Is it Worth Clipping Cords and Wires for Scrap Metal?

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  • Опубликовано: 11 дек 2024

Комментарии • 153

  • @williammeeks1283
    @williammeeks1283 2 года назад +21

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

  • @tonytavary3388
    @tonytavary3388 2 года назад +15

    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.

  • @logandouglas8772
    @logandouglas8772 2 года назад +41

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

    • @logandouglas8772
      @logandouglas8772 2 года назад +9

      Annnnnnnnd you said it as I finished typing

    • @mabeldelrey7741
      @mabeldelrey7741 2 года назад

      True!

    • @knifendice7414
      @knifendice7414 2 года назад +2

      I do this and it helps a lot

    • @Holy_handful_of_bread91
      @Holy_handful_of_bread91 Год назад

      True, but sometimes I wait till I have a a ton fun pass time to do and is always fun to get brass out of the ends and the little copper shells that are inside of the computer boxes

  • @twisted2291
    @twisted2291 2 года назад +10

    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.

    • @paulcoenen7918
      @paulcoenen7918 2 года назад +1

      I don't watch TV and I get no such thing as a dead day so my plugs just pile up for retirement work 😆
      Update : I

  • @ScrapPalletMan
    @ScrapPalletMan 2 года назад +6

    Great analysis

  • @davea5150
    @davea5150 8 месяцев назад +1

    Absolutely yes!!! 💯💯💯

  • @TheUltimateRecycler
    @TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад +11

    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
    @TeamBlackDiamond 2 года назад +5

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

  • @jonathanbuckley3254
    @jonathanbuckley3254 2 года назад +4

    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 content.....vacuum, 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.

  • @iffy9776
    @iffy9776 2 года назад +8

    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.

    • @Charles-q4t8y
      @Charles-q4t8y День назад +1

      You have to keep on it,or be overan😮

  • @richardwarnock2789
    @richardwarnock2789 2 года назад +3

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

  • @bigkeg9173
    @bigkeg9173 2 года назад +4

    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 👍

    • @spangdeez498
      @spangdeez498 2 года назад +1

      So about 1.60/lb for insulated and about 0.65$/lb for the small stuff..??? (Sorry I’m from the US) .. but that’s about 0.30$ more/lb than what I get - but we have insulated #2 & #3 ..#3 being the Christmas lights - getting $1.25/lb for insulated #2

    • @bigkeg9173
      @bigkeg9173 2 года назад +1

      @@spangdeez498 yeah mate, roughly about right.
      Prices vary so much atm here. Last month I got 4.20kg and 1.90 for low grade

    • @bigkeg9173
      @bigkeg9173 2 года назад +1

      @@CovidConQuitTheCensorship Brisbane

    • @bigkeg9173
      @bigkeg9173 2 года назад

      @@CovidConQuitTheCensorship Yes, my last trip in, which was after the comment, I was told no more Xmas lights ☹

  • @michaelsinclair8279
    @michaelsinclair8279 2 года назад +2

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

  • @nachostuff
    @nachostuff 2 года назад +2

    The answer is Yes - always yes!

    • @nachostuff
      @nachostuff 2 года назад +2

      And prices are down so the potential only goes up!

  • @chrism-qk8jm
    @chrism-qk8jm 7 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @MattsAwesomeStuff
    @MattsAwesomeStuff 2 года назад +6

    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.

    • @johnnyrobinson1111
      @johnnyrobinson1111 2 года назад

      What addiction? Porn Food Gambling? I might be a scrapper and didn't even know it. Lol. You are right better than minimum wage is a good thing 👍

  • @ScrapMan69
    @ScrapMan69 Год назад +1

    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!

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  Год назад +1

      Those are the good cords for sure! I struggle to feel good about picking the brass out of them but I did the math and it really is worth doing, just an annoying chore lol

  • @its_marc
    @its_marc 2 года назад +2

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

  • @gravitybear
    @gravitybear 2 года назад

    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!

  • @lukelegg9915
    @lukelegg9915 2 года назад

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

  • @madelinerose5326
    @madelinerose5326 2 года назад

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

  • @rayl3177
    @rayl3177 2 года назад +1

    I brought in 178 pounds of appliance and mixed wire all clipped and clean my yard gave 1 usd a pound for it. I thought I was going to 55cents a pound. Plus I probably had 10 pounds of clean brass pulled from the clipped ends.

