Are you just starting to get into collecting scrap metal to make some extra money on the side? If so, it helps to know some tips for those looking to get started.
Have The Right Tools
It will help to have some basic tools to help you with your scrap metal searching. You'll need a magnet, which can help to identify certain metals very quickly. Wire cutters are a necessity to help quickly cut through wire. Metal vice grips are also nice for when you need to help take a piece of metal off another item. A cordless power drill with a good battery is also nice to have on hand.
Know How To Identify Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
You will want to know how to identify ferrous and non-ferrous metals while you are looking for scrap material, and the best way you can do that is with a magnet. Ferrous metals contain iron within them, and it's the most common type of metal that you'll find out in the wild. If you want to know if there is iron in the piece of metal that you find, all you need to do is try to place the magnet next to the item and see what sticks.
Unfortunately, ferrous metals are not worth as much as materials like copper or aluminium, which are non-ferrous materials. If you are short on space in your truck while looking for scrap metal, many people decide to ignore those ferrous metals simply due to what they are worth.
Look For Cast Iron
Cast iron is a type of metal that is worth more than other metals, and they are typically found in brake drums. The good news is that when you find one brake drum, you usually find them in a set of four, so they are worth seeking out for the cast iron inside them. Other good sources of cast iron are the grills used in old BBQs. Cast iron will rust, which makes it easy to identify when compared to other metals.
Know How To Quickly Judge Copper Wire
Copper wire is going to be worth more if more of the weight of the wire is actually made of copper. A good trick to use to judge how much copper is in the item is to try bending the wire. If you bend the wire and it holds its shape, then the wire should have more copper in it. A wire that does a poor job at holding its shape is going to have much less copper wire. One exception to this is the coax cable used for satellite and internet connections. The inside is a metal wire that is coated in copper and is not worth much.
Contact a scrap metal recycling company like Gutterman Iron & Metal Corp for more information.
