The best scrap metal tools aren’t always what you’d expect. The tools you’ll want the most when starting are a magnet and a five-gallon bucket. But once you get going, this list of recycling tools is far and away from the best tools for the job.
We broke it all down by the which scrapping tools you’ll need for each step of the way. Once you have these tools, you can break down just about anything. The best part is some of these tools are probably already in your toolbox.
Safety Equipment
The first thing you need is a good pair of work gloves. You’re going to be handling some pretty sharp metal, and you don’t want those cuts and scrapes to turn into something worse. A good pair of gloves will protect your hands and help you avoid getting hurt.
You should also consider safety glasses or goggles. They’ll keep flying debris from getting in your eyes, and trust us; you don’t want that. A good pair of safety glasses will run you about $15, but they’re worth every penny.
The last piece of safety equipment you should invest in is a dust mask. Again, there’s going to be a lot of flying debris, and you don’t want to breathe that in. A good dust mask will protect your lungs and help you avoid getting sick.
Getting Started
Now that you have your safety equipment, it’s time to get started. The first thing you need is a magnet. This will help you determine if the metal you’re looking at is ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous metals are magnetic and include steel and iron. Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and include aluminium, copper, brass, and stainless steel.
The second thing you need is a five-gallon bucket. This will be your scrap bin. As you collect scrap, toss it in the bucket. Once the bucket is full, you can take it to your local scrap yard and get paid for your efforts.
Basic Dismantling Tools
Once you have your safety equipment and a place to store your scrap, it’s time to start dismantling. The basic tools you’ll need for this are a hammer, a screwdriver, and a set of pliers. With these three tools, you can take apart just about anything.
If you want to get serious about dismantling, you can also invest in a pry bar and a power drill. These two tools will make the job a lot easier and help you take apart larger items.
Sorting Tools
Once you have your scrap dismantled, it’s time to sort it. The best way to do this is with a set of sorters. Sorters are essentially buckets with different-sized holes in the bottom. The smaller the hole, the finer the sorted scrap will be.
You can also use a set of sorters to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This is a great way to ensure you get the most money for your efforts.
The last sorting tool you need is a magnet. As we mentioned before, a magnet will help you determine if the metal you’re looking at is ferrous or non-ferrous.
Breaking Down Large Scrap
Once you have your scrap sorted, it’s time to start breaking it down. The best way to do this is with a set of shears. Shears are essentially giant scissors that can cut through metal like a hot knife through butter.
If you don’t have access to a set of shears, you can also use a Sawzall or an angle grinder. Both of these tools will get the job done, but they’re not as efficient as shears.
Cleaning Scrap
Once you have your scrap broken down, it’s time to clean it. The best way to do this is with a wire brush. A wire brush will remove any dirt, debris, or paint that’s on your scrap.
You can also use a wire brush to remove rust from ferrous metals. This is a great way to add value to your scrap and get more money for your efforts.
The last tool you need for cleaning scrap is a hose. A hose with a high-pressure nozzle will remove any remaining dirt, debris, or paint. It will also remove rust from ferrous metals.
So there you have it, the best tools for successful metals scrapping. With these tools, you can safely and efficiently collect, sort, and clean scrap metal. So get out there and start scrapping!
If you are at Wheelers Hill, Victoria 3150, below is the best way to visit us.
Super Metal Recycling
345 Frankston – Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175
(03) 9706 4909
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