Hard Disk Drive Scrap - Shark Scrapper Style

[@barrywest3758]

These little units appears to have good value when broken down. As Ben says, it all adds up! Thanks, enjoyed!👍👍

[@sharkscrapper]

Thanks Barry - so much depends on each scrapper's situation. But there is value in them.

[@RoeMantic]

First Thanks for shouting Me out! We love them hard drive boards! Thanks again for your help. Providing low cost fast computers is a challenge, but I'm not losing anything! We are family! Thank all the veiwers your support grows the channel! Y'all have a great and safe time!

[@sharkscrapper]

Awesome Roe Mantic!

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

Another Fantastic Stripping Down Session - very Informative indeed - we make our self's a Cup of Coffee and sit back and enjoy Your Videos - we Love it - so my Friend please stay Safe and many Cheers from Australia !!!!

[@sharkscrapper]

I'm so glad you're enjoying the vids Michael. I really enjoy making them.

[@poosmate]

Informative breakdown. Thanks for taking the time to explain and share. Take care, Poo

[@sharkscrapper]

Glad you liked it poos

[@kevinsturgess1475]

Hi mr shark.thanks for the heads up on these.i picked up something new there.i like the bin full of wire,the bin looks like an apple product with the blue lids.

[@sharkscrapper]

My pleasure Kevin, glad to be of service. That bin is waiting for me to remove the gold bearing ends. The wire is the lowest grade possible, but still some $ in it. I can sell the ends to boardsort and use them as padding/filler. I also keep some IDE's around for busy work when I'm board. Picking the pins is tedious but there is a little gold plating on some.

[@ScrappingIrish]

ah neodymium magnets pinch i know that pain,the way you said stuff at the start had a irish tone to it think i might be robbing off on you anyways enjoyed the video thanks for sharing

[@sharkscrapper]

LOL - now I have to go back and listen for the Irish tone.

[@streetcopper1151]

Scrapping Irish 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻 waz up baby

[@micmheinz509]

A very good tutorial vid on hard drives, yes those magnets 🧲 can be a health hazard 😬...big thumbs up mate 👍

[@sharkscrapper]

Thanks micm

[@ewastemike7700]

I used to break them down but not worth it anymore. Great video.

[@sharkscrapper]

Thanks Mike - I'll admit it is harder and harder to find the time for these. Pulling the boards is first priority. The rest I get to when I can. I can sell the HDD's with no board for $0.10/lbs. The cast Al shell's sell for twice that @ $0.20/lbs. I also fill up empty space in boxes headed to boardsort with the platters @ $0.25/lbs. But, as you know all too well, it comes down to having the time.

[@jec_ecart]

Nicely explained.

[@sharkscrapper]

Thank you

[@Handle_number_7]

Apologies for being off topic, but I'm curious if you've ever scrapped baseboard heaters. More specific: Radiant heaters that contain copper pipes, with aluminum fins. This copper pipe has two copper pipes inside, which act as the element(I believe). It has a tough wire running through it, either nick/chrome, or tungsten I'd wager(Probably nick/chrome as it's slightly magnetic). But the main question is, there's a white hard substance inside this inner copper pipe. I've already separated the heat transfer oil that filled the space inside the main copper pipe. But this white crap looks crystalline under a microscope. I'm just hoping it isn't Asbestos😑

[@sharkscrapper]

Kevin - no worries about being off topic. Unfortunately, I've never scrapped one of these before. I've seen plenty of them in old homes, I've just never scrapped one. Sorry I can't be of assistance.

[@Handle_number_7]

No problem, and appreciate your reply. I'm now wondering about some kind of Ceramic. As asbestos is generally grey/dark. Not white like this stuff. If that's the case, melting the copper off should be relatively easy 🤞

[@dizzygardener562]

Can you comment on how much you pay per pound for the pallets of computers? Vs. Your yield from scrapping, vs your time inputs?

[@sharkscrapper]

I pay anywhere from zero to $0.25/lbs depending on where I'm getting them from and market conditions. The yield vs time is impossible to determine because the PC's can be so different. This video is a good example of the differences and is one way to evaluate the what scrap PC's are worth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp3VkpWilL-HjtU

[@YouCoontsSeeMe]

Thanks for putting out this video Shark 🦈. Ive got a little stack of hard drives I need to do.

