Cutting the refrigerator compressor into copper: step-by-step analysis with photos and tips

Old refrigerators are a real treasure trove for those who know how to extract valuable materials from them. Compressor is the most “expensive” part of the device, containing up to 1-1.5 kg of copper depending on models. But disassembling this unit requires not only skill, but also strict adherence safety precautions: freon, oil and high pressure remain inside. If you have never worked with refrigeration equipment, it is better to entrust this task to professionals. For the rest - detailed instructions with nuances that cannot be found in superficial videos on YouTube.

Many people mistakenly think that an angle grinder and 10 minutes of time are enough. In practice, incorrect disassembly can lead to an explosion of gas residues, cuts from metal fragments, or even poisoning from oil vapors. This article contains only proven methods, tools and ways to minimize risks. And also - calculation of profitability: is the game worth the candle, given the cost of the tool and time.

Before you begin, answer yourself this question: “Are you ready to work with potentially dangerous equipment?” If yes, read on. If not, sell the entire refrigerator to someone who sells scrap metal or find collection points where they will buy equipment with a compressor (their price is usually 20-30% lower than the market value of copper, but without risks).

1. Preparation: tools and precautions

Without the right tools, disassembling the compressor turns into a lottery. You will need:

• 🔧 Pipe cutter or hacksaw for metal — for neat separation of copper tubes. The grinder is suitable only for experienced craftsmen (risk of overheating and explosion of residual gas!).
• 🛠️ Set of wrenches - usually the compressor is secured with 10-13 mm nuts.
• 🧤 Protective gloves and glasses - oil from compressor corrodes the skin, and metal fragments can fly into your eyes.
• 🔥 Fire extinguisher —required if you are cutting a compressor with freon residues (even a small spark can ignite the gas).
• 🧴 Thinner or kerosene - for cleaning copper from oil and dirt.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try under any circumstances pierce the compressor with a hammer or chisel - this is a direct path to injury. The body is made of durable steel, and the internal pressure (even after bleeding off the gas) can “shoot” fragments. Also avoid open fire near the place of work - freon and oil vapors are highly flammable.

Check before starting compressor for residual pressure:

1. Disconnect the tubes going to the evaporator and condenser.
2. Carefully pierce the copper tube at the outlet (not on the compressor itself!). thin screwdriver copper tube at the outlet (not on the compressor itself!).
3. If you hear a hissing sound, there is still gas. Wait 10-15 minutes until the pressure drops.

2. Removing the compressor: how to remove it from the refrigerator

The compressor is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, behind the back panel. To remove it:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and let it stand 2-3 hours - this will reduce the pressure in the system.
2. Turn the refrigerator on its side or place it on its back (lay down cardboard in advance to avoid scratching floor).
3. Unscrew the compressor mounting bolts (usually 3-4 pieces). In some models Atlant or Indesit it may be necessary to remove the protective cover.
4. Disconnect start relay (black box with wires) - it is attached with latches or screws.
5. Cut the copper tubes connecting the compressor to the system with a pipe cutter. Step back from the body by 5-7 cm so as not to damage the thread.

⚠️ Attention: In the compressors of old Soviet refrigerators (for example, ZIL or Minskthere may remain up to 300 grams of freon R-12 gas, which releases toxic phosgene when heated. If you feel a strong chemical smell, immediately ventilate the room and put on a respirator.

After dismantling, inspect the compressor for oil stains. If the oil has leaked, it can be collected in a container and handed over along with the metal (some collection points pay for refrigeration oil separately).

Bleed off the residual pressure|Removed the start relay|Disconnected all the tubes|Prepared the fire extinguisher|Put on safety glasses and gloves-->

3. Disassembling the housing: where to look for copper

The most valuable part of the compressor is copper winding of the electric motor. It is located inside a steel case and weighs from 800 grams to 1.5 kg, depending on the model. To get to it:

1. Put the compressor on its side with the hole for the tubes up (so the oil will not spill out on you).
2. Use a hacksaw metal or pipe cutter, cut three tubes (inlet, outlet and service port) flush with the body.
3. Turn the compressor over and find weld seam on the bottom. It is usually located in a circle or in the shape of a horseshoe.
4. Carefully cut the seam with a grinder at minimum speed (so as not to overheat the copper inside) or use a chisel and hammer (but without fatal blows!).

After opening the case you will see:

• 🧲 Electric motor with copper winding - the main goal.
• ⚙️ Piston group —steel parts that can be returned as scrap metal.
• 🛢️ Oil —it is drained into a separate container.

⚠️ Attention: In compressors of inverter refrigerators (for example, LG or Samsung with technology Linear Compressor) copper can be coated with a special insulating varnish. It must be removed with a solvent, otherwise collection points will reduce the price for “dirty” metal.

What to do if the compressor does not give in?

If the weld is too strong and the grinder does not take, try the following method:

1. Drill holes with a diameter of 3-4 mm (steps of 10-15 mm) around the perimeter of the seam.

2. Insert wedges into them (you can use an old screwdriver) and carefully split the body with a hammer.

3. After partial opening, use a chisel for final separation.

This method takes longer, but is safer for the copper inside.

4. Removing the copper winding: technique and nuances

When the housing is opened, proceed to extract the copper:

1. Remove the top cover of the motor (usually secured with 2-3 bolts).
2. Carefully cut with wire cutters the wires, going to the winding (they are not copper, they can be thrown away).
3. Pry up the winding flat screwdriver and pull it out of the grooves. Do not pull by force - copper is soft and can tear!
4. If the winding is stuck, fill it in kerosene or WD-40 for 10-15 minutes.

