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How to Choose a Wire Stripping Machine

When you are looking to make more money personally or in your business, the best thing you can do is to have a very good idea of what machinery requires the least amount of investment with the biggest return. The first thing you will notice when you collect copper wire for recycling is that you will end up with a large variety of differently sized wires

By now you probably have a very good idea of the amount of copper scrap you can store and strip before hauling it off to the scrapyard, which, together with the size of the insulated copper wire, will give you the first inkling of the type of wire stripping tool you will need. The size of your operation is also important, because purchasing the largest machine available is not always the best idea when dealing with a small backyard business.

The StripMeister™ Original: The Tiny Wire Stripping Work horse

Whether you are just getting started in the scrap copper business, or simply like getting the job done on your own, the StripMeister™ Original is the wire stripper machine you will want by your side each and every time. Perfect for electricians, contractors, handymen, small recycling yards and those who are just getting their feet wet, this little giant can handle copper wire sizes ranging from #18 to 250 MCM, as well as diameters from 0.100″ (3mm) up to 0.79″ (20.1mm), including ROMEX and braided (stranded) wire.

Built to Impress

In 2015, the StripMeister™ Original was selected as one of the 10 best wire stripping machines on the market due to its efficiency, versatility and an unrivaled strong body created with an aircraft grade aluminum alloy, together with feeder drives crafted from surgical stainless steel, features that will allow an already impressive wire stripping tool to remain in excellent working condition for a very long time.

The StripMeister™ Original is also appreciated for its streamlined design, as well as its capability for multilayer wire stripping. As an additional feature, it includes a blade depth reference indicator on the top knob, making it easy for anybody to adjust the height of the blade when stripping copper wire. So what are you waiting for? There is a lot of money to be made from recycling scrap copper wire, and the StripMeister™ Original is the only wire stripping tool that will ensure you make even more.

What can you get for 120lb’s of unstripped house wire?

Max has accumulated around 120lb’s of unstripped house wire. If sold to the scrapyard as is they would give him only $110.

He used the StripMeister™ original to strip the entire load in no time at all.

He then took to the scrapyard and was paid $280

Get your stripmeister™ today, don’t sell your scrap wire unstripped. Burning is illegal and removing the casing using a knife is ridiculous.

Tips for Understanding Scrap Metal Prices

Scrap metal pricing is an important issue when considering your return on investment for a wire-stripping machine. Copper conductors are usually the only thing we think of when scrapping wire but don’t forget the aluminum and steel often found in cable shielding and armor, this material is all valuable and recoverable scrap metal.

Scrap metal prices, per pound, are generally soft after a period of depression but so are metal inventories and particularly inventories of copper. Metal recycling prices are driven by demand so even a small up-tick in demand will drive the scrap metal prices per pound higher thereby enhancing your return over the long run.

Scrap aluminum and scrap steel prices will help support the prices of copper scrap and optimize returns on your wire stripping system. Don’t forget the local scrap Dealer will pay you premium prices for wire and conductors that are already stripped of their insulation and any cable armor.

Remember, once metal is stripped of its insulation the volume of material is smaller. It can be easily stored till metal recycling prices rise to an acceptable price per pound. This strategy will improve the return on investment for your wire stripping machine. Metal recycling prices alone are not the only key to successful scrap recovery… planning the activity and taking advantage of the price of scrap metal is also important.

Good luck in your recovery efforts and we hope this article has given you some good pointers.

Romex Wire Specifications and Romex Wire Stripping Tools

If you are an electrician, it is not uncommon to build up a substantial stock of old romex wiring from completed jobs in a short period of time. Old and left over copper wiring is actually a great source of extra income when you are able to strip the insulation in a quick efficient manner. Even romex wire, which is mostly used in the North America housing market, can be of value! Its weight can add up quickly with 10/2 romex weighing in at an impressive 124 lbs per 1000 ft!

The ultimate romex wire stripping tool

With the dangers of burning the plastic insulation surrounding the wire becoming a serious concern for our environment, there has never been a better time to purchase your own StripMeister™ automatic wire stripping machine to eliminate that hazard!

