Scrapping an Air Conditioner for Copper & Better than Scrap Steel Value

Picked up this AIr-Con from street scrapping a while back, time to get into it and see what's inside.
Keep scrapping & have Fun!
Scrapping tools, safety gear, metal melting furnaces, crucibles and ingot moulds that I use or recommend.. www.amazon.com...

[@philipestrada5718]

The simple fact that you don't pretend to know everything. Not afraid to try new things. Keep up the good work well done.

[@Paul-eb3pg]

Hey buddy,I worked in hvac field for 35 years. We scrapped eith cordless drills and sawzalls. The coil once it is out can be cut on inside of side of metal down cutting right up against metal after that the endbells can be knocked off of metal with a hammer. Coils are sometimes all aluminum or aluminum and copper. Once the coils are cleaned up of all the brackets they are worth more. Plus they can be stacked nice and neat.coils in one pile endbells and cut up cap tubes in a bucket and a bucket of misc.aluminum. There is great money scrapping A/Cs and heat pumps. Whole house systems are a whole lot heavier. All you need is freon recovered from someone that knows how. Or a system that is empty or has leaked out. Just watch the capacitors just short with a screwdriver. Lol. I really enjoy your vids and get a kick out of how you say coppa. It makes me smile, but I live in Virginia so you would get a kick out of my accent youall lol. Take care my friend.

[@badadamtude]

I just separated the aluminum coils from the copper lines and the scrap yard only gave me number two for the copper! I know I brought these in in the past and they've always give me number 1. Does that sound right to you guys?

[@luthermanriquez1471]

I was going to say the exact same thing as Paul . 👍

[@robertgerber2533]

Hey Ben, one of the best parts of your videos is the comments they create. I learn so much from you and the people who comment

[@eWasteBen]

Yes, I agree. I learn a lot too, which is why I try and make my video's neutral rather than making things up if I don't know for sure.

[@ephraimt1]

I totally agree mate.

[@grizzlybeardave611]

Using a Sawzall and cutting straight down the copper tubing on the inside of the galvanized plate is the fastest way to do that...

[@thanatos204]

So I've followed your Air Conditioner repair guide, it was very thorough. I think I might have skipped a step somewhere though because my unit isn't working now. I'll try watching it again to see where I messed up.

[@lawrencebecker6960]

Use a saw and cut between the radiator and the steel. That's what I do.

[@lawrencebecker6960]

You'll get cash with the steel but more if you take it off.

[@lawrencebecker6960]

Should specify to use a reciprocating saw lol.

[@kellysteele8878]

yea thats what i do too

[@wanjockey]

yea use a sawzall slice through that like butter.

[@Vestin732]

Really should be pounding down the VB's while doing this. That's what I do.

[@ScrapVulture111]

👍 yep you need them ends off to sell as clean acr - I used to take the acr ends off with my snips like that too, now i use my circular saw with a $3 metal cutting grinder blade attached and just buzz them off in a jiffy (cutting through the acr aluminum side) - my yards have special category for them acr steel ends with the, copper bits stuck to them....

[@kassiman5307]

*THATS A GREAT .... VIDEO ..... WITH GREAT IDEAS ....!!!!! THANKS FOR THAT .....!!!!!!!!*

[@theopinion9452]

I like it that you mention time,time is,like Scrap Vulture says,the most precious commodity of all,some scrappers just don't see the value of taking all apart,others do,is all about time and priorities really.

[@robbuechner3647]

When prices were good I made about 30 a piece on the little window ac's . I mostly get big home units now and the compressors are around 80lbs each, I cut up between 5-15 a week. They're definitely worth scrapping...

[@ephraimt1]

I agree mate. The stand up home units are awesome. Once you see the amount of copper in the compressor and hold it in your hands, there's no going back.

[@gateke1]

13:15 Ben Put a Hamster in the Wheel and you got a Free Energy Fan Device 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@Abbie-UK]

Thank you for sharing that was fun to watch .

[@rkvktmen]

I used to find the odd airconditioner scrapping the inner suburbs of Melbourne. Usually another scrapper would have come along, released all the refrigerant and taken the rads and easy copper, leaving the compressor and fan motors behind.

[@bobferranti5222]

I'm retired and do scrapping as a hobby, I would have completely disassembled the air conditioner into all its individual components to get the most from all the scrap value. I know you don't have the type of time as I do but you did a great job. The aluminum/copper evaporator and condenser can be taken apart with a small grinder, cutting along the path of the tube releases the copper from the fins. You can make more money from air conditioners in the long run.

