What to do with all these! - Page 2

Transformer plug end on things like hair dryer, power tool plug in chargers, etc. Big and bulky not like a lamp cord plug in...

We call them wall warts.

If I don't want to mess with breaking them open then yes, my yard buys them as a transformer, same with computer fans.
Just clip the wire off.

If you deal in ewaste any you will come across computers too good to just scrap. I always try to keep extra power cords and USB mouse and keyboards to help sell the computers. I also like to have extra cords for my self.

The RCA ends if they don't stick to a magnet should be "tinned brass".

If you really wanted you can put boiling water on those smaller lamp end plugs and after a few min pull out the brass with relative ease Some people freeze them and smash them inside a pillowcase or leave them as is and get paid the dirty brass price. the choice is purly personal. most of th silver ones are brass if you file them a little you will see the yellowish color underneath. Good luck and looking foward to hearing about your first run.

Originally Posted by NHscrapman

If you really wanted you can put boiling water on those smaller lamp end plugs and after a few min pull out the brass with relative ease Some people freeze them and smash them inside a pillowcase or leave them as is and get paid the dirty brass price. the choice is purly personal. most of th silver ones are brass if you file them a little you will see the yellowish color underneath. Good luck and looking foward to hearing about your first run.

Or put them in a vice, and use needle noses to twist them out. A lot less time consuming.

Originally Posted by hunterjohn

Here's an update. I removed all the ends and stuff and came up with a couple "wall warts". Anything of particular interest/value in my bucket?

I made a quick video showing how to "gently" take apart a AC Adapter. Some will have a transformer in there by itself, but this one had a circuit board instead.


It only takes be about 30 seconds to take one apart, but I was doing it one handed so it took a little longer.

Originally Posted by CarolinaEwaste

If you deal in ewaste any you will come across computers too good to just scrap. I always try to keep extra power cords and USB mouse and keyboards to help sell the computers. I also like to have extra cords for my self.

Yes. It is also good to have that type of stuff to gift or trade or even sell to the guys that are bringing you scrap.

Originally Posted by hunterjohn

In your oppinion is it worth it to take them apart? I have lots of time so thats not an issue. But say you get motor price for them as-is. So thats like .15 here. taking them apart would yeild some copper at 2.55 and maybe a little board and aluminum? Is it worth it to you?

I just put them (the transformers) in the motor/transformer bucket and sell them as is. The only transformers I take apart are microwave ones and large transformers and motors. So for me, busting the adapter open to get the transformer is worth it because my yard wont buy them with the plastic, but I don't take the copper out.