Newly designed romex Wire Stripping Machines, like the StripMeister™, will save hours of your time compared to stripping the wire with a knife or hand-held device. The Stripmeister™ also comes with a “built in” romex adapter. With this option, the Stripmeister™ will cut thru the outer jacket and one of the THHN/THWN inside wires in the first pass! You will achieve another 33% time saving compared to similar tools.

Modern machines like the StripMeister™ are very user friendly , they do not need any extra tools to re-adjust for different wire sizes. It is manufactured to fit like LEGO! This unit is built rugged to withstand the harshest of environments yet reasonably priced for a fast return on your investment!

Romex wire specifications

Interesting facts: ( Weight per 1000’)

#14 wire 16 lbs.
#10 wire 39 lbs.
4 AWG 155 lbs.
2/O 460 lbs.
250 MCM 845 lbs.
500MCM 1660 lbs.

ROMEX 14/2 57 lbs.
ROMEX 12/2 82lbs.
ROMEX 10/2 124lbs.

Get your StripMeister™ today!

How to use a wire stripper

For most electricians how to use a wire stripper is pretty straight forward and common sense.

However, here we have put together some simple instructions on how to operate the StripMeister™ to get the most out of your wire stripper experience.

Secure the StripMeister™ to your workbench using the screws suppped thru the mounting holes

secure wire stripper to the bench

Attach the cordless or corded drill gun to the 5/16” Dia. Feeder Shaft and tighten

Attach the cordless or corded drill gun to the 5/16” Dia. Feeder Shaft and tighten

Loosen the front wire guide to enable the wire to hit the Feeder Drive v-groove Loosen front guide of the wire stripper machine

Place the wire through the wire guide onto the Feeder Drive v-groove

 step4

Lower the Knife Blade to touch the insulation/plastic, move the Front Wire guide down so the wire feeds in an 10-20 deg. angle

step5

Tighten adjustment knob for front wire guide on the left side

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Remove Wire

Bring the Knife blade down with the adjustment knob for the knife blade by one and a quarter turns

 DSC_0598

Start your drill gun, insert the wire and it will start cutting.

Wire comes out of the back of the machine with a cut down that Center off the wire or cable

 DSC_0603

Peel or strip the installation off

DSC_604

Once the machine is set for one size of wire, you can strip that size continuously without adjusting your machine.

And that’s how to use a wire stripper. Easy huh.

Get your StripMeister™ today!

How to change the blade on your StripMeister™ [Video]

5 Copper Wire Stripper Tips: Suggestions That Will Help You Get More Out of Your Machine

If you own a copper wire stripper or plan to purchase one, there are a few things you should know to help you get the most out of your investment. This type of wire cutter can be very profitable.

Many find that the amount they pay up front is more than covered by the amount they make recycling bare copper wire their first time. The price of stripped wire has risen to over $3 per pound. That can work out to a lot of cash in your pocket if you’re willing to spend a little bit of time using your wire stripper!

Copper Wire Stripper Tip 1: Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions before You Start Stripping

Many copper wire stripper models may seem very similar, but it’s still important to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you begin. Some models include separate parts that are needed to accommodate different sizes of wire. If you buy a model like the Stripmeister™, you won’t have to deal with extra parts just to cut different gauges. Make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t needed before you attempt your first stripping.

Copper Wire Stripper Tip 2: Make Sure Your Drill Meets the Size Requirements of the Machine

The good news is that most standard drills can be used with your copper wire stripper. Some models may have variations, so make sure you check the sizing requirements before you try to use the machine. You generally won’t need to own a specific drill brand or model, but your drill chuck will most likely have to be a minimum of 5/16”. If you own a drill, chances are it will meet this size requirement.

Copper Wire Stripper Tip 3: A Clean Machine Works More Efficiently

The copper wire stripper requires very little maintenance, which is great if you’re trying to save time. That being said, you should still make a point to clean up your wirecutter after each use. Just like any other tool in your workshop, you need to make sure the machine is free of debris. The cleaner it is, the more efficiently it will work and the longer it will last! If you want to get the highest return on your investment, then regular cleaning is a good way to go.

