Where to Buy Scrap Metal for Welding

You can buy scrap metal for welding from many different places, including the more unusual ones, as you will soon find out. Most of these places are located in the city. With a little effort, you can find a suitable location that can supply you scrap metal consistently over a long period.

To buy scrap metal for welding, target:

Small businesses
Auto-repair shops
Craigslist
OfferUp
Hospitals
Industrial areas
Trade schools
Construction sites
Warehouses
Flea markets
Antique shops
Shooting ranges
Farms
Metal fabrication shops

Make sure that you follow two guidelines at all times:

Always emphasize the value that you can provide them, such as cost reduction, free service, time-saving, etc.
Do not be too assertive. Be as friendly, warm, and polite as possible. These two tips can enhance your chances of success.

Here are the best places to buy scrap metal for welding:

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Small businesses

Small businesses, like auto repair or engine repair shops, are your best bet for getting scrap metal. Avoid going to big companies or corporations as they do not offer as many opportunities as small businesses.

It is far more likely that small businesses, especially local businesses, can be a gold mine for scrap metal.

But don’t just rush your request.

First, you need to build a rapport with the seller. Striking a personal friendship or at least making a warm acquaintance might make the owner more willing to listen and cooperate with you.

Start by asking the owner about their business.

What was their inspiration?
How did they get into it?
How long has the company been running?
Are things going smoothly?

Whatever you do, make sure that you are as non-intrusive as possible.

Then, comes the most critical question:

Find out if anyone is disposing of scrap metal for them. If someone is doing it, ask whether or not they are being paid for it.

Then, as politely as possible, tell them that you are more than willing to take out their scrap metal for free. Emphasize how you can save them time, money, and effort by doing it free of cost. Ask gently if they are open to this proposition or not. Try not to sound too pushy or desperate. A friendly and open-minded demeanor can lead to a favorable outcome.

OfferUp or Craigslist

You are guaranteed to find scrap metal from these two places. You have to take care of one thing. Keep posting consistently. You will likely get an offer because there are people out there who want to dispose of scrap metal without any hassle.

Make sure that you emphasize the type of scrap that you are willing to dispose of for them. Auto parts, appliances, and metal pet cages are excellent choices for welding scrap metal.

To get high-quality scrap like metal bed frames, for instance, you should consider buying at a low price. The good news is that you can always bargain for an unbeatable price. Your bargaining skills will matter here.

Medical clinics, hospitals, and assisted living centers

Although these are great places to hunt for scrap metal treasure, getting hold of the right person can be tricky. But if done correctly, you can strike pure gold. These places will likely have old wheelchairs, metal bed frames, used equipment, and unwanted metal items that they would like to get rid of. You can find plenty of high-quality scrap around these parts. But the burning question is, who do you approach?

You can try your luck with the administrator while scheduling an appointment. Start gradually by inquiring about how things are running at the hospital. Then, ask about their procedures for disposing of scrap metal. This point is where you can make your move. Tell them that if they want to lower costs or eliminate them, then you are much more than willing to oblige for scrap metal removal.

Shooting ranges

These places have tons of spent shells and casings of all shapes and sizes. But before going over to these places, make sure that you contact them first. Try to find as many shooting ranges as possible in your vicinity. Inquire if they need someone to dispose of their discharged cartridges and casings.

Flea markets and antique shops

It may be a little harder to find scrap metal in such places. But the good news is that you can get a good bargain from here if you are resourceful enough. You may have to look around, though. If you are lucky enough, you might find an excellent opportunity to buy high-quality scrap metal inexpensively.

Renovation and construction sites

This is where you must be a little careful. Although there is plenty of (apparently) unwanted scrap metal lying around, it does not mean that you can start hauling this stuff away without permission. If you start poking around without asking, then the chances are that they may become cold and uncooperative.

First, you should locate the supervisor or manager in charge of the site. Use the techniques mentioned above to win their favor. Once you have their approval, make sure that you obtain written permission from the site in-charge.

In some cases, you may have to be a little persistent. Keep returning to these sites regularly. If you get lucky, you might find that they suddenly have a treasure trove of metal scrap ready for you.

The best sites for this purpose are those of a commercial nature, such as construction sites for shopping malls and towering office complexes. Remember, the bigger, the better. You may even find copper, in addition to iron and steel, from these sites.

One more piece of advice. Remember that construction sites are one of the most accident-prone places. You should, therefore, talk to the manager about safety measures whenever working on the site.

Farms and ranches

Scout the rural areas for hidden opportunities. For instance, you might find an old tractor that has been lying abandoned for years. In rural areas, there are higher chances of discovering these hidden gems as compared to crowded cities. Just make sure that you get in touch with local law enforcement to make sure that the vehicle is not registered.

Contractors

Renovation, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical contractors – these are the best sources for finding high-quality scrap. Contact these professionals to introduce yourself and explain the benefits of your free scrap removal service.

Almost all small businesses have some online presence these days. Explore Facebook groups to find out more about these contractors. You can also do a local search on Google. Type the type of contractor you are searching (plumbing, electrical, or other types) and then key in the name of your area. Google will display the websites of these contractors from where you can find contact information.

Begin posting in these Facebook groups to get to know them before adding them to your friends’ list. Try to post something that shows the value that these businesses provide to people. If you do them a great favor in this way, then there is a higher chance that they will cooperate with you.

Keep the conversation natural, and don’t rush in with your scrap removal offer. Take your time. Once they become friends with you, then you can forward your offer.

Industrial areas

Do your best to locate as many warehouses and manufacturing facilities as possible. Quite frequently, there is plenty of scrap lying around these facilities. There may even be scrap machinery that they would like you to pick up for free. Perhaps, they will be pleased with your metal scrap removal service and allow you to take away the junk if you ask them.

Demolition sites

Exploring demolition sites is a great way to find plenty of scrap metal as well as help the environment. As we all know, we must reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Usually, when buildings are demolished, a lot of scrap metal is salvaged and is available at knock-down prices for those willing to buy it.

If you are lucky enough, you might even find scrap that is not going to be resold. Meaning that you can take it for free if you request permission to do so. You may discover scrap material that is perfect for welding work, such as piping and beams.

Metal fabrication shops

As ironic as it may sound, a welding shop may be your answer for scrap metal welding practices. Besides welding shops, there may also be forging shops where they melt metal to reshape it into useful forms.

Technical schools

These places may be an ideal choice for your welding scrap metal needs because they are helpful towards students and beginners of professional trades, such as welding. Explain that you have just started and would sincerely appreciate their assistance.

Bear in mind that there are plenty of places that you can look for to get your metal scrap. One of the best things to do is to be watchful so that you can find opportunities in your area.