Taking a trip to the Pick n pull junkyard may just be the best decision you have ever made.. Whether you're looking for great deals on auto parts to repair your vehicle or hoping to stumble upon a classic automobile to restore to its former glory, visiting the junkyard is like embarking on a treasure hunt.
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It’s also the perfect place to scrap a vehicle that has gone from roadworthy to a complete mechanical disaster. Most people shy away from the junkyard because it’s not the most attractive place. However, when it comes to your automobile needs this place can be a lifesaver.
Pick n Pull Junkyard – What Is It?
Junkyards also commonly referred to as salvage yards are a place where wrecked and decommissioned vehicles are taken and dismantled for parts that can be reused. The unusable metal parts are recycled or sold to a metal recycling company.
There are two main types of junkyards; full service and pick n pull junkyard. A full-service junkyard is filled with staff members that will assist you throughout the entire process. Most of the time with a full-service salvage yard all you have to do is let the staff know what part you are looking for, they’ll search their database to see if what you want is available and a worker will actually go and extract the parts for you. Full-service salvage yards are great for individuals who aren’t familiar with cars.
A pick n pull junkyard is considered a self-service junkyard because you are responsible for all the hard work. At this type of salvage yard, you’ll have to check in first with the staff and then you are free to roam the yard.
When you find the parts that you need you will have to take them off or out of the vehicle yourself and pay for them at the front desk. Pull and pick junkyards are very hands-off on so you’ll definitely need to know your way around a car or bring someone with you who does.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Junkyards
Perhaps the biggest misconception about full-service salvage yards and pull and pick junkyards are that they are filled with junk. Although, most of the automobiles in the junkyard are nonfunctional the parts on them are valuable. Most of the time, the mechanical parts on these vehicles are in excellent condition and can be used to repair other vehicles for a fraction of the cost.
Some people are apprehensive about visiting pull and pick junkyards because they feel that they are unsafe. If you have never visited a salvage yard you might envision a dark and dungy place with vehicles stacked on top of each other. The truth is that junkyards are just as safe as the average parking lot. However, most places are well organized and each vehicle is meticulously logged into an inventory database.
You may even get lucky and find a vehicle that’s fully intact but in desperate need of some TLC. If you have the skills or if you know a good mechanic the junkyard is a good place to purchase project cars that you can repair and restore in your own time. As you can see, you can find so many different gems in a pick n pull junkyard.
Pick n Pull Junkyard- Understanding the Process
Whether you’re shopping for parts or looking for vehicles to restore, visiting a pick n pull junkyard isn’t as complicated as it may seem. In fact, the process is quite simple. When you first enter the lot, typically you will be required to pay a small entrance fee.
If you leave without purchasing anything don’t expect the entrance fee to be refunded. Pick and pull junkyards have to maximize their earnings as they see fit. After all, they are selling auto parts for 50%-80% below the market value. The entrance fee deters makes up for petty purchases. It also deters thieves who may try to slip in and steal parts.
Once you pay the entrance fee you can go in and start exploring the lot. The staff should be able to tell you the exact location of the car model that you are searching for. Once you locate the automobile you are free to extract whatever parts you need. You pay for the parts you extracted at the front desk when you are leaving the lot.
Pick n Pull Junkyard Preparation
Of course, when you are visiting a pull and pick junkyard you’ll want to make sure that you are well prepared. If you go without the right tools you’ll be wasting your time and the money you spent paying the entrance fee. Here is a checklist of the tools you should bring with you on your visit to a pull and pick junkyard:
- Thick work gloves
- Pliers
- Wrenches
- Hammer
- Prybar
- Dolly
- Portable drill
- Handsaw
- Flashlight
This is just a general list of basic tools that you should bring. If you plan on extracting parts that are a bit more complex to obtain such as a head gasket or engine you may need special tools. Removing parts from an automobile requires lots of patience and skill. When you have the necessary tools you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Pick n Pull Junkyard Rules and Etiquette
Many people think that “anything goes” at a pick n pull junkyard. There are some general rules in place that help maintain order and ensures the safety of consumers. Before you can enter the lot, you will have to sign a waiver. This waiver makes it clear that each individual assumes liability for their actions while on the lot even if it leads to injury.
Safety should be the top priority when you are exploring a pick pull junkyard. While customers are required to wear closed-toe shoes when on the lot, work boots will further keep your feet safe. Also, avoid wearing baggy clothes or jewelry which can easily get on caught on parts while working.