Copper Wire Stripper Tip 4: Know Your Wire Stripper’s Limitations

Most copper wire strippers can handle most wire types. The Stripmeister™, for example, can take on house wire, THNN, XHHW, rubber cord, welding cable, old cloth insulation, tray cable, Romex 1, Romex 2 and XLP. Other models all have a different acceptable wire list, so make sure you know what can be cut before you buy or use the machine. Models that can handle more types are generally going to be better because you will have far more flexibility (which means more potential to earn money).

Copper Wire Stripper Tip 5: Know Where You Can Find Replacement Parts

Wire Cutter blades will sometimes dull or a part may need to be replaced. Make sure you know exactly where to go for these types of items. The cable stripping machine manufacturer’s website should provide this information so you don’t have to go far to change out a dull blade or make a repair. If this information isn’t provided, you may want to consider looking for a different model. A reliable copper wire stripper seller should be customer-friendly and make information easy to access.

Get your StripMeister™ today!

The Wire Stripper Machine: A Quick Overview for People Who Still Use Basic Wirecutters

The wire stripper machine has been around for a while now, yet some still haven’t discovered the many benefits of this powerful device. You could be missing out on serious profits from recycling copper and aluminum wire. The first step to find out how to make money from this convenient cable stripping machine is to learn what it is and how to get it.

What is a Wire Stripper Machine?

Sometimes referred to as an automatic wire stripper, the wire stripper machine is a relatively compact device that allows for the quick and easy separation of valuable wire from its protective casing and insulation. If done by hand, you would need a wirecutter and some kind of flat blade to make incisions and tear off the casing by hand. This method works, but it takes far more time and can be very frustrating.

The wire stripper machine dramatically cuts down on time by providing a surface made specifically to cut wire from its insulation. A hole or opening is available, usually with various sizes to accommodate different types of wire. The end of the wire to be cut is inserted and a spinning blade inside the machine creates a clean, length-wise incision along the exterior. The wire can then be easily pulled out and recycled.

What’s the Point of Stripping Wire?

If you don’t care about making money when you recycle, then the quickest way to go about the process is to turn in wire as is with its insulation intact. The problem with this approach is that you will make far less money. Those who use a wire stripper machine often find that they earn 3 to 4 times more for their wire than those who do nothing with it before recycling. You will also save the recycling center time by eliminating the wire separation step.

What Are the Drawbacks of Buying a Wire Stripper Machine?

There are really only two drawbacks to buying a wire stripper machine. First being that you will have to invest a little bit of cash up front to purchase the unit. Don’t worry about the price, though. It’s really an investment rather than an expense because you will quickly earn back what you paid out and then some.

The other drawback is the need to occasionally replace the blade. Any cutting surface that is used often is eventually going to become dull. This generally takes a very long time when the wire stripper machine is used as recommended by the manufacturer. It’s also an expense that is easily covered by cash earned from recycling bare wire. The positive side is, with the StripMeister™, your blade will last up to 10x that of most others.

How Can I Buy a Wire Stripper Machine?

If you’re ready to upgrade those old wirecutters to a practical cable stripping machine, consider starting on the internet. Many models are available and can be easily researched on the web. Always look for a website that offers good information on their product as well as easy access to FAQs, policies and model specs like www.stripmeister.com.

A quality wire stripper machine will generally cost a few hundred dollars, so make sure you shop carefully when browsing cheaper models. Some look appealing but come with cumbersome separate parts or aren’t made to industrial standards. When you invest in a cable stripping machine that will last, you will get far more out of the purchase.

Get your StripMeister™ today!

StripMeister™ Details & Specs

Details and Specifications

  • Wirecutter Gauge Range: 14AWG – 250MCM ( Diameter from 0.062″ or 1.5 mm up to 0.79″ or 20.1 mm)
  • Weight:3.3 Lbs
  • Speed of Wire Stripping: Up to 120 Feet/Min (1440″)
  • Size:8.495″(Max. Height) x 4.055(Width) x 5.875″(Depth)
  • Wire Stripper Blade : Hardened and coated Tool Steel
  • Cable stripper Feeder: Surgical Stainless Steel
  • Body Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum