Stripping Cables for Copper: When Is It Really Worth It?

Stripping copper cable will get you a higher price than turning in unstripped cables. Bare copper can easily fetch €3.00 to €4.00 per kilo more than PVC cable. But it takes time and effort, so it’s not always worth it. Below, you’ll learn when it makes sense to strip copper cables, how to do it safely, and what you’ll get in return.

Why does stripped copper fetch a higher price than insulated cables?

It's simple: a scrap metal dealer pays for the copper, not for the plastic around it. An unstripped cable is covered with 40 to 60% insulation that must first be removed. If you turn in bare, hand-stripped copper, you skip that step and get a higher price per kilo for the copper.

The difference is significant. At Krommenhoek Metals, old PVC cable fetches about €1.50 to €2.00 per kilo. Stripped copper goes for around €5.00 to €6.00, depending on the daily market rate.

Which cables are worth stripping?

Not every cable is worth the effort. A good rule of thumb: is the cable thicker than your thumb? If so, it’s almost always worth stripping. Think of thick power cords, high-voltage cables, and old underground cables.

Thin wiring (VD 1.5 or 2.5 mm²) is a different story. Stripping it by hand takes more time than it’s worth. It’s better to turn it in as scrap PVC cable. The same goes for short pieces under 30 centimeters and cables with plugs or steel braiding.

How do you safely strip copper cables at home?

Always check first to make sure the cable is de-energized. Wear cut-resistant gloves and always cut away from your body.

Step by step:

Cut the cable into pieces about one meter long
Clamp one end in a vise
Use a utility knife or wire stripper to cut through the outer jacket without touching the copper
Pull the insulation off in one smooth motion
Collect the bare copper separately, without any plastic residue

Expect to process two to three kilograms of clean copper per hour with thick cables. With an electric stripping machine, you can easily double that. Such a machine starts at a few hundred euros and pays for itself if you regularly process larger volumes.

Never burn your cables. It’s bad for the environment, often prohibited, and it causes the copper to oxidize. At Krommenhoek Metals, we pay less for burned material.

Returning Stripped vs. Unstripped Copper: A Comparison

	PVC cable (unstripped)	Hand-peeled copper (stripped)
Price per kilogram	€1.50 to €2.00	€5.00 to €6.00
Time commitment	None	2 to 3 kilograms per hour (manual)
Additional hourly earnings	N/A	€6.00 to €12.00
Suitable for thin cable	Yes	No, it's too labor-intensive
Suitable for thick cable	Yes, but lower yield	Yes, that's where the profit is

If the cable is more than twenty kilograms in weight, it’s worth stripping it. For smaller quantities or thin wire, it’s better to deliver it unstripped.

Where can I turn in stripped copper?

At Krommenhoek Metals, we have two locations: Rotterdam (Keenstraat 28) and the Westland (Maasdijkseweg 138). We weigh your scrap on the spot and pay in cash or by debit card. Want to know in advance how much your cables are worth? Send a photo via WhatsApp to +31 6 13 662 187. With a Staalpas, you’ll get higher prices and faster service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between PVC-coated copper wire and bare copper?

Expect a price difference of €3.00 to €4.00 per kilo. White, hand-peeled copper falls into our highest copper category.

Do I need a strip machine?

Not necessarily. For a one-time job involving 10 kilograms, a utility knife works just fine. Do you process larger volumes on a monthly basis? If so, a machine will quickly pay for itself.

Does my copper have to be completely clean?

The cleaner it is, the better the price. Make sure it’s free of insulation scraps, plugs, and other materials. That could easily save you a euro per kilo.