As previously mentioned, you should be wearing work gloves as well as protective eyewear. These two items will help ensure your safety when you are working underneath the vehicle.
While every pull and pick junkyard is different most of them prohibit:
Cutting torches – Torches or tools that use open flames are a hazard. Only battery-operated tools are permissible.
Car Jacks – Vehicles are placed on wheel stands that allow you to access underneath the vehicle without a jack.
Pets and Children – Only handicap certified dogs are allowed on the property. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to be admitted into the yard.
Weapons – Firearms, explosives, or any other device that can cause bodily harm are prohibited.
When it comes to extracting parts at a pick n pull junkyard there are no rules that are set in stone. However, following basic etiquette can make it easy for other consumers. When removing the auto part that you want it's common courtesy to not damage the other valuable parts while in the process. Sometimes people will cut wires and break brackets just to extract the specific part they want.
While the junkyard won’t charge you extra for damaging parts they can ban you from the facility if you make it a habit. Also, if you remove a part that you don’t need you can simply leave it inside the hood of the car for another customer. What if someone is extracting parts from a vehicle that you are interested in obtaining parts from?
Another unspoken rule of the pull and pick junkyard is to skip a vehicle if you see that someone is working on extracting a transmission or engine. This is a complex task and it can be difficult to get the job done if someone is working around you. Skip the car and look for other parts you may need. Or wait it out. If you can’t wait long make sure you ask the person first before reaching around to pull out a part.
Can I Get Help From the Junkyard Staff?
It’s important to keep in mind that you will be responsible for all the labor when you visit a pick n pull junkyard. When it comes to basic tasks such as checking the inventory or helping you find the exact location of the vehicle you are looking for the staff at the junkyard can offer some assistance.
Usually, the junkyard staff is friendly and very helpful. So in some instances, you might come across a staff member who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty and lending a helping hand. If you are there to remove a big automotive component the staff may even supply you with professional tools. For instance, if you are there to extract an engine, the staff may bring you out an engine pulling tool that the average person doesn’t have at their disposal.
To make the most out of your trip to the pull and pick junkyard you should learn how to remove the part you’re looking for. If you know your way somewhat around an automobile watching a YouTube video may suffice. Basic tasks like removing a tire, battery, or spark plug you can learn in no time.
But if you're clueless when it comes to cars then you should bring along someone who has decent mechanical skills. Even if you know what you’re doing if you’re going to be extracting big and complex auto components, bringing a helper to tag along can make the extraction process much easier.
Pick n Pull Junkyard Return and Exchange Policies
Bought the wrong part for your vehicle? Or perhaps one of the auto parts you purchased doesn’t fit right. When it comes to returning or exchanging parts at a pick n pull junkyard, each facility has its own policies.
You’ll find that some salvage yards don't allow any returns or refunds. At these facilities, customers only have the option of exchanging the part typically within thirty days of purchasing the part. Then there are some pick n pull junkyards that allow consumers to return defective parts or parts that didn’t fit on their vehicle. In both cases, you’ll need to bring your original purchase receipt.
Before you purchase auto parts at a pick n pull junkyard you should ask the staff about their return policy.
Pick n Pull Junkyard Car Buying or Junking Besides finding auto parts you can also purchase salvage cars and junk your vehicle at a pick n pull junkyard. The junkyard often purchases automobiles that are still running but have mechanical issues that the original owner didn’t want to fix. If you have the extra time or money to work on the vehicle that you like from the junkyard you can negotiate a sale price. People tend to purchase vintage or classic vehicles from the junkyard that they plan or restore to perfect condition.
What if you have an old, inoperable vehicle that’s been sitting in your driveway for months? Of course, your best bet is to sell it to the junkyard. The junkyard is always looking for old or wrecked automobiles in running or no matter what condition to add to its inventory. When you call them they’ll make you a fair offer based on the market value of the vehicle regardless of the condition it’s in. If you accept the offer they will come, pick it up the same day, and put the cash in your hand.
Pick n Pull Junkyard Tips for A Stress-Free Experience
The pick n pull junkyard is an all in one spot for buying auto parts, junking your old vehicles, and buying classic cars to restore. The idea of going to a pick n pull junkyard can sound daunting. It doesn't have to be a complicated experience.
Whether you’re going to find small or big auto components preparation and safety is key. Make sure you have all the tools you need for the extraction process and that you’re wearing your safety gear for protection.
Save time by asking the staff for help in locating a specific vehicle if you need it. Even calling beforehand to make sure they have a specific vehicle or part in their inventory can help you avoid wasting your time.