[@sojourner1511]

Hey Ben, The two copper coils, 1 is the condenser, condenses the freon in the one, and evaporator is the other. In refrigeration, one coil has a condenser fan motor, and a evaporator fan motor for the other. And here in the states, big $ fine $ if you cut those freon lines. Good video. There's gas in that little switch too. Cya.

[@TiborRoussou]

Here in Canada, big fines for releasing coolant into the atmosphere. I steer clear of fridges and A/C units for this very reason.

[@BizarroLanigirod]

Isn't it safe to release the freon as a liquid?

[@TacoStacks]

Scrap Lifeeeee

[@juanacosta5565]

Taco Stacks love your videos

[@ernestpetzrick7741]

Thanks for another entertaining vid Ben. Lots of useful feedback from your fans as well.

[@mysonrando7789]

you definitely want to cut off the steel from the radiators, copper and aluminum really easy to cut, I cut along the inside of the steel piece with a recipricating saw. freon is not poisonous but it will displace oxygen you don't want to be in a room with it, it could suffocate you and it is a lil messy, something that needs to be thought about.

[@DuniaPerosokan]

Hey bro,i'm from indonesia you're inspiration to me.

[@urbanmonkey48]

I have about 3 of those compressed air tanks to open. I will film it next time. There is tons of good copper inside. It's easy with a metal cutting wheel on your grinder.

[@raymccarty4612]

I have three also. Looking forward to a video from you.

[@urbanmonkey48]

@@raymccarty4612 I cut all mine open yesterday. But I pick them up all the time. I will film it. There is a motor inside with a big copper coil.

[@urbanmonkey48]

@@raymccarty4612 can I post pictures here? I cut a couple open but had low battery so I took some pictures instead.

[@raymccarty4612]

@@urbanmonkey48 I do not know. You may have to start your own video. I was surprised that I actually had to wait until being able to do the same when considering making and posting a video on another subject.

[@planetzogg1]

Love watching your scrapping vids. We need more people making sure as much metal is recycled as possible. But please know that old air conditioning equipment can contain CFC's which wreck the planets ozone layer (Montreal Protocol). That black pump and the copper tubes in the radiators are full of it. Air conditioning units, fridges, freezers etc really need to be sent to a proper recycling facility to remove the CFC oil/gases.

[@ephraimt1]

Hey Ben. Thanks for keeping you're promise mate. 👍👍👍 I'm sure this video will become one of your popular uploads. I'll keep coming back to this one just to join in in the comment section.

[@sojourner1511]

Ok, last comment, there are two pry clamps on each side of the fan motor. It is a double duty one. Pry the 2 clamps on each side of the shaft. It clamps a rubber bushing on both sides of the shaft to the uprights. Flat tip screw driver pops em right off. Cut your plastic wheels off with your cutters.

[@Paul-eb3pg]

Compressors are steel. And I think you turned the fan bolt the wrong way. Remember lefty loosey. But you can bust the plastic off with a hammer. Compressors suck because they are full of oil and if they fail due to a burn out they stink like hell. Especially in a van. Try to keep them upright and just throw in with steel. You did really good for not doing them. Usually a 5/16 nut driver bit in drill with an extension or 1/4 inch. Try and search down whole house split systems some indoor coils weigh 35 lbs. Outdoor as well either all aluminum or aluminum and steel really good money. Cheers

[@ernestpetzrick7741]

great info Paul, thanks for adding on to Ben's vid. I've avoided picking these up in the past, but may change my practice.

[@Paul-eb3pg]

Ernest Petzrick my pleasure sir.

[@marcelduval4292]

cut the end of the copper with an angle grinder then you cut the aluminium with a knife and get the extra copper tube inside it's very easy to do

[@havingfun8237]

You have 30,000+ Fans now you have 30,000 Fans & an air conditioner keep on trucking Ben you DA man ( . ) ( . )

[@gateke1]

Ben is the biggest air conditioner of the world 😋

[@mikeforce5926]

Another great leaning video.Thanks mate.

[@mrbean6008]

What about the freyon in the ac’s?

[@marcelduval4292]

sometimes when i watch you work dimantling somethings it give me a rash at how you work with your tools

[@jamespn]

Evaporator up front, condenser out back. The compressor has a crank shaft and a piston either aluminum or steel, there’s no copper winding.

[@DeanG55]

Hello from Napa Valley, CA, USA!! I have seen many of these teardowns of air conditioning rads. First of all, those copper coils or "noodles" are sawed off, then that sheet metal piece is removed before scrapping as it is. Love your "Down Under" accent and keep the videos coming!! Watch out when scrapping the second rad!! I saw a menacing looking spider!!

