How to Tell Your Scrap Metals Apart With A Magnet

Scrap metals fall into two categories: ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are more valuable than ferrous metals because they possess desirable properties like resistance to corrosion and higher conductivity.

That’s why it’s important to separate your ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Knowing what scrap metals you have and organizing the metal by type enables you to fetch higher prices for your haul. Besides, knowing which metals are more valuable helps you decide what type of scrap metals to focus your time and effort on.

The magnet test is used to distinguish ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals. Identifying scrap metals with magnets simply involves seeing how it responds to a magnet.

Non-ferrous metals (except for nickel and cobalt) are generally non-magnetic, while ferrous metals stick to a magnet.

The following are the non-ferrous metals that are non-magnetic:

• Copper
• Aluminum
• Brass
• Magnesium
• Lead
• Zinc
• Chromium
• Titanium
• Mercury
• Gold
• Silver

Examples of ferrous metals that stick to a magnet include:

• Iron
• Stainless steel
• Scrap carbide
• Nickel
• Cobalt

Here’s How to Tell Your Scrap Metals Apart with A Magnet

1. Step one: Once you’ve collected your scrap metals, remove any dirt on them and take apart any items that may require disassembling. Removing the dirt on scrap metals ensures there’s no obstruction that would interfere with the magnetic field.
2. Step two: Find a powerful magnet and place it against each piece of metal you’re looking to separate.
3. Step three: Observe if the magnet sticks to the metal and pull it away from the metal.

As we’ve already mentioned, ferrous metals will stick to the magnet' but non-ferrous metals won't.

Now that you know how to tell your scrap metals apart and why it’s important, you’ll have a better sense of the worth of the scrap metal you collect.

Benefits of Selling Scrap Metal

The benefits of selling scrap metal to dependable scrap metal buyers cannot be overstated. When you sell scrap metal, you not only generate additional income, but also help to keep the metals out of the landfills.

Scrap metals dumped in the landfills can take up to 500 years to decompose and serve no purpose apart from adding to air and groundwater pollution.

Selling scrap metal for recycling is good for the environment and helps us to conserve natural resources.

If you’re searching for reliable scrap metal buyers, get in touch with M&M Recycling.

Why Sell Scrap Metal to M&M Recycling

• We purchase a wide range of scrap metals, including but not limited to aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, radiators, insulated wire, aluminum cans, and appliances.
• We offer the best prices for your scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• We provide reliable same or next day dumpster rental for your scrap metals.

At M&M Recycling, we understand that as natural resources continue to be depleted, conserving our resources is critical for long-term sustainability. That’s why we are committed to providing scrap metal recycling services to help individuals and businesses generate income while helping the environment.

If you have any questions about the scrap metals we accept or need more information about our services, contact us today.