PLAN YOUR NEXT LOAD
Wire Stripping
Comparison Calculator.
Compare selling insulated wire as-is with a stripped-copper estimate after labor and preparation costs. Use rates and recovery estimates for your own material.
UNDERSTAND YOUR INPUTS
A comparison, built from your numbers.
- Recovered copper weight = insulated wire weight × recovery percentage ÷ 100.
- As-is estimate = insulated wire weight × insulated wire rate.
- Stripped gross estimate = recovered copper weight × bare copper rate.
- Stripped estimate after costs = stripped gross − (hours × hourly value) − extra preparation cost.
- Break-even labor hours = (stripped gross − extra preparation cost − as-is estimate) ÷ hourly value, when there is a positive margin and hourly value.
Weights and rates are converted to matching units before multiplication. A US short ton is 2,000 lb. The tool rounds displayed currency to cents, using unrounded amounts in the calculation.
What recovery percentage should I enter?
Recovery depends on your specific wire. It is the copper weight divided by the total insulated wire weight, expressed as a percentage. Avoid applying a generic percentage to an unknown load. Ask the yard about your material if you are unsure.
Does a larger estimate mean I should strip the wire?
The result compares only the numbers you enter. It does not evaluate equipment suitability, safe handling, grade, acceptance or the accuracy of your recovery estimate. Confirm preparation and grading with the yard.
What is included in the costs?
Your entered labor and extra preparation costs are deducted only from the stripped estimate. The comparison does not include travel or other costs common to both options. Use the scrap value calculator for a whole-load estimate with trip cost.
TALK WITH THE NAPLES TEAM
Confirm the details of your load.
Tell us what you have, its condition and the approximate amount. Ask about acceptance, preparation and a current rate before making the trip.
Plan the whole load.
Estimate a scrap load
Combine quoted rates and weights. See the effect of your trip cost.
Value calculator →Compare wire preparation
Compare as-is and stripped estimates using your time and costs.
Wire calculator →Prepare your questions
Find common material groups and details to discuss before a visit.
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