The basic idea of scrap copper in Baltimore seems to stand as follows. Copper that is bright and shiny is usually regarded as #1. It earns the highest value in a trade. The brighter the copper, the better the value. This may actually be a bit of a myth. At the very least, there is an indication that the “bright” copper is anything but, and the value will be lower than copper wire that seems dull. Why is this so?
First, one must look at the different copper wire types (there are other coppers, but the wire form is far and above the most common). There are four main types of copper that are traded in Baltimore.
#1 Bright & Shiny
#1 Regular Wire
#1 Tubing & Solids (Candy)
#2 Tubing and Wire
The wire may appear like a #1 Bright & Shiny because it is shiny and thick. But, it may actually be regarded as a #2. The numbers indicate the grade quality and the pure quantity of copper. The reason the difference in value is occurring is because many wire copper manufacturers are covering the wire in a shellac. This is a coating that makes the wire appear superior in grade and quality. When a Scrap Copper in Baltimore collects the wire, they peel away what is, essentially, the top shellac layer. The wire could be graded and read as a #1 on the surface, but it is actually a little dull and a little less thick than what it is perceived to be. The #2 wire is not just duller, it has a distinct reddish color.
Scrap metal traders suggest separating the bare #1 wire from the duller #2. It is easy to group all of it together, but that can actually diminish the trade value. The tubing wire is usually quite highly regarded and valued in a trade, as well. It should be separate from the classically thin copper wire.
Contact us for a fair assessment of copper values. The above does not automatically mean the copper will receive a lower value. The team of collectors likes to build long-term relationships and will offer competitive prices. They also know how to improve copper and sift it properly for resale. To garner the highest profits, find an excellent scrap metal resource in the mid-Atlantic.