  • @tillmansomethinrother8649
    @tillmansomethinrother8649 2 года назад +1

    I get a standard size truck bed full of wire that has transformers and cord ends on them. It pays for me to process it. Some of it is Cat wire, and phone cords. It's tangled and has to be sorted. I may have less than 30 hours in it. Still worth it.

  • @ryanthescavenger
    @ryanthescavenger 2 года назад

    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.

  • @rcook2608
    @rcook2608 2 года назад +1

    Always love the breakdowns thank you

  • @marktaylor2644
    @marktaylor2644 2 года назад +1

    I take the extra second to clip as I collect. I have my cord tote and my end bucket side by side in my truck and take the extra second to cut as I collect instead of letting them build up. plus then I have the ends all ready for processing in the bucket ready for the work. when it's full then it's time to take the time for the brass prongs and box ends processing. thats the long hard part for me.

  • @sweetjohnny8211
    @sweetjohnny8211 2 года назад +2

    I usually clip the plug at the same time I cut the cord. If I don't they go into a separate pile, and whenever my nephew wants to buy a new game I pay him $10 an hour to help me out and that's one of the things he can handle.

    • @erikarangel7339
      @erikarangel7339 2 года назад +2

      You just gave me the idea of paying a homeless to do my stripping😂💀

  • @StellanLarsson
    @StellanLarsson 2 года назад

    Thanks!! In Sweden, it is required that the cables do not have contacts. It is so that they can put them directly in the separator for copper gravel. If plugt are in its just mixet metal and very little money.

  • @Bigdog7499
    @Bigdog7499 2 года назад +1

    I do it as I clip it. That way it’s already done. Most of the time I’ll pull the brass plugs at the same time and throw into a bucket. If not they just go into the shred pile

  • @joselofarias2088
    @joselofarias2088 Год назад

    Like to see a video of your work bench set up. Im looking up ideas to build my own.

  • @scrapguy6816
    @scrapguy6816 2 года назад +1

    Most definitely worth it. I cut the plugs off as I go. So... no real extra time spent messing with it afterwards. To each their own.

  • @Joe-ff4if
    @Joe-ff4if 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you for convincing me to not scrap my bins of wire. Seriously, Thank you

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  5 месяцев назад

      I was really surprised! I always thought it was an obvious part of scrapping, and I suppose with real long cords it’s probably still worth it but I’m glad to know when I have a huge bin of mixed cables to go through, it’s fine to just not bother

  • @lautonsutley3760
    @lautonsutley3760 2 года назад

    Love the short ones

  • @ZishanKhan-yr4ed
    @ZishanKhan-yr4ed Месяц назад

    Here's a little advice from a grader. Strip the wire for the barebright. Stock it sell it when prices are at the highest. Nothing less than 100lbs at max price is worth the time and effort sit on the gold until you can make the most from it.

  • @michaelhofer4548
    @michaelhofer4548 2 года назад +9

    This is not the bin you will be seeing
    This is a tribute.
    Sorry. I'll see myself out

  • @jamesbyrne2004
    @jamesbyrne2004 2 года назад +1

    If you calculate the time it would probably take longer to clip prior to placing in bin then to do all cables once.

  • @docink6175
    @docink6175 2 года назад

    I haven't been scrapping in a while, it just wasn't worth it but when I was I would clip the ends when I clipped the wires. Even if I wasn't out scrapping and I just saw something electrical I would stop quick and snip snip...

  • @sticksandstones1885
    @sticksandstones1885 2 года назад +1

    The regular yard I go to it doesn't matter if you clip them or not they consider it to be the same and it's only .25 to .50 sense a pound on an average rate. They say it doesn't matter because it goes through the same process it goes to a chopper. That's in the US and Cleveland Ohio. That's for regular house chords. They say you're not upgrading by cutting the ends.

  • @whiggy6976
    @whiggy6976 2 года назад

    if you were clippng one lead off an appliance yes, clean as you go but if you find a big box or bundle you should just grab it and keep moving, $15 an hour inside and warm will look more attractive in the depths of winter, stack it for the hard times

  • @rickmoore
    @rickmoore 2 года назад

    Thanks Thub!

  • @BTCtrees
    @BTCtrees 2 года назад

    I love your videos, audio is low, but them coming friend!!!

