Stripping Copper Wire and Sharing It on TikTok: A New Side Hustle in 2026

Copper prices have hit record highs, sparking a surprising new trend on TikTok: people are stripping copper wire and posting videos about it. This isn’t just about selling scrap metal anymore. Many creators are making money by showing others how to strip wire and by selling the tools needed for the job.

The trend features a range of people. Some are electricians or hobbyists looking to make extra cash. Others are teenagers or folks saving for big goals like buying a home. Videos often show the process of breaking down old appliances or industrial wires to reveal the shiny copper inside. These clips attract hundreds of thousands of followers, drawing viewers into a surprisingly visual and hands-on side hustle.

Copper has long been a valuable scrap metal because it’s scarce, conducts electricity well, and can be recycled easily. This year copper prices reached record levels, with global benchmark prices around $14,473 per metric ton in September 2026—more than double the price five years ago. This spike has made scrap copper more attractive to many.

But selling stripped copper for a good price isn’t always easy. The value depends on the quality and whether the copper is still covered in plastic or rubber insulation. Stripping the insulation is tedious but can increase the scrap’s worth. For example, one TikTok creator, known as @Courtney2291, shared her journey of stripping copper to save for a house. She reached her $20,000 goal after about six months. However, she earned only about $99 from selling 30 pounds of stripped copper during that time. Most of her money came from TikTok video earnings, with one viral video bringing in over $1,400.

Alongside personal stories, some creators focus on scale and spectacle. Accounts like King of Copper and Queen of Copper show themselves stripping large amounts of wire, sometimes tons of it. They even melt the copper and cast it into bricks. These videos are popular but it’s unclear how much money they make directly from selling copper or their online content.

Many TikTok sellers also promote wire-stripping tools through TikTok Shop. When viewers buy products through affiliate links, creators earn commissions. One seller mentioned that a particular wire stripper sold over 20,000 units worldwide. This adds another way for creators to make money beyond just selling scrap copper or videos.

While this side hustle looks appealing, it’s important to know that laws around selling scrap copper vary. For example, in Minnesota, sellers must have a license to legally sell scrap copper, and they need to prove they got it lawfully. Other states have different rules, so sellers should check local laws before starting.

This copper stripping trend offers a glimpse into how people are finding creative ways to earn money using social media. It combines a traditional form of recycling with content creation and online sales. But it’s also clear that stripping copper alone doesn’t typically bring in a lot of cash. The real earnings often come from building an audience and selling tools or related products.