Using The Magnet Test To Determine If A Metal Is Ferrous Or Non-Ferrous

Before you sell your scrap metal to a recycling facility, it’s a good idea to separate the ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Sorting your scrap metals will not only make the scrap metal recycling process quicker & easier for you and the facility, but it will also give you a more accurate estimate of the amount of money you’ll earn for the metals. One of the easiest ways to tell ferrous and non-ferrous metals apart is to use the magnet test. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about using the magnet test for sorting ferrous & non-ferrous metals! Looking to sell scrap metal in Southeastern Massachusetts? Contact Allied Recycling Center today in Walpole, MA!  

The Magnet Test 

The magnet test is a quick and easy way to identify any scrap metal that you’re planning on selling or recycling. In order to perform the magnet test, the first thing you need to do is get a magnet. Any type of magnet will work, even a magnet off of your refrigerator. Next, grab a piece of metal to test. If the piece is dirty or corroded, it’s helpful to clean it off with a wire brush before performing the magnet test, but that’s not always necessary. Put the magnet down on the metal and try to pull the magnet away. If the magnet won’t budge or you can’t separate the metal and the magnet, it means the metal is ferrous. Steel, iron, nickel, cobalt, and more are all ferrous metals.

In contrast, if the magnet pulls away easily from the metal, it’s likely the metal is non-ferrous. An exception to this test is with some forms of stainless steel, which is a ferrous metal that is not magnetic. Though the magnet test won’t provide perfect results, it works well for sorting the vast majority of ferrous metals! Using this test can help you get a more accurate estimation of the metals you have to sell and the price you’ll get for them!

Sell Scrap Metal To Allied Recycling In Walpole, MA!

If you have any questions about scrap metal recycling or are looking to sell scrap metal in Southeastern Massachusetts, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Allied Recycling Center! Call us today at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!