Cleaning copper from varnish and oil:

• 🧽 Wash the winding in a container with a solvent (for example, acetone or white spirit).
• 🧼 Wipe with a wire brush or sandpaper (grit 120-180).
• 🔥 For It is possible to remove stubborn contaminants calcine copper on fire (but do not overheat - it may oxidize!).

⚠️ Attention: Some scrap metal collection points require copper to be no traces of solderIf there are tin on the windings. drops, remove them with a soldering iron or mechanically (knife, file).

5. How much copper can be obtained and how much it will cost

The amount of copper in the compressor depends on its type and power:

The cost of copper at collection points ranges from 500 to 700 rubles per kg (for 2026). However, from this income you need to subtract:

• 💰 Tool costs (if purchased specially): hacksaw - from 300 rubles, pipe cutter - from 500 rubles, grinder - from 1500 rubles.
• ⏱️ Time: disassembling one compressor takes 1.5-3 hours (longer for beginners).
• 🚗 Transport expensesif the collection point is far away.

⚠️ Attention: Reception points often underestimate the weight of copper, citing “contamination” or “humidity”. To avoid deception, weigh the copper yourself use accurate scales before delivery and require weighing in front of you.

6. Alternative ways to make money on old refrigerators

If disassembling the compressor seems too risky or time-consuming, consider other options:

• 🔄 Sale of a whole compressor - some workshops buy them for repairing other refrigerators (price: 500-1500 rubles for piece).
• ♻️ Release of the entire refrigerator - scrap metal collection points pay 1000-3000 rubles for the entire unit (depending on weight).
• 🔌 Retrieval of other valuables details:
  • Aluminum evaporator (in the freezer).
  • Copper condenser tubes (on the back wall).
  • Electronic boards (contain precious metals, but their extraction requires special skills).

⚠️ Attention: In some regions there are programs for recycling household appliances with additional payment (for example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg you can receive up to 5,000 rubles). Check current conditions at local eco-centers or on the website "REO" (Russian environmental operator).

If you still decide to disassemble compressor, start with several piecesto get the hang of it. Experienced “honey extractors” (as those who professionally extract copper are called) assemble 10-20 compressors at a time to justify the cost of tools and transport.

7 Legal aspects: what does it say? law

From the point of view of legislation, dismantling refrigerators for copper falls under several standards:

• 📜 Federal Law No. 89-FZ “On Industrial and Consumer Waste” - requires proper disposal of refrigeration equipment (freon and oil are classified as hazardous waste).
• 🚫 Ban on throwing compressors into a landfill - for this, individuals face a fine of up to 2000 rubles (Article 8.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
• ♻️ Mandatory delivery of freon - if its quantity exceeds 100 grams, you must enter into an agreement with a licensed disposal organization.

In practice, few people monitor the dismantling of 1-2 refrigerators privately. However, if you are doing this systematically (for example, buying equipment for recycling), you will have to register an individual entrepreneur and obtain a license to handle waste of class IV hazard.

⚠️ Attention: When transporting compressors, the traffic police inspector may be interested in the cargo. To avoid problems, carry with you documents on acceptance of scrap metal (if you are taking it to a point) or purchase and sale agreement (if you are buying refrigerators from the population).

What will happen if caught illegally recycling?

Fines for individuals persons:

- For improper disposal of freon: up to 2000 rubles (Article 8.2 of the Administrative Code).

- For environmental pollution (if oil was dumped on the ground): up to 5000 rubles (Article 8.1 of the Administrative Code).

- For illegal business activities (if sell copper without individual entrepreneur): up to 2000 rubles + confiscation of income.

For legal entities, the amounts are 10-50 times higher.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling compressors

Is it possible to cut a compressor with a grinder?

It is possible, but only at minimum speeds and with the obligatory bleeding of freon. Risks:

• Sparks from the angle grinder can ignite the remaining gas.
• Overheating of copper reduces its price. (reception points pay less for “burnt” metal).

It is safer to use a hacksaw for metal or a pipe cutter.

How to distinguish a copper pipe from aluminum?

Copper has reddish tint and is not magnetic. Aluminum is silvery, lightweight, and often bends by hand. Also, when tapped, copper produces a more sonorous sound.

If in doubt, try scratch the tube with a knife: copper leaves a reddish line, aluminum leaves a gray one.

How much can you earn on copper from one compressor?

Approximate calculation for a compressor from a refrigerator Atlant:

• Copper weight: 1 kg.
• Price for 1 kg: 600 rubles.
• Total: 600 rubles. minus costs of tools and transport.

If you disassemble 10 compressors per month, the net income will be 3000-5000 rub. (without taking into account time).

What to do with oil from compressor?

Refrigeration oil can be:

• Delivered to a scrap metal collection point (some accept 20-50 rubles/kg).
• Use for lubricants of metal parts (for example, gate hinges or chains bicycle).
• Dispose of as hazardous waste (if the quantity exceeds 20 liters).

⚠️ Do not pour oil down the drain or onto the ground - this is a violation of environmental legislation!

Which compressors are the best “copper”?

The most copper is in:

• Compressors Soviet refrigerators (ZIL, Minsk, "Biryusa") - up to 1.5 kg.
• Industrial refrigeration units (for example, from ice cream display cases).
• Compressors air conditioners (but their disassembly is even more difficult due to high pressure).

The least amount of copper is in modern inverter models (LG, Samsung) - about 800 g.