Old Brass Decorations

**TheMetalizer** · 11-08-2010, 04:51 PM

Last year I came across an old brass faucet with some very detailed handels. I knew it had to be worth more than scrap brass value, so I called up a few of the nearest antique places to see if anyplace was interested. I found a bunch of places who would buy them for 150% brass scrap price. I found one place that would buy it them at 150% copper spot price.

Needless to say, I sold it to them to the latter who payed me $10. When I walked into the antique shop, the lady who owned the place told me she would buy any type of older brass decoration or home furnishings for 150% copper spot price. She seemed happy with the faucet I sold her, and I was definitely happy with the prices! So since then I have been going to her with any of that stuff. Some stuff she likes, other stuff she doesn't; But don't rule out resale to antique shops, as they really like old copper and brass items just like the scrap yards.

**Scrap man** · 11-15-2010, 05:25 PM

It just goes to show, some things are worth more than scrap value.

**Reg McDaniel** · 02-05-2011, 08:53 AM

Any tips on how to take apart the brass overflow on a hot water heater? Is there a tool out there that exists that makes it easier? I have about 20 a month to disassemble.

**Mick** · 02-05-2011, 09:15 AM

For the valve - 16" channel lock pliers. For the copper tube - Sawzall.

**rca987** · 02-05-2011, 10:07 AM

I just beat it with a hammer in the direction to loosen it.. they usually seem to me to be pretty unwilling to move with channel locks.

**Rusty Nuts** · 02-05-2011, 05:00 PM

I removed mine with a pair of channel lock pliers- you can use a 'cheater pipe' over the handles if you need more leverage.

**Mick** · 02-05-2011, 05:31 PM

With 16" channel locks, I get a LOT of leverage. I haven't seen much that was threaded stand up to it. I do have a can of WD40 handy, just in case.

**IdahoScrapper** · 02-05-2011, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Reg McDaniel

Any tips on how to take apart the brass overflow on a hot water heater? Is there a tool out there that exists that makes it easier? I have about 20 a month to disassemble.

Are you asking how to get it off, or how to clean it up and get the ferrous metal out?

The last valve I had I stuck it in a vise, cut through it with a sawzall, then pounded the rest of the innards out.

**matt018** · 02-19-2011, 10:27 PM

Just a tip, If your brass valves are glued to plastic hit it with a sledge to break it off. then heat it with a propane torch and pry it with a screwdriver, sounds hard but I can do the whole thing in about a minute if my torch is set up. I can average about 1-1.50 per valve or fitting

**IdahoScrapper** · 02-20-2011, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Are you asking how to get it off, or how to clean it up and get the ferrous metal out?

The last valve I had I stuck it in a vise, cut through it with a sawzall, then pounded the rest of the innards out.

I now zip through brass with a cutoff wheel in a grinder. Like a hot knife through butter.

Old Brass Decorations

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