How to Scrap a Dryer for Maximum Profits: A Complete Guide

Dryer Dials YouTube video

When scrapping large appliances, dryers are often overlooked—but they can be a goldmine for savvy scrappers. With valuable metals like copper, stainless steel, and even small quantities of precious metals hidden in the control board, dryers have more to offer than meets the eye. In this guide, we’ll walk you through dismantling a dryer, highlighting the most profitable components to target, and providing tips on maximizing your earnings. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our recent YouTube video , where we dive into this topic in even greater detail!

Tools Needed To Scrap A Dryer

Dryer Scrapper Tools YouTube video

Before dismantling a dryer, it’s crucial to have the right tools. The process will be much smoother and safer if you have these essential items on hand:

  • Hammers and Crowbars: For prying apart heavy panels and dislodging stubborn components.
  • Power Drill with Various Bits: Useful for removing screws and bolts quickly.
  • Wire Cutters and Pliers: Perfect for snipping cables and handling small parts.
  • Safety Equipment: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
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Inspect the Drum and Back Wall

Dryer Drum Magnet Test YouTube video

The drum and back wall may be constructed from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum. The composition can vary by brand and model, so it’s vital to identify the material before scrapping it. Stainless steel will fetch a higher price, while aluminum is still valuable but may not be worth as much. Check with a magnet to quickly confirm what you have.

Is There Copper In A Dryer?

Copper is one of the most sought-after metals in the scrapping world due to its high resale value. Make sure you extract as much as possible from your dryer.

Where Can I find Copper Wire?

The 240V cable is one of the easiest parts to remove from the dryer and is the most valuable. This thicker gauge cable can be removed quickly with a pair of cutters and thrown into your copper wire pile.

You can also find insulated copper wire on the back of the dryer’s control board, which we will discuss below.

Maximize Profits From the Control Board

Don’t overlook the dryer’s control board, as it contains several small but valuable components.

Why the Control Board is Valuable

The control board houses various parts, such as copper wires, small capacitors, and chips, which may contain trace amounts of gold. While this may not seem like much, these small components can add up, especially if you’re scrapping multiple appliances.

Reselling vs. Scrapping Your Dryer

Dryer Dial Resell YouTube video

Before scrapping the entire control board, consider reselling individual parts. Items like dials, knobs, and switches—often made of plastic or other inexpensive materials and are typically not sold by the manufacturer to the public—can sell for much more than their scrap value. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to list these items.

Should You Pull The Motor Or Leave As Is?

The dryer’s motor can be a hidden treasure or a time waster depending on its construction. It’s usually located at the bottom of the dryer and can be pretty heavy. It all depends on what metal is inside the motor.

Do Dryers Have Copper Or Aluminum Windings?

The value of the motor hinges on whether its windings are made of copper or aluminum. Copper-wound motors are worth extracting, as copper prices are typically higher. On the other hand, aluminum-wound motors may not be worth your time unless you can process aluminum separately.

Scrap Smarter, Not Harder!

Attention to detail and patience can lead to higher profits when scrapping a dryer. Focus on identifying valuable metals, separating components, and considering reselling rather than scrapping certain parts. You’ll get the most value from every appliance you scrap by carefully dismantling and categorizing each piece.

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