Essential Tools For Scrap Metal Recycling - How To Make Money Scrapping

[@jadrewscrapper8081]

I went from a hooptie dodge caravan scrapper to an SUV. (first Gen expedition) I definitely have better weight hauling capacity, but those mini vans with the seats taken out are roomy! I kind of store my stuff in my vehicle between runs to my parents house due to no garage so I have to be covered. No pickup. Anyway blah blah. Yeah this one didn't necessarily help me but I appreciate you. Keep doing the thing from Sacramento, CA USA.

[@thubprint]

I definitely could have spent more time exploring the vehicle options because you’re absolutely right! A lot of people will benefit from having a vehicle that doubles at the storage space for their junk and tools. The right van could even be the tear down shop if necessary

[@benjismith593]

A utility knife for stripping wire. It's much more safe. I have cheap 2x4 n angle iron ramps for my truck. Bolt cutters can come handy. Plus a file. Garbage bags for cans.

[@RexxieGames]

I absolutely cant live without my laptop screwdriver bit kit...its a screwdriver with detachable bits for any type of screw you may encounter taking apart electronics with any size down to a teeny tiny grain of sand sized screw. It's not necessary if you're doing large ticket items, but i gather circuit boards and its a godsend.

[@sterlinggrisso4432]

Just another super helpful video! This Trash Panda is very satisfied with all the amazing work you do! Thank you so much!

[@Lhifeeq]

It has been great seeing you go from hippie in a Vibe, rummaging through trash bins to something like this, where you seem like more of a (hippie) TV host with presentation skills. I love you either way, good to see the versatility and variety you are bringing to the channel.

[@thubprint]

Thanks so much! Always trying to grow. Going back to the bins eventually tho, just had a bunch of decent video ideas I wanted to get out there

[@maxsaslt]

I am a simple man - I see your video, I press the like. :-) Btw, this week I made my very first 70€ scrapping, all thanks to you! Felt good and the scrap yards are amazing.

[@thubprint]

Congrats! That’s a totally decent payout, better than a lot of my trips. I bet they’ll be happy to see you too 😁

[@timnavarrette6932]

This my favorite out of all knowing what to need at all times

[@mikedavis3489]

Been scrapping for 45 years, I enjoyed your video and think you were spot on the necessary tools. As to air compressor or acetylene torch; I use my compressor every day haven't used my torch in years. But when I was younger and cutting up farm equipment the torch sure was handy

[@thubprint]

I want a compressor pretty bad lol. I just don’t want a cheap pancake one, I need a proper one

[@bentleyalder5492]

I love this list! Well done, I'd add a cold chisel to the list, it has become my new favorite partially for breaking welds on transformers to remove the windings

[@properwelshy3851]

Hey bud! I've recently purchased a transit tipper to become a full time scrap collector, your videos have been extremely helpful to me as I had no idea what I was getting myself into before now 😅 Im purchasing my essential tools this morning and just wanted to say thanks for all the info 🤙🏼

[@JB-wx4wo]

Thanks for the project shop reference and all the knowledge you bring.. Need more channels like this

[@jackpotdigger834]

VERY DETAIL LIST good job but totally forgot the main one tthe 10lbs sledge hammer keep doing the thing

[@thubprint]

Ohhh the sledge! Yeah I still need one myself, just the lil 3.5 around here

[@jackpotdigger834]

@@thubprint the big prybar you use seem to do the job for you There no bad way of doing the thing Persso seem to get a lot of the disgusting cast iron drain pipe with lead corners the 3.5 lbs wouldnt do the job I bust open dryers for wires and motors with ine no time to unscrew everything anyhow good job I really would had love to have those small introduction video when i started scrapping learned the hard way good job thub

[@OpenYourEyes2Corruption]

Just an idea for your merch store. Have you thought about making a “scrappers tool kit” with just the basics needed for street scraping. Maybe see if you could put together a power tool kit with Milwaukee (drill,grinder,sawzall) or if you can’t afford the overhead of the power tools see if you could get a promo code to give to your viewers

[@RedWhiteBlueYo]

Security bit set.. cordless bandsaw... Multi-purpose oscillating dremel for depopulating circuit boards

[@urbansmokes]

Security bit set yes, recip saw or angle grinder & Dremel bits that can fit in an impact would be more economical/useful. Not being negative but I just couldn’t find many uses for a cordless bandsaw to justify the purchase.

