Why is it Important to Cut and Dismantle Converters Properly, and How Can You Do It?

If you’ve worked with catalytic converters before, you know that each unit contains valuable material, making it crucial to preserve every ounce of ceramic inside. In order to preserve the precious metals inside your converters, you need to know how to properly cut and dismantle converters.

Cutting and dismantling also helps maximize your profits per shipment and save you time and money. Let's explore the cutting and dismantling techniques that experts use to retain as much value as possible.

Saving Every Ounce: Cut & Dismantle Your Converters Properly

Converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium—three Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) that are sold on the open market. These three PGMs are held in a ceramic substrate inside the metal shell of the converter, where they act as catalysts to transform harmful gases from vehicles into less toxic emissions.

Understanding how to dismantle and cut properly means you'll be getting the best value for your catalytic converters. With the right knowledge, you’ll avoid slicing through the substrate or disturbing the ceramic, keeping every precious ounce exactly where you need it.

Now let’s dive into the technicalities of dismantling and cutting.

The Best Tools to Cut & Dismantle Converters

Dismantling converters from recycled vehicles and cutting them can be tricky, but here’s what you can do to avoid losing ceramic content.

• If the converter is still bolted to the exhaust pipe, use a socket set or a wrench set to remove the nuts and bolts.
• Use a reciprocating saw to cut the converter from the exhaust pipe. It’s important to leave at least 2-3 inches of piping on each side of the converter when you take it off the vehicle. This way, you’ll conserve the ceramic content and avoid disturbing it whatsoever.
• Once the converter is separated from the car, use your saw to cut more of the piping and leave no less than 1 inch of piping on each side of the unit.

What Are the Benefits of Properly Cutting Converter Piping?

Making sure your piping is properly cut saves you time, money, and space. That’s because most processors charge extra fees if you send them converters with long piping. To avoid paying extra, make sure your pipes are cut down to 1 inch on each side of the converter.

You’ll also free up more space in your gaylord boxes. If you’re boxing converters with long pipes still attached, they're taking up space that could be better used by other converter units. Cut the pipes on each unit and start filling up your gaylord boxes with as many units as you can. This way, you’ll start shipping more material and earning more money back per box.

Lastly, if you’re shipping out of state, cutting converter pipes will help you save on transport costs. You won’t be shipping boxes filled with piping and paying for transport on material that brings no value to your business. You’re paid for the converters, not the piping, so maximize your profits by shipping more units with less piping.

For more information, visit PMR’s Resource Center.