How to safely remove copper from a refrigerator motor: from disassembly to selling scrap

Throwing away an old refrigerator means missing out on the chance to make money on its “internals.” Copper winding of the compressor is the most valuable component that can be removed and handed over to non-ferrous metals collection points. But how can you do this correctly without damaging your equipment or putting yourself at risk? In this article we will look at step-by-step process: from dismantling the motor to separating the copper, including nuances for popular models Samsung, LG, Biryusa and Soviet units.

Is the game worth the candle? With a winding weight of 1–3 kg (depending on the model) and a copper price of ~500–800 rubles/kg (check with local receivers for current quotes), you can get up to 2,500 rubles from one compressor. However, the process requires care: incorrect disassembly can result in electric shock (even with the device turned off!) or injuries from sharp wires. We will tell you how to minimize risks and maximize profits.

1. Preparation: tools and safety measures

Before you begin, collect the necessary equipment. Without the right tools, you risk damaging the winding or wasting three times as much time. Here minimum set:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (flat and Phillips, including Torx for modern models)
• 🔨 Hammer and chisel (for opening sealed compressor housing)
• 🛠️ Glinder or hacksaw metal (for cutting the housing)
• 🧲 Magnet (to separate iron filings from copper)
• 🧤 Gloves (thick, cut-resistant) and glasses (required!)
• 🔌 Multimeter (to check the absence of voltage)

Particular attention - safety precautions. The refrigerator compressor contains:

• 💥 Residual freon (explosive when heated!)
• ⚡ Capacitorswhich can retain a charge even after shutdown
• 🔪 Sharp edges metal body and wire

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was running on R-600a (isobutane) or R-134a, when cutting the body, avoid sparks - these refrigerants are flammable! Before starting work, leave the compressor in the open air for 24 hours to evaporate the residues.

Before disassembling:

1. Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance.
2. Remove the back cover to gain access to the compressor (usually it is located at the bottom).
3. Take a photo of the location of the tubes and wires - this will help with reassembly if you plan to use other parts.

2. Removing the compressor: step-by-step instructions

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and removing it requires caution. In modern models (Samsung RL-33, LG GA-B409) it is mounted on shock absorbers, in old (ZIL-63, Minsk-15M) it is rigidly welded to the frame. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

Step 1. Disconnecting the tubes. Break the tubes connecting the compressor to the condenser and evaporator with a grinder or pipe cutter. Step back 3-5 cm from the soldering point so as not to damage the thread on the compressor. Do not use a hacksaw - it leaves burrs, which will then interfere with the extraction of copper.

Step 2. Disconnecting the electrical system. Remove the terminals from the start relay (usually it is attached to the compressor housing). Check with a multimeter that there is no voltage at the contacts. In models with inverter compressors (for example, Hitachi R-S500Pthere may be an additional control board - it also needs to be disconnected.

Step 3. Removing the fasteners. Unscrew bolts holding the compressor. In some refrigerators (for example Atlant XM-4021), you will first have to remove the condenser (radiator grille on the back wall). The weight of the compressor is 10–25 kg, so prepare a support or assistant.

⚠️ Attention: In compressors Danfoss (installed in Electrolux, Zanussi) there is oil under pressure inside the housing. When opened, it may splash - use safety glasses and gloves!

3. Opening the compressor housing: methods and risks

Now you have to get to the copper winding hidden inside the sealed metal housing. There are three main methods of opening, each of which has pros and cons:

• 🔨 Mechanical (chisel + hammer). Suitable for beginners. Disadvantage: long and noisy, there is a risk of damaging the winding.
• 🔥 Thermal (gas burner). Quickly melts solder, but dangerous due to freon residues. Prohibited in enclosed spaces!
• ⚡ Electric (grinder). Most effective, but requires skills. Be sure to use respirator - when cutting, fine metal dust is formed.

Step-by-step process (grinder method):

1. Secure the compressor in a vice or between the boards so that it does not move.
2. Apply markings for cutting: step back 1-2 cm from the seam where the body connects to the lid.
3. Put on glasses and a respirator. Turn on the angle grinder and carefully cut through the body according to the markings. Do not cut too deeply —there may be a winding inside!
4. After cutting in a circle, remove the upper part of the body with a chisel.

