Junkyard Magnets

Junkyard Magnets

Junkyard Magnets are large electromagnets that are chained to the arm of a crane. They are used to move scrap metal objects in a junkyard. They are large electromagnets in the shape of big iron plates. They can pick up approximately 1000 lbs. The first electromagnet was invented in 1825 by William Sturgeon and were shortly after used by electrical engineers and other workers such as junkyard crane mechanics.

These magnets are not permanent magnets. Once they are touching the scrap metal, the operator switches on the magnet. Because the magnet is just a current running through a piece of metal, scrap metal can also become a magnet to pick up more metal as long as they are all touching the current runs through them all of the metal.