[@sharkscrapper]

Glad to help Coonts. You can always email me any time you have questions.

[@beatingbasstv5211]

I have 41 old hard drives from the 90s and 2000s. Not very interested in breaking them down, do you know a good place or site that buys them to scrap or salvage?

[@sharkscrapper]

Where are you located? You can email at [e-mail] if you don't want to put it in the comments.

[@KarlTribull-th3nl]

Good morning brother I was wondering if you don’t mind and I understand if you do, but what do you pay for a pallet of computers?

[@sharkscrapper]

There's no easy answer. If I'm bidding on auctions lots the price can vary from a few cents to $0.25/lbs. With some clients I negotiate rates based on market conditions. And some give them to me for free.

[@KarlTribull-th3nl]

@@sharkscrapper Good morning brother in Christ I guess a better question about the pallets of computers is how do I find out in my area where auctions are for these computers? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions in scrapping for 40+ years, but just getting into the e-waste, thanks again God bless.

[@alanatkins4315]

These tiny hard drives,back when I started out on scrapping the drives were 12 inch 8 and the 5"s,problem the damn screws kept getting smaller,the 12"s some had magnesium in them,one magnet was 25 kilos.

[@sharkscrapper]

Daggon, those are some serious drives and components. If I found one now, it would go in my collection - not scrap.

[@michaelbrumfitt]

I use a small metal pole to knock the motors out of the cases,I just rest the one I’m hitting between to other empty cases to raise it a little.

[@sharkscrapper]

That's funny, I was just doing this yesterday. It works really well doesn't it.

[@CruiserMac]

Very informative Shark ! I currently have a stock pile of (1) HDD ! 😁😁😊

[@sharkscrapper]

LOL - you might want to break it down to add the future Al hoard you'll build up AGAIN 😂

[@Alrik.]

Thank you for the very informative video!! Did the agreement with scrapping out all the PCs end up being worth it, or are you still testing? I assume you'll have less time for street scraping, but the quality of the computers might compensate for that.

[@sharkscrapper]

The arrangement with the yard is working well. Thank you for asking. It does require much more time management, but I'm finding some very interesting things.

[@Alrik.]

@@sharkscrapper that's great news! I feared it might get boring doing the same items all the time, but as long as you're finding interesting stuff it seems like a nice deal! :D

[@grandpakevin3354]

Isn't that a silica bag to pickup moisture?

[@sharkscrapper]

I thought it was at first as that is very common in HDD's. But it turned out to be rubber, so I'm guessing some sort of bumper. Unless it was a different kind of absorption media I'm not used to seeing?

[@SilverScorpion]

Great video

[@sharkscrapper]

Thanks for the visit

[@THEATREGOD3]

Yes no matter what I'm trying to take apart always always if I don't have enough tools I may have to go back to my tool bag or bucket or whatever I keep my tools to find you know something shark Scrapper you're absolutely right

[@sharkscrapper]

Thank you

[@THEATREGOD3]

This is off the subject but on the subject you will not believe the Sharks scrapper I'm at the yard right now with one of those older rear projection televisions when I found it the screen was cracked and the mirror was broken and I cleaned it all up and I took the cracked screen out and the mirror what's left is All Electronics on the bottom all the copper this yard actually bass 15 cents of pound for e-waste computer monitors television screens they laughed at me and told me it wasn't a television because it was missing the screen I go is a lens which is called a lens I told him and it's made out of a you know an artificial type Plexi PL and there is a a clouded screen in front did you would you rather me brought it in with all the broken glass and stuff and they're like oh no well it's not a television if it doesn't have the lens they actually think and they don't understand go look look at all the electronics on the bottom there's the three boards down there all the copper all the it's all there except for the plastic lens that you guys would just trash anyway it's not worth anything to anybody unless it's used to cook steak

[@EstonianScrapper]

How profitable is scrapping HDD-s at your location? do you get more money by scrapping them or selling them as they are to the scrapyard? :)

[@sharkscrapper]

A very good question. It depends on the age/capacity of the HDD. I sell 500 GB and larger. 1 and 2 TB's sell well for good money. I have a special relationship with Roe Mantic who uses them to make low cost good computers for lower income families trying do remote schooling during the pandemic. I suppose I could make more on eBay, but I like what Roe Mantic is doing and enjoy helping what he's doing. Even at scrap prices, I'm still doing OK.