Inside you will see:

• 🧵 Copper winding (main goal)
• ⚙️ Piston group (aluminum or steel - of no value)
• 🛢️ Oil (can be drained and used to lubricate tools)

4. Removing copper winding: technique and nuances

The compressor winding consists of thin copper wirewound on a core. Your task is to carefully separate it without damaging it. Here's how to do it:

Method 1. Unwinding by hand (for the patient). If the winding is not soldered to the core, it can be carefully wound using pliers or wire hook. This method takes a lot of time, but allows you to keep the copper intact and sell it at a higher price (as “pure” and not “in a mixture”)

Method 2. Burning (quick but dirty). The winding together with the core is placed in a metal container and heated over an open fire. At a temperature of ~500°C, the varnish covering the wire burns out, but the copper remains. Cons: a well-ventilated space is required, copper can oxidize, which will reduce its cost.

Method 3. Mechanical cleaning (the best option).

1. Cut the winding from the core with a grinder or a hacksaw.
2. Place the pieces in a bucket and heat on fire for 10-15 minutes (to remove varnish).
3. After cooling punch the lumps with a hammer and separate the copper from the iron with a magnet.

⚠️ Attention: When the winding is burned out, toxic fumes are released (from the combustion of varnish and oil residues). Carry out the procedure outside, away from residential buildings, and use a gas mask or respirator with a carbon filter.

Tip for maximum profit: separate copper from other metals as thoroughly as possible. At collection points pure copper (without iron or aluminum impurities) it is estimated to be 20–30% more expensive. To check purity, use a magnet - copper does not magnetize.

What to do with aluminum parts?

Aluminum from the piston group can also be returned, but its price is 3-5 times lower than that of copper. In 2026, the average price of aluminum scrap is 80–120 rubles/kg. If there is a lot of it (for example, from several compressors), it is worth separating it and handing it over.

5. Assessing and preparing copper for delivery

Before going to a scrap metal collection point, you must:

1. Weigh copper. Use electronic scales with an accuracy of up to 10 grams. Average winding weight:

Clean the copper from dirt. Fire it over fire (as described above) or rinse it in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to remove oxides. Dry in the sun or in the oven at 100°C.

Pack for transportation. Use thick bags or boxes. If there is a lot of copper, divide it into batches of 5–10 kg - this makes it easier to transport and hand over.

The price of copper depends on:

• 📉 Purity (the highest price is for wire without varnish and impurities)
• 📦 Volume (wholesale lots from 50 kg are priced more expensive)
• 📍 Region (in industrial cities the price is higher)

6. Alternative ways to use copper

It is not necessary to scrap copper. If you have skills in working with metal, you can use it on:

• 🔌 Homemade inductors (for radio amateurs)
• 🎨 Art products (sculptures, bracelets, decorative elements)
• 🔥 Soldering (melted copper is used as solder for large parts)
• 💡 Experiments with electromagnetism (for example, creating a mini-generator)

For melting copper at home you will need:

• 🔥 Gas burner or muffle furnace
• 🧂 Borax (flux to remove oxides)
• 🪨 Form for pouring (can be made of plaster)

Example: From winding compressor ZIL-63 (copper weight ~2.5 kg) can be cast housing for a homemade electric motor or decorative bowl. The melting point of copper is 1083°C, so a regular torch may not be able to cope. Suitable for small pours propane burner with kerosene nozzle.

⚠️ Attention: When copper is melted, toxic oxide vapors are released. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors using respirator with gas filter (for example, 3M 6059).

7. Legal aspects: what you need to know before handing over scrap metal

Since 2023, the rules for accepting non-ferrous metals have become more stringent in Russia. To avoid problems, remember:

• 🆔 Passport is required when delivering copper weighing from 5 kg (in some regions - from 1 kg).
• 📝 Contract purchase and sale concluded in the amount of 15,000 rubles.
• 🚫 It is prohibited to hand over copper without documents confirming its origin (for example, an act of disposal of a refrigerator).

At most collection points you will be offered:

1. Show your passport.
2. Fill in seller's form (full name, address, contacts).
3. Sign act acceptance and transfer indicating weight and price.

Tip: if you regularly hand over scrap metal, register agreement with the collection point on an ongoing basis. This will eliminate the need to present a passport at each visit.

