Removing the coating on magnetic copper wire

[michael mott]

Has anyone had any experience removing the clear coating that is used on copper wire used in relay coils and or transformers or electric motors?

 

I would like to do this without using any abrasives and also the wire I am hoping to do this with is .005" or 36 gauge.

 

Michael

[mtaylor]

Michael,

 

I believe they still use lacquer on those, Michael.   Is there a manufacturer's name available to you and/or the part number?  Might be able to get a spec sheet off the web.

[michael mott]

Hi Mark,

This is what I have, it is old and I have no idea where I got it. I do know that i have had it for at least 40 years.

 

 

Michael

 

 

[thibaultron]

Paint stripper may work, also I have heard of burning it off. You'd have to be careful not to burn up that small a wire, though.

[dgbot]

I would try soaking it in lacquer thinner and then clean with fine steelwool.  If this does not do the job repeat with acetone.

David B

[Jim Lad]

I've successfully used burning on copper wire - followed by a wiped with a rag to remove the residue - but you'd need to be careful of the heat on such fine wire.

 

John

[Patrick Matthews]

Even easier... look for larger stranded wire made up of fine uncoated strands. Done.

 

But not quite... straighten the wire: clamp one end in vise, and firmly pull the wire until you feel it yield just a bit... let loose, and the wire will be straight!

[Bob Cleek]

Before you get into things like lacquer thinner and paint strippers, try denatured alcohol. Back in the day, I believe a lot of that sort of coil wire was insulated with a coating of shellac and the color of the wire suggests this. If it's shellac, you're in luck. Just soak to soften and wipe off with a rag soaked in alcohol.

[wefalck]

I usually have success with either acetone or nitrocellulose lacquer thinner. For short lenghts, I may also roll the wire between two smooth pieces of hardwood until the lacquer peels off.

[JerseyCity Frankie]

Try white vinegar, just soak it in it. It took a thick coat of black paint off this boat horn I found in the trash, the paint curled up and died after soaking overnight.

[Bedford]

Take it from an old armature winder, burn it off.

On small wires like that a simple cigarette lighter will do the job nicely.