[@thubprint]

Ohhh I DO need a good mini-bit and security bit set! I always borrowed my brother’s but I need to get one of my own

[@rickmoore]

Nice shout out to Project Shop FL, I like his videos almost as much as yours!

[@thubprint]

He’s such a legend! I don’t think anybody else on yt scraps to his level, and he’s got all the best toys 😄

[@richavic4520]

@@thubprint The best tool idea that I learned from him is the fillet knife that I now use for stripping wire. No insulation is safe.

[@howardchambers9679]

A good adjustable spanner or a small stilson wrench. I keep my electric screwdriver, both Phillips and flat screwdrivers, an electricians screwdriver, a "fit any bolt" socket, my stilson, a pair of pliers and some wire cutters in my bag when I'm out and about.

[@thubprint]

I’ve never heard it called that! An electric screwdriver too… that’s a neat space-saver over the electric drill

[@vinecat8451]

Awesome video my dude! As a vehicle I always use my bike. My scrapyard accepts it and I usually only have to cycle 3 times (around 2-3 hours in total, I live closeby relatively speaking) to move around 150kg of metal (330 pounds). Although I usually only get around 20-30 euro’s per time, it’s honest work and I very much enjoy it.

[@thubprint]

Nothing wrong with that! Actually sounds pretty fun, and it’s a surprisingly good date idea depending on where you’re at in life 😆

[@mollynakamori]

Dang, dude! You are rockin' it. Love the intro.

[@thubprint]

Ty! ☺️

[@soerenbode]

Actually - depending on where u live - you can start on foot! I usually find a lot just by walking around my neighborhood. So don't be dishartened if u have no vehicle. I also have a scrapyard in walking distance (no vehicle needed but an ID). If your scrapyard is further away maybe u can ask a friend to help u bring your stuff in? (also worked fine for me) And if you are interested in taking things apart I'd recommend a simple set for mobile/laptop repair (see ifixit f.e.) Great video! (would love to have more space and a work bench;)

[@thubprint]

Oh that’s cool! My yards all require a registered vehicle but it makes sense that some don’t

[@jadrewscrapper8081]

In sacramento ( I think it's a California thing but don't quote me) must have vehicle with legit tags and ID.

[@gregscoolclips9134]

When I 1st started out I had nothing more then a shopping cart and a few hand tools like you said. Hard to find a yard these days that will let you walk in.

[@thubprint]

None near me!

[@bcubed72]

Urban places do, or at least did. I think Warhola scrap did, the one time I went there. Not that I was on foot, but the "living rough" crowd came in with "borrowed" shopping carts full of cans.

[@kingspokelife5118]

Woohoo another thub video to watch and unwind from long day at work!

[@thubprint]

Thanks for being here! I know this weekend’s vids are a little basic but I think they’re just the thing for many viewers 👌

[@kingspokelife5118]

@@thubprint they are perfect man! Keep up the great work!

[@josephwallace5602]

As for the smaller cable cutters, harbor freight has then super cheap. Definitely worth it for say dryer or oven cords.

[@thubprint]

100%! I linked the Klein ones in the description, they aren’t the cheapest out there but I’m not a fan of buying super cheap tools. Learned that lesson with cheap screwdriver bits. Definitely nice to have something a bit beefier for those heavy cords!

[@josephwallace5602]

@@thubprint I agree on expensive tools for the most part. I have all Milwaukee brushless battery tools and some snap on/mac/etc but as long as harbor freight is close, a lot of the hand tools are fairly good and since they are lifetime warranty, 🤷‍♂️ if it breaks, it breaks. Have a great day man.