  • @patriciaramirez5632
    @patriciaramirez5632 2 года назад +2

    I don't have a choice. The 3 places around me that buy wires demand the ends cut off.

  • @CaptainAaron
    @CaptainAaron 2 года назад

    thanks for the info! I'll use that logic for one of my videos :)

  • @Suzu92
    @Suzu92 2 года назад +1

    I was doing this w Power cords and Monitor cables. But my yard told me to leave em and theyll pay the same.
    Which is currently .50/lb
    I cut the CAT5/6 ends bc that ones $1/lb

  • @familydogg1234
    @familydogg1234 4 месяца назад

    Yes! If the prongs are brass its brass price. If its silver color - its " dirty brass". Our Scrapyard gives a lesser price for chords with plug ends.

  • @counterstrike2A
    @counterstrike2A 2 года назад +1

    Gonna need a montage. MONTAGE!!

  • @Warpcaller
    @Warpcaller 2 года назад +3

    Great video as always, keep them coming!

  • @ichangedmyname0001
    @ichangedmyname0001 2 года назад +1

    Awesome video 👍

  • @unchained20000000
    @unchained20000000 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the video. I have always wondered about that. Is it worth clipping insulated wires.

  • @cocopufer5667
    @cocopufer5667 2 года назад

    i appreciate the promotion from trash enthusiast to trash associate. also what about the diff if you strip the wires completely?

  • @bigcountryscrapper6885
    @bigcountryscrapper6885 2 года назад

    Great video

  • @cindyhopkins3989
    @cindyhopkins3989 2 года назад

    Good video

  • @mollynakamori
    @mollynakamori 2 года назад +2

    Lookit you, you little scamp. A Wednesday video. Thanks!

  • @trench124
    @trench124 2 года назад +2

    And yet we still want more videos
    Lol

  • @thatcanada
    @thatcanada 2 года назад +6

    A large bucket is always about an hour worth of work - so I put on a few youtube videos and clip while watching. Was going to 'waste' that hour anyways, so why not make a few bucks?

    • @CoryCDS
      @CoryCDS Месяц назад

      Yup even if that extra hour only makes me $5 its alright i got to be productive, listen to music podcast or watch a show while making a couple bucks. Cant beat it

  • @riverratfishing5103
    @riverratfishing5103 2 года назад +2

    Hey thub does your scrap yard take the ends as brass?

  • @spangdeez498
    @spangdeez498 2 года назад

    I was thinking about saving just the plug in ends after I saw you boil them and get that brass out .. but I doubt they even give me dirty prices at my yard - so I just toss them in my junk bucket /just leave them on the wire

  • @johnnyrobinson1111
    @johnnyrobinson1111 2 года назад +3

    Can you still sell the plugs???

  • @eliedube
    @eliedube 3 месяца назад

    Is there any plated gold in those DVI connectors? 🤔

  • @corriedebeer799
    @corriedebeer799 Год назад

    What about getting yourself a pair of automatic wire strippers and getting at the copper inside the wire?

  • @802Garage
    @802Garage 2 года назад

    Can you scrap the ends for anything as well or do they just go to trash/electronics recycling?

  • @aledhughes6000
    @aledhughes6000 3 месяца назад

    Question for you mate ? There's 3 forks on a plug on a lead and there brass how meany plugs would I need to get 1kg mmate I have 40 plugs at the mo 🔌 I'm guessing 25 is 1 kg ? I'm in the UK so theres 3 forks to the plug mate

  • @vinnienowhere1015
    @vinnienowhere1015 2 года назад

    I pull the brass ends off the plugs then snip them. It’s such a small amount but it adds up over time(a long time)😂

  • @BenKaufmanlpandwhmsandbhhs
    @BenKaufmanlpandwhmsandbhhs Год назад

    Is there any way to get value from the leftover clippings?

