Scrapper’s essential tools list

Essential Tools for Scrappers – Why They Matter

Having the right tools can make a huge difference in the efficiency and profitability of your scrapping efforts. At Scrap Metal Forum, we highly recommend the tools on this list because they help maximize earnings, improve safety, and make the job easier. Whether you're sorting metals, dismantling items, or transporting scrap, each tool plays a key role in helping you work smarter.



If you’re serious about scrapping, start accumulating some of these essential tools soon—they’ll pay for themselves in no time!

• Keychain Magnet – Used for testing ferrous and non ferrous metal..


• Ratchet Straps – Make sure you secure your load with heavy duty straps.


• Angle Grinder – Used for cutting and grinding metal.


• Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) – Ideal for cutting through pipes, bolts, and sheet metal.


• Reciprocating Saw (Blades) – Don’t Forget to keep extra blades on hand.


• Bolt Cutters – Great for cutting locks, bolts, and heavy wires.


• Circular Saw (Metal Cutting Blade) – For cutting through thick metal sheets or pipes.


• Electric Wire Stripper – Speeds up wire stripping for copper recovery.


• Dremel Rotary Tool – Good for detailed cutting, polishing, or grinding.


• Plasma Cutter – High-powered tool for cutting through thick metals.


• Cordless Drill & Bit Set – Helps with drilling into metal and disassembling parts.


• Pry Bar/Crowbar – Helps with dismantling and prying apart objects.


• Socket Wrench Set – Speeds up bolt removal, especially for cars and appliances.


• Wire Cutters (Diagonal Pliers) – For cutting smaller wires and cables.


• Heavy-Duty Work Gloves – Protects hands from sharp edges.


• Torch Set (Oxy-Acetylene or Propane) – Great for cutting thick steel.


• Work Lights or Headlamp – Essential for working in dimly lit areas.


• Dolly or Cart – Helps transport heavy loads.


• Small Scale & Large Floor Scale – To weigh metals before selling.

Safety Gear

• Safety Glasses – Essential for personal eye protection.


• Ear Protection – Essential for personal ear protection if working around loud machinery.


• Heavy Duty Cut Resistant Gloves – For personal protection while working with sharp metal.


• Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves – For personal protection while working with oils and chemicals.

How about a magnet?

Originally Posted by Scrap-Metal-Forum

A magnet is definitely needed. I’ve added a link to the list. I’ve also been looking into getting custom Scrap Metal Forum keychain magnets made, so that could be an option for the future as well.

The majority of Canadian scrap yards will give a magnet for the asking, Richmond Steel in British Colombia has the best and strongest magnet.

I think i would consider the cordless tools with decent batteries to be an essential item. The impact drivers from 1/4" - 1/2" drive really speed up the teardowns. I've literally worn out my cordless sawzall since i bought it new a few years ago. It gets daily use.

I think i would recommend disposable 9 mil black nitrile gloves as well. You're apt to get your hands into different chemicals, oils, and pathogens with this kind of work. If you use regular gloves ... all that stuff soaks in and you carry it from one task to the next. They protect your hands from injury but they don't protect your hands from the nasties unless they're waterproof. Disposable gloves break the chain.

Nitric acid,a small unheated drop on this diesel cylinder liner tells me the alloy contains Vanadium and Chrome, Vanadium reacted with nitric acid makes the brown stain while the more resistant chrome remains unscathed.

This is high value foundry scrap.

If the scrap trade was more active would have added acid tests from other types of metals.

From previous acid tests, I know the older Wisconsin V4 engines that have cylinders bolted to the lower crankcase are made from an alloy high in Nickle while Onan used Vanadium. These alloys accounted for the extravagant purchase price of these engines.

If your serious about making money from scrap add a small bottle of nitric acid to your arsenal.

It occurred to me today while i was scrapping. A good heavy duty, firmly mounted, bench vise is an essential tool.

Actually have a couple in the truck and a couple on the trailer.

Absolutely. If there's a day I don't bleed, I haven't worked hard enough.

Portable bandsaw is the best tool i ever used for cutting scrap.