Extra money from nuts, bolts, screws.

I don't know if this has been discussed before but when I take anything apart (mostly computers) I take all the nuts, bolts, screws, washers, springs, and so on and throw them into 5 gallon buckets. When a few of these fill up I start separating out non-ferrous stuff by taking a magnet and extracting all the steel pieces from the bucket. What is left is mostly stainless steel with a few pieces of brass, copper or aluminum screws, nuts and so on. I separate these out visually. From a full 5 gallon bucket I will usually get 3 or 4 lbs. of stainless. It's a way to glean some extra money out of the scrap. Regards, Chris.

What a coincidence, I was considering posting something about this. I have one of those magnetic sweepers - 22" wide from harbor freight. I usually just use it around the warehouse, and in the parking lot. I drop a lot of screws around it seems.

Anyway, I'm able to just dump these same buckets you are talking about on the ground in a strip, and run the thing over them. Picks up all the ferrous items, and it has a quick release and just dump them into another bin.

I didn't even think to sweep my bucket of screws, I've just been throwing them in with my shred pile. That's good thinking, thanks for the tip.

DO NOT throw them in with your shread. My yard pays an extra 3-4 cents per pound for bolts, screws and nuts, I have a 3 different buckets for the three. They classify them as bushlings. Washers and other little pieces do go in the shread bucket. Check to see if your yards does the same.

Bossandy

Bushlings! I like that. Does this have to be certain bolts, nuts and screws - ie, non-rusty, non-stripped - as in, reusable? Or any old kinds?

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Originally Posted by Bossandy

DO NOT throw them in with your shread. My yard pays an extra 3-4 cents per pound for bolts, screws and nuts, I have a 3 different buckets for the three. They classify them as bushlings. Washers and other little pieces do go in the shread bucket. Check to see if your yards does the same.

Bossandy

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I need to call my yard now!!:D

I find it easier to sort them as I go. I put all screws and small items in this magnetic bowl. When it's full I shake it and turn it upsidown. The stainless and brass falls out.
http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/...pse34a55a4.jpg

Ha ha..Parker I like your use for magnets.

Your shop is far to tidy, all that room, makes it hard to believe you scrap. ;)

Sirscrapalot - When being chased by zombies with another person..trip them, an keep on running.

LOL, I know. Seriously, Parker, I love your organized workspace!

My setup of bolts, screws and nuts. One bucket for nuts, one bucket for bolts, one bucket for regular screws and one bucket for wood screws. I throw all sizes in there big and small. I also have the same set up for the stainless steel version being it pays more for stainless anyway. Call your yard and ask them, some may not do it this way, ask if they have a size limit. There are a lot of ways of upgrading your materials to get the most money. It kills me to see people not braking materials down and losing money, small cents yes, but it does add up. The yards will not tell you all of the tricks, it’s your mission to out smart them.

Bossandy