The Hottest New Side Hustle Is Stripping Copper Wire and Posting About It
Copper prices are at record highs, but for TikTok creators, the real money may be in teaching others how to strip wire—and selling them the tools to do it.
A new trend has emerged on the social media platform TikTok, where users are documenting the process of stripping copper wire and selling it for extra cash. These creators, who come from diverse backgrounds and speak various languages, showcase their work by breaking down appliances or industrial wires into separate pieces, ultimately producing bundles of shiny copper. The popularity of this content has grown as copper prices have reached an all-time high, making it a lucrative opportunity for many.
The process of selling scrap copper is not new, as the metal has been highly sought after due to its scarcity, strong electrical conductivity, and recyclability. However, the current prices have made it an attractive option for those looking to earn some extra income. While there is no reliable data on how often people sell scrap copper, theft incidents involving metal from vehicles, plumbing, and building roofs suggest an increase in such activities, especially when copper prices are high and people are facing economic distress.
On TikTok, creators with hundreds of thousands of followers showcase their wire stripping techniques, often using dedicated wire stripping tools. Some users share their experiences as a form of entertainment, hosting "girls night," "movie night," and even "date night" while stripping copper. Others treat this as a full-time side hustle, posting time-lapses, tutorials, and lists of the "worst cables to strip for copper."
The final price of recycled copper depends on factors such as its quality, grade, and insulation. Insulated copper typically fetches a lower price than stripped copper, so resellers often remove the insulation themselves to maximize their earnings. Despite the tedious nature of the process, many creators find that sharing their experiences makes the task more bearable and engaging.
Some creators, like King of Copper and Queen of Copper, take a more grand approach by showcasing their scale and spectacle in their videos. They buy large quantities of old wire and meticulously strip each piece, sometimes even melting the copper in furnaces and pouring it into ingot molds for added value. While their exact earnings are unclear, their large followings suggest that their content resonates with a wide audience.
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