  • @charlesschulz8416
    @charlesschulz8416 2 года назад +1

    I cut the plugs off cords and run the cords through my cable stripping machine and hoard the clean copper wire up to sell when the copper price is good i use copper as a stepping stone metal to buy silver or an odd gram of gold

    • @paulcoenen7918
      @paulcoenen7918 2 года назад +1

      I would keep the copper, just because it's harder for people to walk off with it. I also think it may preform better than the other two but who really knows.
      Good luck to you 👍

    • @charlesschulz8416
      @charlesschulz8416 2 года назад

      @@paulcoenen7918 thanx man

  • @NoMoreBsPlease
    @NoMoreBsPlease Год назад

    Think of the jobs that pay that, Amazon stacking boxes, factory work, stripping wire😂

  • @Derbyhobbiescrapper
    @Derbyhobbiescrapper 2 года назад +2

    I cut the ends off of all my wire and strip it all

  • @thunderstorm864
    @thunderstorm864 Год назад

    Thanks very much for u

  • @Gigachadly
    @Gigachadly 2 года назад +1

    I had 12 AIR conditioning units and I took all them apart to get the ACR’s sold them as clean at 1.50$ a LB and only ended up with 400$ worth, haven’t taken the copper pipes in nor cracked open the compressor to get the copper inside there but is that where all the money is? I’m just baffled you got 110$ for 1 air conditioner in your “ how to scrap a AC “ video but for 12 I didn’t end up with anywhere near 1200$, is all the money in the copper pipes and electric motors inside compressor?

  • @tomvolungus1511
    @tomvolungus1511 2 года назад +2

    Rainy day job, then strip. Melt into bars!!!

    • @paulcoenen7918
      @paulcoenen7918 2 года назад

      Just make sure you have some where that will buy the bars. I would hate for someone to do all that work just to find out the yard won't except them. Laws may also change with the rise of copper theft. They might only be able to accept identifiable copper.
      Who knows what they might do.

  • @dannyclark9844
    @dannyclark9844 2 года назад

    Yes has nothing to do with this video but you can cut those oxygen alumicut those oxygen oxygen tanks with a carbide tip saw blade on a circular Saw just go slow and be sure to have all your skin covered up till they come off for there like 22 Also you can cut the other one around because the limit is fairly cause lemon is very soft metal you just need a car bike tip blade with like 40 Teeth and go slow

  • @dr.a006
    @dr.a006 2 года назад

    Soooo, yes. If you clip as you get small batches. A couple minutes here, five minutes there, easy. And easier on the hands too! Sort as you go!

  • @omgitsmaheshagain
    @omgitsmaheshagain 2 года назад

    How do u classify/ identity the quality of metals, whether it’s no.1, 2, 3 or 4? Much needed knowledge pls help

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  2 года назад

      Well I have a series of videos explaining everything I know about individual types of material, but to put it briefly; the grade refers to the recovery percentage by weight. Contaminants on the material lowers the grade, but so does the thickness of the material such as copper or steel because if it’s very thin it will lose a higher percentage when refined because some of it burns off. Aluminium is different, it has many different grades because it will be alloyed in a number of ways depending on how it will be formed. Cast aluminium is alloyed differently than cold-worked aluminium such as cans and pans.
      So the reason for grading can vary depending on the metal, but the buyer may have their own categories depending on who they ship to

  • @daleh645
    @daleh645 2 года назад

    Interesting 🧐
    God bless 🙏🏼🇺🇸🇨🇦

  • @deweydoesdaily742
    @deweydoesdaily742 2 года назад

    Would it be bad to though the clipped ends in with steel shred?

    • @Gravitics
      @Gravitics 2 года назад +1

      I don't see why not

  • @LegacyGarage
    @LegacyGarage 3 месяца назад

    If i have extension cords, what are they if i just take the main insulation off insulated 1 or 2, would that be worth it if it only takes a few minutes?

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  3 месяца назад +1

      It would still be insulated #2 at my yard because the copper is fine strands, so you’d actually be losing money unless you stripped both layers off. Pretty tough to get a decent hourly rate with that stuff

    • @LegacyGarage
      @LegacyGarage 3 месяца назад

      @thubprint thats what i figured, i try stripping some lighter stuff, but if it doesn't come out clean and togther. I stop and roll on

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  3 месяца назад +1

      @@LegacyGarage no you’re absolutely right, and that’s why I went in and practiced and made this video (and others). I don’t want to tell people what they should and shouldn’t consider worth doing but from a minimum wage standpoint, stripping anything smaller than 10ga is really poor returns

  • @DavidGS66
    @DavidGS66 2 года назад

    I've never heard of #3,#4,#5 wires. I just put all flexible wires including plugs in a bag, & I'm paid #2 price. It's not worth stripping #2 wire & neither most #1 wire with my TNT Tooling hand stripper. (Goggle Imgur → Wire Strippers I've Owned). I do clean all tape, zip ties, loose housing, rubber things, marrettes (fake Cu inside), etc & I take as much steel off of computer wire plugs that I can get off. Steel thumbscrews on computer wires cause severe tangling, so use plyers to pull out asap.

  • @SilverScorpion
    @SilverScorpion 2 года назад

    Nice

  • @RetroSpectiveMoto
    @RetroSpectiveMoto Год назад +1

    it doesn’t take a lot of time if you cut right away without waiting for the pile to build up

  • @kdscrapping4452
    @kdscrapping4452 2 года назад +1

    I clip as I go!!!! I get 1.30 a pound for that!!

  • @jonathanlincoln7381
    @jonathanlincoln7381 2 года назад

    👍👍👍

  • @choccie_chip685
    @choccie_chip685 Год назад

    How many hours did it take to collect that bin full?

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  Год назад +1

      That’s the missing factor for sure. I don’t track all the time for each bin but you’re absolutely correct to point out that scrapping can burn through a lot of time finding the stuff and hauling it around. That’s really why I’m doing this series and going through all types of materials to find out what the time pays out, a scrapper really should be conscious of where the best value is

  • @scottybeescrapped4429
    @scottybeescrapped4429 2 года назад +1

    Wnds on or not here still is #2 insulated and it's super low .30/lb meh

    • @paulcoenen7918
      @paulcoenen7918 2 года назад

      Ouch!
      Where are you Scotty?

    • @scottybeescrapped4429
      @scottybeescrapped4429 2 года назад

      @@paulcoenen7918 Windsor Ontario Canada ya it sucks was $1.80 the 1.40 then 1 then .50 then .30 what a kick in the face but I'm hoarding it. I have a small channel but have posted in month's, time to get back at it 🍻

  • @livvyweimar7362
    @livvyweimar7362 2 года назад

    Clip as you go. An extra 7 seconds adds up to double digits

  • @peterrobbins2862
    @peterrobbins2862 11 месяцев назад

    Short answer yes it is

  • @sr20det85
    @sr20det85 5 месяцев назад

    My scrapyard won’t let me scrap wire if it has the ends still on it. Good to know though.

  • @harrycuerden5266
    @harrycuerden5266 2 года назад

    Mix wire in London ontario $1.20 pound no clipping no sorting no coax.

  • @robertbedard8239
    @robertbedard8239 2 года назад

    you get that kind of price cause your in canada here in the states is diffrent price as it is in all other countries.

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  2 года назад

      I’ve heard that, prices vary quite a bit in different areas

  • @cuetTimmonz
    @cuetTimmonz Год назад

    snip the ends get the BRASS!! and leave the too thin cables. i still take the copper out of these cords, if not too thin.. winter has a lot of downtime, good time do get things done. lol or making antler, copper, bone jewellery!!! my other hobby!

  • @juanacosta5565
    @juanacosta5565 2 года назад +2

    Hello

  • @bazdaniels7420
    @bazdaniels7420 Год назад

    ...but,
    don't you get paid for the brass plugs as well?

  • @HerbalNerdal
    @HerbalNerdal 2 года назад +1

    Volume is a little low

  • @bestest7239
    @bestest7239 2 года назад

    interesting numbers

  • @killjoy987987
    @killjoy987987 2 года назад +1

    I have a bag designated for junk wire I can’t strip

  • @richeyblackk7669
    @richeyblackk7669 2 года назад

    Hey thub I have a question

    • @thubprint
      @thubprint  2 года назад

      What’s the question?

  • @millsmechanics6667
    @millsmechanics6667 Год назад

    Why are so many scrapers so concerned about what they make an hour. Like come on bro you get paid by weight per load not by the hour. As long as you don’t spend money getting it it’s all profit.

  • @TRADINGMAN1
    @TRADINGMAN1 2 года назад +1

    Do a bit now and again when you have a spare five minutes and stockpile it till you need some cash 😇

  • @1784st
    @1784st 2 года назад

    Short answer yes long answer yes it is

  • @SirSwanky-zd6el
    @SirSwanky-zd6el Год назад

    The trick is before you ever put the wires into the tote you clip them. When ya get home and are organic what you got you clip the wires as you're organizing. They get clipped before the tote and then when it's time to go they're clipped already

  • @mollynakamori
    @mollynakamori 2 года назад +1

    BUT! In very broad terms and very rough averages, you gained around 40%. Hmm.