]

Hey dude.
I work at a local dump/refuse centre and collect precious metals and process in a shed. With cables I can get 600$ for a cubic meter/300kg. These cables are all of a similar copper washing machine, extension type/size cables. I never ever touch data cables or coax or any other inferior grade. I chop the ends off as i go and collect 2 x bags worth 600$ yearly. I find it worth it. This is a small portion of what precious metal i collect. I mainly focus on copper, brass, stainless and easy alloy. Processing and selling 20k yearly. This is a perk done mainly during work time. If you ever come to New Zealand i would love for you to visit me and stay.

[michaelsinclair]

Midweek Thub! Sweet!
Greetings and well wishes from the Kingdom of Fife.

[its_marc]

Very useful thanks, it’s a rainy day job.

[lukelegg]

my yard thankfully always gives me number 2 for extension, super great video!

[ScrapMan]

I always cut the cords the ends and save them from stoves and washers and dryers I get it adds up quick so I just save it and I always clean mine and cut the ends off of mine! New subscriber!

[gravitybear]

Thanks for doing the math, this is always good info. I always pull out any brass plugs, but I don't clip the big plastic end off, just pull the blades out. It can add up in the brass bin!

[madelinerose]

Good to know that leaving one cord behind is not going to break the bank! Be safe out there.

[bigkeg]

Australia has basically 2 grades. Insulated, appliance wire and bigger with plugs off. Low grade insulated, cat, computer cords, Xmas lights etc and I cut big plugs off, otherwise I leave untouched
Last trip $3.20 kg for insulated and $1.30 kg for low grade 👍

[theaussienurseflipper.]

Here in Australia wire price rangers from low $1 up to $4 something. My local yard pay one price low $3 something (price changer a little all the time) but I don't have to sort the wire and I don't have to cut the plugs off, along as there's no transformers. Even Christmas lights with all the light bulbs still on it. Cheers Graham

[MattsAwesomeStuff]

You need a foot-actuated sheer. So, like, aviation snips mounted in a vice, tips pointed towards you. And a stomp pedal on a simple linkage that closes them. That way you can manipulate the wire with two hands, shove it into the mouth, stomp, and have a left and a right drop bin for them to get tossed into. Probably cut your time down to 1/3. Then it's definitely worth it. Also, lots of people scrapping don't have jobs, they have addictions, so, better than minimum wage for taking in garbage ain't so bad.

[ryanthescavenger]

I think you answered your question best at the end of the video, clip the ends off as you find them, that's what I do and as you said yourself you don't built up a huge job.