[@EstonianScrapper]

@@sharkscrapper in estonia, hdd boards are worth 15 euros per kg alone, whole hdd is 90 cents and if i scrap for example 2 hhd-s, roughly 1 kg, so i can get a bit over 1 euro. Those boards on hdd-s makes it more valuable than extruded aluminum or corrosive resistant steel.

[@sharkscrapper]

@@EstonianScrapper I have a box of HDD boards I'm getting ready to sell at $13 (USD) / pound. Yes, those boards are good scrap value.

[@tammyreeves168]

Very interesting. Is there any true way to erase a hard drive to completely be able to use all the space again? Stay safe and God Bless.

[@sharkscrapper]

Tammy - Good question! Unfortunately, I'm not tech savvy enough to provide an informed answer. When I sell HDD's I test their functionality and remove any files I find. I leave it up to the buyers to reformat.

[@RoeMantic]

Low level format!

[@thecopperbuckrecycling9798]

I have one of the magnets on my key chain, that way its always accessible for use. .my Keychain just clips to my belt loop

[@sharkscrapper]

A good idea

[@andrewpowellnz]

Great I wish here in NZ I could get HDD's or old computers

[@sharkscrapper]

What happens to them?

[@kevinsturgess1475]

Hi there,Trademe $1 reserve pickup in your area.Neighbourly-Market

[@poosmate]

@@kevinsturgess1475 How very kind of you to give out your sources to someone who could potentially be your competition. Just goes to prove what kind hearted and helpful people scrappers are. Take care, Poo

[@andrewpowellnz]

@@sharkscrapper old office ones go back to lessee or are sold to big firms who sell them expensively or go to the tip to e waste pile

[@sharkscrapper]

@@andrewpowellnz that's unfortunate

[@dr.a006]

You’re like me with a ton of magnets stuck under my workbench on a cabinet, wondering if and when I’ll sell them on eBay.🤷🏼‍♂️ And there’s always one on each corner in my pickup bed😄

[@sharkscrapper]

It's good to have a supply of magnets arounds. And I still end up not being able to find one some times 😂

[@scrapperdscrapperj3948]

Yeeeew for Gold Recovery 👍

[@sharkscrapper]

👍

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Interesting video. I learn new words Boy those things are pretty detailed to me. That nice of your friend to do that. Now those computers from yard, do you buy them, I thought you work for them Nice video. Thanks

[@sharkscrapper]

Yes, I buy the computers from the yard. So far it is working out well.

[@donvoll2580]

@@sharkscrapper I forgot to ask are those magnets stronger that microwave magnets Thanks

[@sharkscrapper]

@@donvoll2580 I believe they are BUT I must caveat that I've never measured their strengths or looked it up to confirm. I'm just going on my experience handling them.

[@streetcopper1151]

That’s was a great video shark .. those platters I melt down and make bars out of them .. and thanks for the knowledge about the magnets.. I’ve been wondering what to do with them 😂😂😂..and I like that Dewalt screwdriver you got I’ll be looking for one of those tomorrow.. thanks again for your videos.. p.s the hot sauce is great I had it on my eggs first 😂😂😂

[@sharkscrapper]

Glad you enjoyed and learned from the video Seth. Also glad you're enjoying the hot sauce 🌶🦈

[@streetcopper1151]

Shark Scrapper you’ve got a really good way of teaching ..

[@greekgods3399]

love it

[@sharkscrapper]

thank you

[@muriaticacid7004]

Thumbs Up

[@cdos9186]

It actually hurts to think and see the amazing things people dispose of every single day.

[@sharkscrapper]

Agreed - doing my best to reduce some of that waste.

[@cdos9186]

Shark Scrapper What are you doing to help reduce electronic waste?

[@sharkscrapper]

@@cdos9186 I sell some of the components so they can get reused. One of my buyers specializes in making low cost but good computers for lower income families that are wrestling with schooling from home.

[@cdos9186]

@@sharkscrapper That's great to hear! Where do you sell some of the components?

[@sharkscrapper]

@@cdos9186 I have multiple buyers. The two top buyers are BOARDSORT.COM and Roe Mantic (the guy that makes computers for low/mid income families). Of course, I've sold on eBay, Craigslist and NextDoor. Always looking for new ways to reduce, recycle and REUSE.