[@shaneyork300]

A/C motors are not easy to get out! I got 6 units at one time and they where my 1st time scrapping them. Not one went real smooth, like a pc. Your right, good value! 👍👍

[@ms.digitalpiggy9274]

Going to watch this later but going to give it a thumbs up and good comment now. I really enjoy these videos.

[@spottyskunk1898]

AC units and similar are some of those appliances that Do justify the extra time and work if you want to do it, just for the copper/aluminum/compressor rates. But if you don't, nobody can be mad - you still kept it out of the landfills and made a buck off it in the process.

[@Justinbeehoney]

Cool man. I keep picturing u melting all copper and having a mounting of copper and cash in all at once a huge bank

[@bormatnor]

Looks like a good job for a saw zaw and a demolition blade.

[@randomvideowatcher]

If the copper aluminum radiator has sheet metal on it, the yard will buy it as dirty copper aluminum radiator. If you get a sawsall or angle grinder and cut off the copper tubing and pull off the sheet metal you can sell it as clean copper aluminum radiator. Your yard would know the two prices. The clean price will be higher.

[@bradfordramsden1669]

Hay mate, you can get the aluminium radiators down to just plain aluminum by cutting the copper off with a pneumatic chisel or you can even use a regular skill saw. Either will take the copper off in 15 seconds. Then bang off the steel end plates and you have an uncontaminated aluminum radiator, two pieces of scrap steel and a bit of copper nibbs. This all gives you a better value with just a couple of extra minutes invested. I have found that the pneumatic chisel is an invaluable tool for all kinds of scrapping cutting my time removing small fasteners to almost nothing.

[@oldstuffnow1]

Great video dude. I scrap these out at least 10 a month

[@benny5190]

The conectors on top of the sealed unit inside the plastic cover usually have a couple of silver contacts

[@overneath420]

Tip for all radiators whether it has steel or plastic sides is to get a saw and cut them off. Most of the time they will take the sides as breakage so you won't lose weight doing it

[@4kays160]

In nsw, u have to take the steal sides of of the radiaters.. i cut the ends of with an angle grinder, the stand on it and hammer off the side plates... then to get the copper tubes out u just slice along each pipe with a razor to cut along the fins then they pull out, very easy...

[@brisbanelawncoring6102]

Good vid ewaste. I always get a pc for you at street scrapping and put it in scrap steel

[@eWasteBen]

Good stuff, hey I have a copyright on that name

[@ephraimt1]

Cord Food lol!!! 😂😂😂

[@captainjerk]

I watch most of your vids, but I don't comment much. A sawzall (reciprocating saw) will zing those copper nubs off the sides of that radiator quicly. :D

[@68Eric86]

captainjerk that's how I do it too

[@rupertmiller9690]

You'd think Ben would be an old hand with the sawzall by now.

[@rbarbour64]

I take the fins off the tubing with a pair of pliers I modified . I took a grinder and sharpened the tip to a sharp edge. Now it bites into the fins a lot better.

[@TRX450RVlogger]

Scrapping is really fun in my opinion.

[@dalecrary8738]

Sawzall works wonders on those radiator

[@robbiebaker2412]

If u have time u can use a band saw and cut those copper tubes out of those radiators easily. It's messy but increases the value

[@user-sv8yt6gv2w]

You can sort out the #1 Copper and #2 copper and get more for it doesn't take maybe a couple minutes

[@bunbunsooky61]

At least you tried.first time for everything pulling things ,apart.

[@sojourner1511]

Yes, the motor is a compressor. Copper windings inside an oil bath. The big tube is a filter dryer.

[@SteveNeighbor]

Where's the part where you recover the freon?

[@kellysteele8878]

i use to use a hatchet or ax on them radiators it was faster .....a few good wacks and its clean

[@markthomas625]

We are in Australia mate, don't you know everything is backwards down under? lol

[@robbuechner3647]

Pays good if you cut the copper noodles off then knock the steel plates off.

[@americanrebel413]

Awesome Ben! Thank you for sharing!

[@nickhouck4309]

Reciprocating saw or abrasive cutter makes quick work of condensers, evaporators and radiators

[@adventureswithttfncachn3967]

In my area you can't take an AC unit just to scrap shred price. If there is not professional sticker on it saying the freon was professionally removed, the would only get a dollar or two. If I got that sticker, you might get $5 but than you had to pay for that sticker.