[@randystone6781]

Great stuff, Thub! Well put together information, as usual! 💙☮️

[@thubprint]

Just having fun with it 😎

[@urbansmokes]

Boy, you have come a long way in efficiency. Those old vids with your garage piled with clutter, & you being clearly overwhelmed. Fast forward now you don’t sit on a load more than a couple vids. You really help me & a lot of people with streamlining the process.

[@thubprint]

Glad to hear it! The only downside is I’m not making collecting videos as often… that’s the next step, but I’m confident I can do both!

[@urbansmokes]

@@thubprint ya brotha you got this, keep up the grind!

[@ElectronicWasteExplorers]

Great video,!

[@robertfraser8794]

Most of my tools I got as scrap. I have to get another battery powered grinder. But. I will tell you this ,get a metal chop saw. My greatest investment, $120 at princess. I too have a Ranger and have moved TONS. I have been doing this for the last 9 years. It is amazing what I've learned in that time.

[@thubprint]

A lot of my tools came into my possession as discards as well! Chop saw could be really good too, I guess it depends what sort of material you frequently gather

[@JohnnySwedishScrapper]

great info to the beginners ;) great video

[@usmanrao4264]

Thanks brother

[@livvyweimar7362]

I wonder if one of those gator grip sockets would replace the socket set? They are fairly inexpensive and work great for rounded corners on nuts and bolt heads.

[@thubprint]

Those are interesting! I’ve never used one but if they actually work well that would be a perfect addition to the EDC bag

[@averywebb6960]

"Pry bar screwdriver" 😂 something everyone does but OSHA hates. Loving the apron btw

[@thubprint]

Thanks! I think it’s gonna be my summer look 😁

[@andyf1235]

The single must useful tool haha

[@jackpotdigger834]

AND THE MEDICAL AID KIT TOO(mine has crazyglue in it because of you cople yrs ago ;-)) easy acces all the time in the truck and always refill it up too after use it

[@saadrazzaq1946]

Love it bro

[@silverado708]

I have me the 9" cable cutter. It's nice to have for appliance scrap cords. I'm wanting to save for the big cable cutters

[@thubprint]

They aren’t cheap but they sure get the job done! Have you thought about adding a cheater bar to both of the handles? Would be basically the same thing, just smaller jaws

[@silverado708]

@@thubprint the thought is there to add cheaters to it. At the moment I've been coming across items that don't need em. That and being in a college area I've got a small gold mine of aluminum cans I'm working on.

[@billclues5406]

Great Video!

[@J_Braz_]

I scored 146 lbs of aluminum gutters yesterday. And a big fn stove. Thing weighed 400 lbs. Already made 82 bucks and it's only 9:15 a.m

[@thubprint]

Yooo, crushing it buddy! I gotta get out hunting for more alu siding myself, the hail came out strong after my first attempt

[@J_Braz_]

@@thubprint I found some gutters last week and nearly scraped them in the metal pile. A employee at the scrap yard told me they were aluminum. I was greatfull for his honesty. It was 80 something pounds. Made 25 bucks. Yesterday i found 140 lbs. I think the evening is the best time. Most workers finish their job. And homeowners seem to put appliances out after work.

[@mgiorno]

Thanks for of the great advice!

[@adamdaley8090]

3.5 diesel...that's small. Double that Thub. 6 or higher in most trucks. Great vid broski.

[@thubprint]

Well I don’t know *that* much about trucks lol! Thanks 🙂

[@adamdaley8090]

@@thubprint every man is every man's teacher. Just for future reference. Normally 4 liter or less is a car or SUV ( tons of 3 L Toyota diesels) down to 2L or smaller in some VW. I remember my 1st comment was because we both know the grams of a qp lol have a great weekend and stay cool.

[@thubprint]

I guess that’s on me for thinking my truck has a ‘big’ engine with it’s 4L. Just assumed an f350 was a 3.5L! Seems we learn a lot of different bits of trivia as we go through chapters of our lives 😉

[@adamdaley8090]

@@thubprint 4.0L in a gas is sizable. Paired with a 5 speed and rwd that Mazda/Ford scoots. My 98 & 02 4runner have a 3.4. There are even some small gas V8 that are 4L. Ok enough car nerd Adam. Although I do miss your Matrix/Vibe.

