Electric Motors Are Everywhere—And Ready to Scrap!
Electric motors power many of the everyday devices we rely on, from car windows to garage doors. When you start scrapping electric motors, you’ll realize just how common they are. But what’s the best way to scrap them? Should you take them apart, or is it better to sell them as-is? Let’s break it down.
Should You Take Apart Electric Motors for Scrap?
One of the most common questions from scrappers is whether it’s worth dismantling electric motors. The answer? It depends on your time, tools, and goals.
An average electric motor weighs about 10–20 pounds and is a mix of copper, steel, and housing material. Here’s the math:
- As-is Value: At $0.15 per pound, a 10-pound motor is worth $1.50.
- After Dismantling: With about 1.5 pounds of copper (worth $3.00) and 8.5 pounds of steel (worth $0.425), the total value rises to $3.43.
While dismantling can increase the motor’s value, don’t forget to factor in your time and effort.
The Hidden Costs of Scrapping Electric Motors
Even if you enjoy scrapping, time is valuable. If it takes 10 minutes to dismantle a motor and your time is worth $15/hour, you’re “spending” $2.50 to take it apart. In some cases, selling motors as-is might be the better option.
But if you’re in it for the fun and extra income, scrapping motors can still be rewarding. Using the iScrap App can help you find the best prices and local yards for selling your motors—whether intact or dismantled.
Tips for Efficiently Scrapping Electric Motors
- Save Up Your Motors: Dismantling multiple motors in one session can save time.
- Check for Aluminum Windings: Aluminum windings yield lower returns than copper, so double-check your motors.
- Focus on Larger Motors: Smaller motors often aren’t worth the time to take apart.
For more details on maximizing your profits, check out our article: How Do You Scrap an Electric Motor?
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