[@zombieprinting2670]

Ben, nice stuff buddy, But you sure showed this was your first air conditioner lol it's all good man. I have them done in under 10 minutes. A sawzall is your best friend here for the rads. Much more $$ for the rads when clean. I'll take those all day long. Love your vids bud, Keep on keepin on! :)

[@mick488]

You can leave the steel on and the give you around $2:50 kg or cut the steel of and get around $3:30 kg. I just run a sawzaw strait down the sides of the rads

[@bobwood816]

I take a saws all and cut inside of the metal on the inside of the radiator to get the steel off then take a screwdriver and pry off the copper hoops. good

[@kylewojtecki7472]

Hey ben I was wondering if you could do an updated version of the scrapping workshop tour

[@adtube4186]

Ive been collecting copper and brass while scraping out the steel. havent melted any yet but been wondering. with the right size setup, Could you melt the aluminum off the radiator and separate the copper out? then have the copper to melt later at higher temp?

[@royceanderson3389]

Actually you can slice the length of the Copper Tubes with a Razor Knife. The Copper comes right out easily. Takes about 5 minuets to clean each one. The thing you called a Can is the Compressor and it has Copper and Steel in it.

[@XIFORCE1]

thank you, very good job

[@geromecabeguin8354]

Finally found one im really finding this cuz i want to sell the copper part of iur aircon cuz of high price

[@urbanmonkey48]

It is easy to cut those open, just a grinding wheel. It's got a ton of copper in it.

[@victorhavrylyuk]

was up people ,ben thank you for the frequent videos.

[@68Eric86]

There is usually a nice electronic relay in those too, good contacts.

[@hucks33]

We get Irony ally price for those air conditioners here in the UK. As always Ben, great vid.

[@rachellezielinski91]

I am just starting to scrap air conditioners so please tell me what tools you use. Imam having a hard time cutting the small copper

[@awldune]

ACs (whole house ACs, not window units) are notorious targets for scrap thieves where I live. Thousands of dollars to replace, and the thief gets a few bucks from the dodgy scrapyard.

[@technocracynow9339]

awldune Seems like someone is very Hungry

[@awldune]

Hungry for crack. It's a sad situation and gives scappers a bad name.

[@ephraimt1]

Once a bad guy figures out how much value there is in anything, it doesn't take long before they start pillaging for self gain. Have you seen how many there are on an apartment block or at a school? Lock up your A/C's guy's!!!

[@brianchester4218]

Another great vid Ben very informative, I am a part time scraper if some thing comes along then i pick it up also stuff I find metal detecting, all gives me a few beers a year

[@rufussmithvideos5871]

When i take those Aluminium Copper Radiators in they class the radiators with the steel plate as Aluminium Copper Radiators Irony. I still get a fair amount when i leave the steel plate on the Radiator. i think its only a $50 drifference between clean ACR (Aluminium Copper Radiators) and ACRI (Aluminium Copper Radiators Irony). Which is where i live it may be drifferent in your area.

[@junglejammer1]

In the U.S., any appliance containing Freon, must have the Freon removed by a licensed technician, using a recovery machine, first. If you cut open a unit containing Freon and release it into the atmosphere, and get caught doing it, you'll earn yourself a $10,000.00 fine! Those were the rules about, 20 years ago. I don't know what it is today. I worked for 20 years at a company that manufactured refrigerated water coolers. I had to make a cut-away of a compressor, as a teaching aid for servicemen, once. There is very little copper inside. The weight comes from the fact that, the housing is a pressure vessel and is thick steel. Not to mention the pump, oil, and motor inside. Think of them as an air compressor, with everything inside the tank.

[@jimauger986]

Righty tighty lefty Lucy.

[@goodtimeeric]

Looks like 5 minutes of footage went missing when you checked to see if the back radiator was also copper 😆

[@wendyvan7823]

What about the freon. Was it emptied first?

[@4kays160]

diggin'it v u saw the scene cut as he cut the first tube right? Lol freons in our atmosphere now...

[@rkvktmen]

Joe Bears The point of the burning process is that it destroys the freon and renders it harmless.

[@rkvktmen]

Joe Bears Thanks for clarifying that. There is a new process they've developed in Australia that apparently uses a plasma arc to turn freon into something akin to saltwater. The energy input would still be huge, I'm sure, but I guess you could do it with renewables. I don't really know how good it is in the real world, but hopefully it's a step in the right direction.

