What grade copper is this and would you clean it first?

[Instaed]

I haven't taken any copper down to scrap yet.

I should be seing a lot more of this as I go.

What's the best way to handle this as far as prep before taking it in?

Should I just take it in like it is?

Should I clean it first?



What's the cheapest, most effective way to clean it if I do?



Thanks

[hobo finds]

cut off the brass fittings and then it is #2 copper by me

[Destructo_d]

agreed....I'm guessing that was propane line out of an old RV or camper

[Mick]

Yep, just cut off the fittings (and anything else, if any, not copper). It's #2 and that's the best it'll get.

[Instaed]

How about this? What's it qualify as?

How do you get the most for it?


btw, The copper in the photo is actually water lines from that 1960's trailer we demo'd. Propane lines were a great guess though. We have them on every trailer we're taking out and they look exactly the same.

[Mick]

That looks like an old radiator of some type (copper tubes surrounded by aluminum fins). The frame is likely steel. I use a Sawzall to cut the frame from the tubes. In doing this, you'll cut through any "U" loops from line to line. Then I use a grinder to go along the tubes, going through the aluminum fins. Now I can easily pull the aluminum from the copper tubes.

For copper tubes in sheet aluminum that connects several tubes, I use the same method except: After I use the grinder, I use channel locks to grab the end of the tube and pull the tube through the aluminum sheet. Where I went with the grinder is either through to the copper tube or very weak and easily split by pulling on the tubing.

The copper will be #2.

Looking at that picture again, I'm wondering if the aluminum is fiber-type stuff stuck to the tubing. If so, I'd just take it over as copper/aluminum (Dirty Copper?). You'd be hours trying to grind that stuff off just one tube.

[hobo finds]

For the copper alum fins or raidators I just got 1.25 a pound. Make sure no steel at all...

[matt018]

Yea IMO just cut the fittings, and that one peice looks like aluminum on copper, im not sure how well its on there but you may be able to rip it off with a pair of side cutters

EDIT- no need to clean the copper pipes just give it to em as #2, not worth the time for the little added price.

[gueroinchicago]

I've always taken it in as is. I've read that the discoloration has no affect on the quality or value of the metal

[tinman#30]

My yards say number two painted or not. With no welds or fittings.
Original poster keep all those coils you can find. They are excellent money for the work involved.