[@markshaffer4385]

I always keep extra ratchet straps in my pickup truck incase I have those extra big loads better safe than sorry

[@thubprint]

Ohhh that’s one thing I didn’t mention, good call! My straps live in the truck so I don’t really think about it

[@markshaffer4385]

Yes I actually use my straps more than i dont use them

[@DumDum306]

Dude I've been enjoying your videos, could I sponsor you at least half way to a farm jack as I love mine.

[@thubprint]

Glad to hear it, I’m enjoying making them! I wouldn’t worry about the farm jack though, I’m in no hurry ☺️ appreciate it though!

[@70percentAdvertising]

Appreciate the info 👍 surprised you didnt recommend this too!

[@jovsjoezvsohms8083]

You're actually the reason why I'm getting into scrapping! Appreciate all the great vids!!

[@thubprint]

That’s awesome, thank you for telling me! Hope you get everything you’re hoping to out of it and more 🤘 Just leave it better than you found it 💙

[@johnmcdonald2090]

Nice video, I have a truck with a open trailer. I would post a pic if I could here. Have you considered a trailer to hall more in?

[@thubprint]

I’ve thought about a trailer, sure! I tend to bounce around in alleys on the hunt but it would be great to have at home to load up and link up when filled

[@austinhernandez2716]

I never wear gloves but maybe I should. I took apart a paper shredder today and it shredded my finger when trying to remove the motor. It didn't hurt at all, I didn't notice until I saw a lot of blood. The blades didn't cut me either, I don't know how it happened

[@kevink.2719]

Great video

[@thubprint]

Ty 😊

[@samueltlatenchi1030]

I’m an early scrapper!!👍

[@thubprint]

Welcome aboard! 😁

[@CarolynDestruction]

Actually on my way to trade cans for money. 🤘🤘

[@SilverScorpion]

Wish I could melt them

[@CarolynDestruction]

@@SilverScorpion I have over 200-400 cans I’ve been holding onto since March

[@SilverScorpion]

Sweet!!!! I have three 55 gallon barels full that are flat

[@stevensonblake123]

I'm a garbage truck driver I collect cans I get Bout 5-600 cans a day plus bags of wire and much more

[@CarolynDestruction]

@@stevensonblake123 damn. Apparently the place where I drop the cans was closed at 5. Being in Virginia sucks.

[@bergbryce]

Where do you get those bags you use for cans/bottles?

[@oooo-mx5th]

I got into scrapping from watching construction workers throwing away So Much Good Shit!

[@ironangel667]

Dudes gettin some guns doin all that liftin.

[@thubprint]

😆😎👍

[@SilverScorpion]

Sweet

[@lorand-edmondiszlai9416]

Dream scraping car.... from this russian guy channel "Всё из за Метало Копа"

[@andrewcannon587]

flat bed truck with a cherry picker :D :D

[@thubprint]

😂 whatever suits ya! Unless you’re talking about a mini-crane, in which case I’m completely on board

[@shaunbarr4203]

Who is the KZbinr you mentioned ? Great vids bwt

[@JohnnySemor]

Oh a side note: I received $0.20/lb for the cleaned transformers I brought in, their bought them as transformers but I did have two big transformers in the pile so YMMV.

[@austinhernandez2716]

My local scrap yard puts them together with electric motors for 0.33/lb

[@thubprint]

Well that’s better than what I got! Are you happy with that knowing the time it took to remove the cases though?

[@JohnnySemor]

@@thubprint I think just from a time vs. money equation and it is better to just throw them in shred and spend more time by the fire.

[@wnytrashtrucks]

Here you don't have to have a car but you need to be over 18 and have an ID. Found that out when my brother took a load down but he was not 18 yet so he had to cash it out with someone else's name. But the yard I go to will not take walk in's after 4.

[@thubprint]

Interesting, a curfew on walk ins? Well I’m sure there’s a reason

[@wnytrashtrucks]

@@thubprint It might be because they close at 4:30 and they would like to be done with the day.

