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radiators from AC unit

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  1. #1
    ilyaz started this thread.
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    radiators from AC unit

    I found two small radiators. I think they are from a window AC unit. I am not going to take them apart in any way. So are they going to be just light iron or somehting more valuable?

    Thanks.



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    Not sure what you mean by "radiators". If they are the hings that look like tanks, then they're compressors. They CAN be taken apart for copper and #1 iron, but not worth the effort in my opinion. If you're talking about the tubes surrounded by aluminum fins, they are copper. I use a grinder and run it up and down the tubes to "cut" the aluminum away.

    If neither of these, can you post a picture?
    People may laugh at me, but that's ok. I laugh all the way to the bank.

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    ilyaz started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick View Post
    Not sure what you mean by "radiators". If they are the hings that look like tanks, then they're compressors. They CAN be taken apart for copper and #1 iron, but not worth the effort in my opinion. If you're talking about the tubes surrounded by aluminum fins, they are copper. I use a grinder and run it up and down the tubes to "cut" the aluminum away.

    If neither of these, can you post a picture?
    Here we go. The bigger one is about 2' X 1.5' in size. As I said, I am trying to avoid cutting off the U-shaped copper pipes or doing anything to them other than to take them to a scrap yard. :-)

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    Yes, there are copper tubes throughout, surrounded by aluminum fins. You can actually cut the aluminum with a box knife. I use my Sawzall and cut down the inside of the steel side plates. Then use a screwdriver to pull the copper "U" pieces through. Then use the grinder (or noted box knife) to go down the tubes and cut the aluminum. Then "peel" the aluminum from around the tubes - using either my hand or a pair of pliers. The copper will be #2. If you salvage the aluminum, it will be "Sheet" or 'Old Sheet". I had a box full about 2'x2'x2' and I think I got maybe a couple of dollars. Or take them as they are and they'll likely go as "copper/aluminum" if you cut off the steel sides.

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    How much more do you typically get for a radiator if you separate the copper and aluminum instead of just cutting off the metal sides and bring them in as is. Is it worth the time? thanks Aaron

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    The last full price list I have is from August. It shows Aluminum Sheet at .38/lb, #2 Copper at $2.38/lb and Copper/Aluminum at .90/lb. I don't know exactly what % of copper and aluminum there would be, but I'd guess 10% aluminum and 90% copper. So, for 10 lbs, you'd $9.00 vs $21.80 (9lb*$2.38 + 1lb*.38).

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    Okay thanks Mick I think that would be worth my time as i have a nice pile of them.

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    I have some of those as well. I separated a little bit and just took the copper that I pulled out in. Using the money for poker today. The guy that took it in off me said that as long as I cut the copper off around the soldered connections I can have part of it go in as #1 copper and then the pieces would go #2. Figured what the heck, so with the other one, I will make sure to cut away the non solder area and put into a separate pile.

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    Ok you'll get a $1 per pound

    ur get $1 per pound if u turn it in just the way it is. Well in long island NY thats what they will give u. but if turn the whole ac unit in, it will pay out 8cents the pound.

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    How are you folks recovering the freon before cutting them up?


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