⚠️ Attention: The rules for accepting scrap may vary depending on the region. For example, Moscow and St. Petersburg have stricter document requirements than smaller cities. Check current conditions directly at the reception point.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced “lomoviki” sometimes make mistakes that lead to loss of profit or injuries. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Disassembly under voltage. Even a disconnected refrigerator can have a charge in the capacitors. Always check with a multimeter!
• ❌ Using a hacksaw to cut the winding. It breaks the wire, reducing the weight of copper. It is better to cut with a grinder.
• ❌ Sale of crude copper. Varnish and oil reduce the price of 10–20%. Calcine the winding before delivery!
• ❌ Work without protection. Copper dust and vapors when burned are toxic. Use a respirator and gloves!

Another typical mistake is ignoring other valuable parts. In the refrigerator you can also extract:

• 🧲 Magnets from the door seal (neodymium, cost ~300–500 rubles/kg)
• ⚙️ Aluminum tubes capacitor (price ~100 rub/kg)
• 🔋 Start relay (in some models contains silver contacts)

If you disassemble Soviet refrigerator (for example, Saratov-2 or Oka-6), pay attention to copper evaporator tubes. In older models they were often made of pure copper (in modern ones they are made of aluminum). They can be removed by carefully unsoldering them from the compressor.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

How much copper is contained in a refrigerator compressor Atlant XM-6021?

The compressor of this model (power 140 W) contains approximately 1.8–2.2 kg of copper in the winding. Weight may vary slightly depending on year of manufacture. For comparison: in Stinol 104 —about 2.5 kg, and in small freezers (for example, Pozis FK-105) — only 0.9–1.1 kg.

Is it possible to extract copper without a grinder?

Yes, but it will take longer. Alternative methods:

1. Chisel and hammer. Suitable for opening the case, but requires physical effort.
2. Blowtorch. Heat the soldering area of the case, then remove the cover.
3. Drill. Drill holes around the perimeter of the seam, then split the body.

You can try to remove the winding itself without cutting unwind it manually, but this is only possible if the wire is not soldered to the core.

How to distinguish copper from aluminum in the winding?

Visually:

• Copper - reddish-golden color, over time covered with a green coating (patina).
• Aluminum —silver-white, lighter in weight, non-magnetic (like copper, but has a less bright shine).

Practical test:

• Try to bend wire: bends easily, breaks when bent too strongly. copper (8.96 g/cm³ versus 2.7 g/cm³ for aluminum). copper bends easily aluminum - breaks with strong bending.
• Hold up a magnet: both metals are non-magnetic, but copper has a higher specific gravity (8.96 g/cm³ versus 2.7 g/cm³ for aluminum).

What is the price of copper in 2026 and where is it more profitable to sell it?

Average prices for copper in Russia in 2026:

• Pure copper (wire, tubes): 650–800 rub/kg
• Copper in varnish (winding): 500–650 rub/kg
• Copper scrap with impurities: 400–550 rub/kg

Where it is more profitable to deliver:

• 🏭 Large collection points (for example, “Vtorchermet”, “Scrap Tsvetmet”) - they give the best prices for wholesale.
• 📦 Private buyers - sometimes they offer more, but the risk of deception is higher.
• 🌍 Online platforms (for example, Avito, Yula) - you can sell copper directly to resellers.

Tip: before renting, call 3-4 reception points and compare prices. In some regions (for example, in the Chelyabinsk region) prices are 10–15% higher due to the close location of metallurgical plants.

Is it possible to make money dismantling refrigerators on an ongoing basis?

Yes, but this requires organizing the process. Profitability depends on:

• Scale. When dismantling 5–10 refrigerators per week, you can earn 20,000–50,000 rub/month (taking into account the sale of copper, aluminum and serviceable parts).
• Logistics. It is important to arrange supplies of old refrigerators (ads like “Removal of refrigerators for free”, agreements with housing offices).
• Equipment. To speed up the process you will need a grinder, scales, a press for packaging scrap.

Disadvantages:

• 💰 Costs on tools and transport.
• ⚠️ Legal risks (you need to register as an individual entrepreneur or self-employment to legally deliver scrap).
• 🏋️ Physical load (compressors weigh 10–25 kg, they need to be transported and disassembled).

Alternative: you can concentrate on purchase and resale already disassembled compressors. For example, buy them from refrigerator repair shops and sell the copper wholesale.