[@ironangel667]

Yalls yard restrictions are way more stringent than ours down here.

[@NeverEvil1]

Great list. Definitely a 3 tier possibly 4 tier system of how involved you want to be including the E-Waste. One of your next videos should include what is done with EVERYTHING you pick up. From glass to plastics to various other waste that may not have an exact category (insulation, picture tubes, acids/liquids, Freon, tires etc) so that even less goes to a landfill. Here in the states, there are e-waste collection days in various communities, and that could be used to get tv picture tubes recycled properly. Many tire shops will accept used tires for a small fee. The key is being able know where everything will be going prior to picking it up, or at least getting it to the right people who can process the items you can’t.

[@danmassie1942]

Great Video Thanks i do scraping too

[@thubprint]

It’s a great side gig for sure!

[@robertlewisw.4289]

Where did you buy that wire stripper at? and how much did you pay for it?

[@thubprint]

It was a gift actually! Nobody has owned up to sending it yet 😅 so I guess it was the trash faeries? I put a link to it in the description, it’s less than $100

[@joesask857]

cool

[@JohnnySemor]

I bring a magnet on a line because you never know when you might just need to do some magnet fishing...ok, I like to fish steel out of dumpsters with my magnet for fun (warning: there is not profit in magnet fishing nails for scrapping purposes).

[@austinhernandez2716]

The nails and screws will add up over time in a bucket.

[@thubprint]

🤣 I can appreciate having the magnet attached to a string! Sometimes it’s a bugger to pull off

[@JohnnySemor]

@@thubprint Yes, that can be a challenge and adds to the skill required. "This isn't your older brother's magnet fishing!".

[@Jjwilliamson777]

I have different types metal detectors

[@thubprint]

That’s such a cool addition! I’d love to get one ☺️

[@krisbennett9852]

1 things missing from essentials is a file

[@dr.a006]

Helps see what’s brass vs whatever else!

[@krisbennett9852]

Dr. A. That's exactly why it's a must. He uses the grinder which I do too but not when I'm out. A files just easier to carry

[@thubprint]

True but I never needed one, I just scrape the item in question on some pavement

[@dr.a006]

@@thubprint that I do all the time too. Sometimes that chrome plate is thick over the brass or die cast.👍

[@muriaticacid7004]

Thumbs UP

[@ansehorste5974]

nice vid, thanks for that. but what came to my mind was, not only helping out with the tools to use, its also ya teaching non english fluent speakers, all the english names of these tools. double win on education. wait do you say (english fluent) or (fluent english). anyway, stay healthy everybody

[@JohnnySemor]

fluent english is the correct usage.

[@thubprint]

I hadn’t thought of that! I should stop using such colloquial terms sometimes 😅

[@ansehorste5974]

@@JohnnySemor I think ya wrog jonny, hihihi is it you or ya

[@JohnnySemor]

@@ansehorste5974 Did you call me a wog? Or say I was wrong?

[@ansehorste5974]

@@JohnnySemor me pretty good i english, but sorry I dont get """wog""", ment nothing bad. thanks for your answer

[@bpdmining]

why you selling that scooter? It got you through hard times

[@thubprint]

I don’t WANT to sell it, it’s so good! I’m just at a point where I need to be debt free and liquidating things I don’t use often makes sense

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Nicely presented as usual Thub! You have a great style - but I'm not so sure about the "old-man hardware store employee" overalls! 🤣🤣 I think you covered everything pretty well to help the newbies! The only other thing I could think of is a security bit set for the drill.

[@thubprint]

I do need to get a micro bit set, one of those ifixit kits or something. Personally I like the apron! 😊

[@austinhernandez2716]

A battery powered drill helps a lot, especially if you only have a car or suv and need to take something apart quickly like a grill to be able to fit inside.

[@thubprint]

For sure! When I was exclusively using the vibe I often needed to disassemble in the field to bring stuff I found

[@TrashTube-rt9jw]

Forgot to mention star bits haha I’m about to go and disassemble and x ray machine I found in a dumpster. Nothing but star bits haha I realize this is a basic video 🫠