Identifying Types of Steel Scrap
Many scrappers ask about different steel scrap grades and their prices. Understanding these grades can help you maximize your earnings when selling scrap. But before we dive into the most common types of steel scrap, let’s review a key concept: the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals—and why a magnet is essential for sorting them.
Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals
- What is Ferrous Metal?
- Ferrous metals contain iron and will almost always stick to a magnet. These metals are generally lower in value than non-ferrous metals but are widely recycled.
- What is Non-Ferrous Metal?
- Non-ferrous metals do not stick to a magnet 99% of the time and tend to be more valuable. These include metals like copper, aluminum, and brass.
Suggested Reading: Difference Between Non-Ferrous & Ferrous Metals
Primary Steel Scrap Grades:
Steel is one of the most commonly scrapped metals, but not all steel is created equal. The way scrap yards classify steel can vary by region. For example, what’s called Light Iron on the East Coast might be referred to as Sheet Iron in the South. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check with your local scrap yard to understand how they classify and price materials.
- Light Iron: (also known as Shred, tin, or sheet iron) is a primary grade of steel and one of the most common for scrapping. This metal could be items as simple as folding chairs or thin metal sheets. A good rule of thumb regarding light iron is how easy it is to bend it. If you can bend the metal with your hands, it will most likely be considered light iron (unless you have the strongest hands in the world).
- Unprepared Heavy Iron: This grade of iron will be much heavier and thicker, and its purpose was probably to hold more substantial things up. A good example would be something at least 1/8 inch thick and not easily bent with your hands. To upgrade this material and make it into a prepared iron, you would have it cut into 2-4 foot pieces (depending on your yard specs).
- Rotors or Auto Cast: these include brake rotors or steel rims that have been cleaned and are generally one of the most sought-after items for higher steel prices. These rims or rotors should not have items like brake pads attached or anything that is not steel. These grades pay more due to the high-temperature process that creates them, and they generally have a stronger chemical makeup.
- Automobiles/Car Scrap: while many know that cars have solid scrap value, it depends on a few factors. Selling automobiles is tricky, and you should always have the title for the cars before you sell them. If there is no title, you should contact your scrap yard or local DMV to find out the proper sales procedures. The cars have additional value on items that should be taken off: Batteries, Wiring Harnesses, Catalytic Converters, Radiators, and aluminum car rims.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Steel Scrap Profits
Steel comes in many different forms, and knowing how to classify and separate your scrap correctly can make a big difference in your payouts. Since terms and grading can vary by region, always check with your local scrap yard to see how they price their steel.
