How to Identify Scrap Metal Types
"I keep finding metal I can't identify. Is there a guide to figuring out what kind of metal something is before I take it to the yard?"
The magnet test is step one: steel and iron stick, non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless) don't. Color identifies most common metals: copper is reddish-orange, brass is golden-yellow, aluminum is silver-gray and lightweight. For specialty alloys, XRF testing is the only reliable method.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to identify scrap metal types: the complete visual guide.
Key Information
The magnet test is step one: steel and iron stick, non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless) don't. Color identifies most common metals: copper is reddish-orange, brass is golden-yellow, aluminum is silver-gray and lightweight. For specialty alloys, XRF testing is the only reliable method.
How to Get the Best Price
For maximum value, always separate your metals by type, get multiple quotes, and work with a specialized buyer who has XRF testing capability. ScrapMetalBuyers.com provides free on-site testing and above-market rates for commercial quantities.
Commercial Pickup Service
For loads over 500 lbs, ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers free commercial pickup anywhere in the continental US. We come to your location, weigh on certified scales, and pay on the spot. Call (754) 310-2984 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the best price?
Separate metals by type, get multiple quotes, and work with a buyer who has XRF testing. ScrapMetalBuyers.com pays above-market rates for commercial quantities.
Do you offer commercial pickup?
Yes. For loads over 500 lbs, we offer free pickup anywhere in the continental US. Call (754) 310-2984.
How do I contact ScrapMetalBuyers.com?
Call (754) 310-2984 or use our online calculator at scrapmetalbuyers.com/calculator for an instant estimate.