tubes from a/c radiator, copper 1 or copper 2?

Hello,



I've been breaking down a/c units and a coils for the past year and it just occurred to me that I might be ripping myself off by selling the copper as copper 2 instead of copper 1. When I go to the scrap yard I just say it's copper 2 and obviously they're not going to contradict me. Wouldn't these radiator tubes be copper 1, I've had a lot that look clean, no solder, no paint, nothing. However, I've also had some that have that white residue, I believe it's aluminum oxide. Anybody think I should try to get copper 1 prices for the tubing? Anybody having experience with this, your insight would be appreciated. Thanks

I would just leave them complete with the aluminum. But the tubes could be either 1 or 2, just really is the opinion of the buyer.

Originally Posted by sangfroid

I've had a lot that look clean, no solder, no paint, nothing.

I keep 2 buckets
1 is for copper that looks clean, no solder, no paint
The 2nd bucket gets everything else

Some yards treat all hvac copper pipe as #2 because of residual oil. And yes, I would leave them intact as well. The profit you are seeing by stripping the radiators is what you get from selling the aluminum.