samiam1017

any body have any tips on stripping wire to scrap i hads my house rewired and now have a huge pile of old wire that i would like to scrap but need to strip thanks for any tips

480sparky

I use a bench vise and a quality utility knife.

Clamp down one end of the wire in the vise and pull the knife along the wire as you back away.

It will go faster as you get used to it.

I stripped $280/worth in about an hour two weeks ago.


Another suggestion: I did this one winter: Forecast was for -25ºF one night, so I loaded all the wire into my pickup bed. First thing in the morning, I went out and dropped it onto the driveway. It all cracked right off.

samiam1017

thanks how about trying to burn it off you ever try that

glennjanie

Hello SamIAm:
The Environmental Protection Agency frowns on burning wire insulation, tires and the like. It gives off hazardous smoke.
Glenn

travelover

Agree, don't burn it. Nasty emissions.

480sparky

The DNR here likes to look for black smoke and write up 4-digit fines for producing it.

samiam1017

didn't think about the effect it would have on the envirment
thanks for pointing that one out i guess i'll start stripin
thanks

glennjanie

Use a sharp knife and be sure to cut away from yourself. I hope the procedes from the wire will make your Christmas a little merrier.
Glenn

travelover

I was at Home Depot today and noticed in their electrical section, a wire stripping tool designed to cut down the length of the wire. Opposite the blade is a V groove to hold and center the wire. This tool might be what you need.

480sparky

If you're talking about one of these:



Don't bother.... they're great for stripping a wire an inch or two in order to terminate it, but not for stripping long lengths. The blade doesn't hold up, and you need to constantly adjust it for different types (thinknesses) of insulation.