[@adambuysyuckyhouses]

No need to care ur allowed in USA to release a residential amount of freon in the air

[@zombieprinting2670]

Actually, Freon isn't poisonous as some would have you believe, the problem with freon is that it is heavier than air and more dense and if it settles in pockets animals and such can breath it in and it suffocates them if enough is inhaled. Your cars exhaust is more toxic than freon is

[@radionutio81ij79]

How do you capture the refrigeration gas inside the unit it would have to go to a professional recycling plant for dismantling here in the uk, as the cfc refrigerants used in these units cause climate change.

[@georgecribbs6527]

a air conditioner is the best thing if you want copper. like you said once you know how to take it apart you will be very copper high

[@davidh266]

Wrong milk coolers. I have one at moment. An air conditioner ontop of a stainless square tank with copper piping running all inside on a frame

[@arneche]

There is a Canadian Scrapper uberism81 he is expert in scrapping these cobber alu rads.

[@aussiescraphunter7808]

The regulator thing is a thermostat

[@jackwarneckii4406]

I think you should just post a long video of you scrapping the miscellaneous stuff , like whatever you did before the ac. It's kinda zen watching it. maybe live stream it? I don't know what time that would be here in the states though.

[@eWasteBen]

Most viewers would be in bed when I scrap most, but I will do more random scrapping marathons

[@ephraimt1]

Yeah Scrap therapy.

[@jeep2003]

Im still undecided if its worth cutting open those compressors. You get a good chunk of copper but its so messy with the oil and smoke. It uses about one or one and half grinding wheels because you have to cut around the perimeter then down the length to release the tension and slide it out. I think my yard has a special price for them but i havnt tried yet

[@raymccarty4612]

I saw a video where two holes were drilled, and the oil put into a metal oil can.

[@komerwest9520]

Yes you do want to open it. Next time take a grinder with a cutoff wheel cut along rhe wield. Its worth it if you like copper

[@toomaskotkas4467]

I have one sitting in my storage and I am still debating - should I try to sell it on classifieds or take it to the scrapyard. Thanks for the video, Ben.

[@dparker9734]

I would use a sawsaw to get the copper out of the radiator, and than to get the motor out use a strong metal blade to get the casing holding the motor

[@TheKeving123]

Just hit it with the back end of a mall or a sledge

[@danielpersson7483]

You forgot the copper ends on the 2nd radiator

[@tacllemtacllem7679]

What happened to the gas in the pipes? you cut a line like that and you are going to get a surprise.

[@technical9261]

Very nice sir

[@TinkerPrepper]

Test the motor to see if it works. You might get $20 on Ebay for it. They make good motors for small quiet air compressors.

[@pederlindstrom3132]

Hello Ben, Sweden here again. Drain the oil of the compressor and it goes as Sealed unit, atleast it does here.

[@carls.5433]

do you guys have laws there about venting refrigerant? Here in the U.S. we have to reclaim the refrigerant.

[@eWasteBen]

commercially yes

[@michelboudreau8822]

Cut the macaroni s with grinder and after use axe between metal and rad . Works easy

[@benny5190]

My biggest fear of scrapping in oz would be opening something up and coming face to face with a giant friging spider

[@ulfhenarpolymathmilitant6258]

pussy ............lol

[@asf130thecompany7]

If you want to get most of those use some desoldring stuff for it :) Its not that expensive to buy either.... At least where I live atm

[@thadwicksmith8752]

I see that the refrigerant has been released prior to the video. Its rare to scrap an AC unit without the refrigerant under pressure still in the copper lines. I say this because im certain that theres a handfull of regulations that go along with AC coolant disposal. Although im unsure of specifics, i can say without question that just releasing that stuff into the open air is a no no. Infact id be willing to bet that coolant disposal negates any profitability gained from scrapping out these old AC units. Anybody care to throw out details???

[@deethedeeplorablemorand2327]

good job ben i use sazall to cut shaft on both sides of motors fast and easy,,,,,,,,

[@lynnscrogum3634]

Get a Sawsall best investment I ever made for scrapping!!!

[@kennethjackson3727]

yep sawzaw cut down the edge then hit the steel off get better price

[@toomaskotkas4467]

There is oil inside of the compressors so your scrapyard will really hate if you try to pass it as just an electric motor.

[@rkvktmen]

Alan Shore My yard bought them as heavy melting steel. I always wondered what happened when they were thrown into the blast furnace.

[@toomaskotkas4467]

I betcha they get shredded first and the metals are separated. If they throw appliances as one piece there is chance something (like oil in the compressors) will explode and damage the forging machinery.

[@rkvktmen]

I don't know. The scrapyard threw them in with all the other heavy steel items and I figured that it would all be be too thick/heavy to put through a shredder. Maybe they pluck the compressors out and process them separately once it all arrives in a cheap labour state.