Transformers are heavy-duty industrial scrap items that can yield a high profit if taken apart correctly. Knowing how to take apart a transformer allows you to separate valuable copper from steel, significantly increasing your overall scrap payout. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, tools, and tips you need to scrap a transformer efficiently and safely.
Why Should You Take Apart a Scrap Transformer?
Taking apart a transformer can be a great way to maximize your profits. While scrap yards may accept whole transformers, they typically pay much less due to the difficulty separating materials like copper or aluminum from the heavy steel casing.
- Whole Unit Price: Scrap yards often pay between $0.02 to $0.15 per pound, depending on the type of transformer (copper or aluminum).
- Separated Materials Price: If you disassemble it, you can earn a higher price per pound for the copper coils and steel casing. Expect a 200-300% increase in profit when scrapping individual components separately.
How Much Copper Is Inside A Transformer?
If you have a copper transformer, you should get a higher price per pound. But the steel casing is so heavy that we don’t suggest expecting anything of too high value. Unfortunately, as the size and weight of these transformers vary wildly, it’s hard to give an exact number. In most cases, you can expect 10-35% of the transformer’s weight to be copper.
If you have an aluminum transformer, you will get a lower price for the whole unit than the copper ones. Again, this is due to aluminum being worth less per pound and the steel attached.
Is It Worth It To Take A Transformer Apart?
When you want to make the most money on your scrap transformer, we almost always suggest disassembling at least the copper transformers. If you have the correct time/experience/tools, you should consider disassembling the aluminum ones.
Take apart your copper transformer…because the price of copper is always much higher than steel, we suggest cutting the copper coils out and scraping them separately from the steel.
Sometimes, you need to take apart your aluminum transformer. While we recommend doing it, it’s not always a make-or-break decision. It could be worth it if you have experience with taking apart a transformer and have the right tools and time. But if you don’t have the time and want to scrap it, that’s okay, too.
How Do I Take Apart An Industrial Transformer for Scrap?
Estimated Time: 45 min – 1 hour
Estimated Profit: 200-300% Increase
So you’re ready to disassemble a scrap transformer, and you need to know what steps and tools are required. You’re in luck! We have an excellent video below, along with the tools you need, for you to start with.
What Tools Do You Need to Take Apart a Transformer?
When you are ready to start, we have the essential tools you will need to remove the coils from the steel casing. Some other tools you may need are a wrench set, safety glasses, and leather gloves (so you don’t get cut).
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Apart a Transformer
- Cut Bolts – Grab your sawzall and a new blade to get started. Cut the steel bolts from the top of the transformer.
- Cut Attached Connections – Whether aluminum or copper, windings will be connected to the steel plate on the top. Cut those away from the coils below for a better working area.
- Begin Cutting Corners – Cut the corners of the coils on one of the outsides. You will want to cut the other side, too, so that you can pull the “C” shaped coil away from the center of the transformer.
- Pull Coil Away – Once you cut the coils, you should be able to pull away the layers from the center of the transformer by using a crowbar and leverage to pry it out.
- Cut the Other Side – Repeat the previous two steps on the other side and pull the coil away from the center.
- Remove Remaining Cut Coils – Where you previously pulled the “C” shaped coils away on either side, you will have the remaining pieces of coils in the middle of the middle coil. Use your hammer and crowbar to remove this from the center to have a more clear area to work.
- Cut the Center Coil – You will cut the corners of the center coil and remove it similar to the outside ones, but this one may have to be pushed through on an angle with the hammer and crowbar.
- Remove All Remaining Coil Pieces – The coils (whether they are copper or aluminum) will have some paper around them that can be sticky and prevent all the coils from coming off clean. Make sure to use your crowbar or hammer to remove the coils.
- Weigh Up Steel Casing – When you go to your scrap yard, you will want to get the steel casing weighed separately from your coils. Typically, it weighs anywhere from 500-1,200 pounds depending on the size.
- Weigh Your Coils – Aluminum coils weigh much less than copper, but you can expect anywhere from 100-250 pounds of Aluminum and 150-350 pounds of Copper, depending on the unit size.
Do you have more questions or wonder if it’s worth taking apart your scrap transformer? Join our Facebook group and chat with some of your fellow scrappers.
