Portable Scrapping suggestions for Scrappers on the go?

Once again, thank you, to everyone that posts on SMF and especially the guys and gals that comment on my posts and answer questions. You're an invaluable resource to my continually expanding scrapping knowledge.



Here's the question:[What are the best portable tools, methods, ideas, etc for the scrapper on the go? I'm talking about every aspect of scrapping from the moment you see it to when the cash is in your hand at the scrap yard. I've read a lot of threads about others who load up then dismantle/sort the metal at home, and then take it in. But I'm talking about doing everything at the job site. Cutting, collecting, sorting, loading, and then going to the scrap yard. Likely staying at the job site for a few days without going back to "civilization" , and without electricity while there.

My buddy and I are going on a "road trip" hopping from jobsite to jobsite. (Road Trip, RoadWarrior, get it?) We've got just about everything planned out. Jobsites, tools etc, but if this forum has taught me anything, it's that another, more experienced scrapper, will always have some pearl of wisdom for me to learn from.

Here's what I've got so far:[/B] battery powered Sawzall, Mini Cutting/Welding torch kit, sledge hammer, crowbar, toolbox full of the basics (hammer, screw drivers, wrenches, sockets etc) Really need more batteries for the Sawzall since we could be without electricity for a few days. And a generator + corded tools are too expensive presently.

And the most important tools, an F150 with a camper shell (our sleeping quarters when we're at the jobsites and not in a hotel between jobs) and my shiny new used home made trailer. http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/day-l...ler-today.html (I'd love to get a bigger one when I can afford it. First thing on my next big buy list)

So any ideas/tips/reccomendations/etc for my portable scrapping adventure? I'm still learning so I'm open to at least here out any advice. I might even make a thread detailing the Road Trip, assuming things go well.

I really want to buy a cordless grinder when I have more money KzScrapper. $60 for a charger, $80 for battery packs and another $60 for the grinder is too much at the moment.

Thanks Mick, good idea. I hadn't thought of that.

Hopefully you have a harbor freight tool outlet in your neck of the woods, there side walk sales are great, first thing a battery powered,zazaa, screw gun, grinder, and some gloves to start.

@1956, the town I was just living in did have a harbor freight. That's where I got the battery powered Sawzall and 6pack of gloves from. Plus the free tarps, measuring tape, screw drivers and flashlight

@olddude yeah I'm thinking those welding tanks won't last long at all so I bought a spare set of tanks. And i do have size 14 blades for the sawzall. This is the gear list of what I have that I posted above. Sorry if it got buried in all the text: "Here's what I've got so far:[/B] battery powered Sawzall, Mini Cutting/Welding torch kit, sledge hammer, crowbar, toolbox full of the basics (hammer, screw drivers, wrenches, sockets etc)*"

I dont do job sites, but when I'm driving around, no matter what vehicle or who I'm with, I bring gloves, leatherman multi tool, tin snips, Craftsman small but long screwdriver and a knife. All fits in my pockets

Maybe some bolt cutters?

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Find a few places you would like to see and see if some of our scrappers in those towns could put you up for the nite or at least camp out in their backyard for safety.

Not a bad idea Mechanic, I might consider that.

@Evan, good idea. I forgot to mention I picked up a medium size pair of bolt cutters from Harbor Freight last week.

Use a old invertor plugged into the cars 12V Dc to make 110V AC to charge power tools & test out finds. Boy, a 3000watt one would test out Fridges & theres $$S in fridges if you know it goes.

Offer a kid $20 to make it spotless & call a buyer who will pick it up from you & pay ca$h at the time. Maybe a regular. I know I'm loosing hundreds & hundreds every month on this. I can't test fridges & I get about 5 a week.

I had a 'pensioners fridge' pointed out to me last week. You know the sort, they use 3/4 the floor space of a normal fridge, and tall, with freezer. Sought after. I almost wanted to pay me money to buy it from myself..weird.

This is my favorite tool box. It has two parts a top part that separates where I keep my impact driver and bits and a bottom part where I keep my hand tools. Has a long handle to make it easy to carry and its pretty cheap as well.

DEWALT 24 in. Tote with Power Tool Case-DWST24070 at The Home Depot