Whats the rule on small steel scrap?

[Robarons]

I recently started to collect scrap steel and currently have a tub going with 'small' steel items like steel rods and tubes, flatware, nuts and bots, cans, and other misc small steel stuff. I can imagine taking the stuff and throwing it in the pile after being weighed on the scale, but with the small stuff scattering everywhere.

What are people's general experience and problems (if any) when having a tub full of small stuff?

[Thogey]

Just tell the guy's at the yard "I have a bunch of small stull where do you want it?"

They usually have me dump it in a car.

[Verbane]

Tell them you have prepared steel, typically 1-2 cents more than light/shreds. They'll tell you where to dump it.

Don't forget the cost of reverse engineered components. A pound of nuts and bolts may get you $0.12/lb, but the same 1/3ounce nut-bolt combination will cost you $0.69+ at the hardware store($33.00+ per pound). Anything I haven't boogered beyond use goes into coffee cans for future use.

[Robarons]

Now what would be considered light/shred steel? Is this steel with plastic and other non metal stuff attached to it ?

[Verbane]

Now what would be considered light/shred steel? Is this steel with plastic and other non metal stuff attached to it ?

Yes, stuff like washers, dryers, refrigerators, bicycles with tires. Also most yards pay light prices for steel sheet/roofing metal, the thin stuff.

[Tantalar]

what about steel dowels like the ones found in printers? are they worth more than the standard .10-ish cents per pound? I have been hoarding any steel rods of any sort in a separate pile.

I have been keeping everything that is steel in boxes if it is small enough to. In fact, computer shells are FANTASTIC for storing steel inside. It's not too heavy when you cram it full lol!

[hobo finds]

I try and contain them in coffee can, microwave or other item and then tape it shut. I get enough nails in my tires as is and don't want them all over the scrap yard!

[CrazyTom]

I fill any kind of metallic container and then it gets weighed right along with the nuts and bolts.

[Heartkill]

Whenever I take in mixed steel, I dump, cram and pile it into anything that will hold it. Usually appliances.