Electric motors are everywhere—in household appliances, power tools, and even industrial equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced scrapper, knowing how to scrap electric motors efficiently can help you make the most money. But should you dismantle them or sell them whole?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Where to find electric motors for scrap
- How to remove and process them efficiently
- Whether it’s worth breaking them down for copper
- Where to get the best scrap prices using the iScrap App
Let’s dive in and maximize your scrap profits!
Tools You’ll Need to Scrap Electric Motors
Before getting started, gather the right tools to make scrapping easier and safer. Some essential tools are:
- Screwdrivers or a drill: For removing screws and components.
- Wire cutters: To cut insulated copper wire.
- Hammer and chisel or pry bar: To open the motor casing.
- Work gloves: These are for safety while handling sharp edges and wires.
- Magnet: To identify and separate ferrous (magnetic) and non-ferrous materials.
- Optional: Safety goggles and a dust mask for added protection.
⚡ Pro Tip: Save multiple motors and dismantle them in one session to save time.
Where to Find Scrap Electric Motors
You can find electric motors in many household and industrial items, including:
- Appliances – Washers, dryers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, vacuums
- Power tools – Drills, saws, grinders
- Office equipment – Printers, copiers, old computers
- Automotive parts – Windshield wipers, power window motors, starters
- Garage door openers – These often contain valuable copper windings
Once you locate an electric motor, remove it carefully using a drill or screwdriver. Most motors will have insulated copper wire attached—use wire cutters to separate and add to your copper wire pile for extra profit.
Should You Dismantle Electric Motors for Scrap?
One of the biggest questions scrappers ask: Should I break down an electric motor or sell it whole?
Motor Scrapping Time vs. Profit
- If dismantling a motor takes 10 minutes, you spend $2.50 of your time (assuming $15/hour).
- Larger motors often have more copper, making dismantling worth it.
- Smaller motors may not be worth the effort—selling them whole could be better.
Bottom Line: If you have time and tools, breaking down motors can triple your profit. Otherwise, selling them whole is still a great option.
How to Disassemble an Electric Motor for Scrap
If you decide to take your electric motors apart, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the motor casing using a hammer and chisel or pry bar. Some motors have screws—use a screwdriver or drill.
- Step 2: Identify the winding material inside: Use a file to scrape the windings and expose any bare metal to get the best idea of the color.
- ✔ Copper windings (reddish-brown) – Higher scrap value. Can be worth scrapping further.
- ❌ Aluminum windings (silver color) – Lower scrap value. Not worth fully taking apart.
Where to Sell Scrap Electric Motors for the Best Price
Find local scrap yards that offer the highest prices to get the highest payouts for scrap electric motors.
Tips for Selling Your Scrap:
- Use the iScrap App to find the best local scrap prices near you.
- Compare whole vs. dismantled motor prices – Some scrap yards pay better for separated materials.
- Check yard requirements – Some buyers require a minimum weight for bulk sales.
Is Scrapping Electric Motors Worth It?
Scrapping electric motors can be a great way to make extra money, especially if you have the time and tools to break them down. Larger motors often contain more copper, making them more profitable to dismantle, while smaller motors may be better sold as-is. Scrapping can be a rewarding and efficient way to maximize your earnings if you enjoy the process and have multiple motors to work on at once.
However, if you’re short on time or don’t have the right tools, selling motors whole is still a solid option. No matter how you choose to scrap, using the iScrap App can help you find the best local scrap prices and nearby yards, ensuring you get the most money for your materials.