[@billyb5057]

most interesting insight into what you can do with hdds hardrives guess loads of them if your scrapping lots of pcs *full viewed👍Au👍left our like for you*

[@sharkscrapper]

Thanks Billy - although a tad geeky, but sometimes such videos are needed - especially when asked for by viewers.

[@billyb5057]

@@sharkscrapper I wonder about people had someone say our Aussie flag is a British flag had to explain how we are part of the British common wealth

[@RoeMantic]

On last thing, I put hard drive magnets on almost every dumpster I dive just so one is there? Trust me they don't fall off!

[@sharkscrapper]

LOL

[@streetcopper1151]

That’s awesome 🤣🤣🤣

[@RoeMantic]

20+ years ago I read a Field manual for opening a bottle of ketchup! Really. It even showed the angle of grip! WTH!

[@sharkscrapper]

🤣

[@THEATREGOD3]

😂😂thought were at the 🏖

[@sharkscrapper]

🤣

[@s-s-p704]

Dam hawk, lol. ive done many of these in the past with out a care in the world not knowing their ture value

[@sharkscrapper]

As the saying goes, "ignorance is bliss." There's some nice Al there for your future melts.

[@s-s-p704]

@@sharkscrapper I'm not 100% sure it's fully cast aluimiuim, as quite heavy , and cast aluimiuim is light, I think it has a lot more strength than just cast.. but I might be wrong

[@sharkscrapper]

@@s-s-p704 No worries there, as long as you've remove the odd steel spindle that some have, desiccant, tape, etc., it's Al. My yards buy it as "cast" Al. Having said, I agree with your observation. I've always thought they seemed heavy for cast Al. I've Ian'd a few with my maul hammer and the rough break shows the kind of crystal structure you'd expect from Al.

[@s-s-p704]

@@sharkscrapper magnesium is what sparkles when it melts maybe a topic of conversation on a live stream

[@sharkscrapper]

@@s-s-p704 Could be a fun discussion. I've not gotten into melting and casting yet, but always enjoy the conversation.

[@zero-waste]

95% of YT-videos made by amateur scrappers/refiners are misleading; some may even be on the border of being false. Most of these people claim that HD Platters are worthless (or almost worthless) and throw them in the aluminium bin. They are oblivious to the fact that some companies actually buy them as valuable e-waste. Some KZbinrs have even made clumsy attempts to recover PMs from the coating on HD platters; without succes. Therefore, they bravely claim that there are no valuables. There is, but the valuables in each platter are miniscule. Here comes the old rule of thumb regarding e-waste recycling into effect: Quantity = profit! Process a batch of 1000 platters the correct way, sell the aluminium, and then extract the values from the removed coating. All those YT-amateurs have made the same mistake of dissolving platters in acid. Aluminium and tin are the metal refiner's "enemies"! Both are difficult to remove from an acid solution afterwards; with aluminium being near impossible for an amateur. Besides that, at the same time they have also lost the aluminium that counts for most of the value in a HD platter. Acid is 19th century technique. Today there're so many other ways to process e-waste without using expensive acid, gaining a much higher profit. I use very little acid, despite I can use as much as I want due to all my HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4 being homemade at no cost. From a commercial kitchen I obtained a stainless four burner gas cooker intended for scrapping. Instead of dismantling, I rebuilt it to three burners so it would fit my 130 liter stainless steel cooking pot. This pot looks like a normal household cooking pot, except it's about a hundred times bigger. The frame of the gas cooker certainly needed additional reinforcement. This pot is (among other purposes) used for recovery of silver from CDs. Again, many YT-amateurs have made videos with failed attempts to recover silver from common CDs, leading them to wrongfully claim there are absolute not any values in CDs. The consumed gas for heating the large cooking pot is free, coming from my anaerobic digesters. These also provides me with a nice biproduct: Pure sulfur; perfect for turning into SO2 when needed, for precipitation of metals from acid solutions.

[@sharkscrapper]

Thank you for the detailed comment. For the average home scrapper, selling the HDD's to their yard or some other e-scrap buyer makes the most sense. They get some value from it and the HDD's eventually end up with a company capable of extracting the constituents in a cost effective manner. Very few home scrappers/refiners have the time or skills needed to build an extraction system such as yours. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@TinManScrapper]

Lol....this isn’t rocket science, your just unscrewing stuff

[@sharkscrapper]

well it isn't 😂