How to Reuse Old Hardware Like a Pro

Are you one of those people who keeps their old equipment? Bits like floppy drives and cables maybe… or even something more valuable like an old PDA or laptop. Have you kept them in your office, basement, loft or garage.

And now you’ve decided it’s time to do something about that old hardware. Can you reuse it? If not, can you sell it? Or should it all be reworked?

In truth, there is no single, universal answer. Some old equipment can be reused. Other equipment must be carefully redesigned. Without a doubt, you will have several pieces of equipment that can be sold or donated.

Need to know what’s what? Keep reading and I’ll break it down for you .

How should you reuse old equipment?

Proper use of old technologies should not be difficult. The hardest part is knowing what you can reuse and what you can’t. Certain types of equipment are well suited for resale. Others are more suitable for donations or recycling. You could even improve some elements of the technology.

1. Resell

Want to make a few bucks off your old gear? One of the most popular ways to reuse old equipment is to sell it. You can do it online via eBay, Craigslist or some other service (although eBay is better for selling electronics). Or you can choose bricks and mortar for mortar: tech pawnshop.

Please note that there are several security considerations to consider. especially that your personal data is completely deleted.

However, it is important to choose the right outlet. For example, sites like Gazelle.com are perfect for recycling tablets and smartphones and give you some money in return. On the other hand, eBay is good for reselling computer hardware. While old printers should probably be given away (their resale value is very low), laptops and game consoles work well.

tips and tricks for reusing old equipment

Meanwhile, PC components like hard drives, SSDs, RAM, and processors can also make you some money. Entire PCs can be safely recycled according to EPA guidelines if you don’t want to take them apart.

Before you subscribe and sell your equipment, find out which one is best for the equipment you have. Consider where the item goes and how it will be reused. Is anyone else making money from this?

2. Reassign and recycle

Alternatively, you can simply remap the hardware. This means recycling what you need to use it in a new way or upgrade. For example, you might have two identical laptops, neither of which works. However, there are enough working parts between two devices for one of them to work and work again.

tips and tricks for reusing old equipment

You are really only limited by your imagination, although there may be some precautions you should take (see below). For example, you can remap one or more old hard drives. for various new uses, including safe or wind chimes. Not sure if you can disassemble your computer? Start with simple tasks and continue on your way.

3. Upcycle

The relatively new term «upcycle» refers to recycling a component or object in a new way, as part of a larger whole. For example, a wheel from an old bike can be added to a newer bike. Or that wheel could be part of some sort of hand water pump.

You have several options for old computer hardware. For example, the power supply of an old PC can be reused in another device. Alternatively, an old flatbed scanner can be recycled into a 3D printer:

If you’re really getting into 3D printing (using recycled parts or otherwise), be sure to read How to Recycle Failed 3D Prints.

As noted above, you may need to take some precautions when disassembling computer hardware. We will look at this in more detail below.

Be careful when reusing these devices

While some devices can be reused, others should be disposed of when they are no longer needed. But don’t just put these things in the trash. Instead, you need to investigate how they can be safely dismantled. For example, some components can be reused; others may need to be destroyed in a way that is safer for the environment than landfill.

1. Batteries

In most cases, old batteries can be used as long as they hold a charge. You also need to make sure that the cell can also be used safely without electric shock. This applies to both rechargeable batteries and single-charge batteries.

tips and tricks for reusing old equipment

Opening a laptop battery is not a good idea unless you know what you are doing. Different batteries behave differently; some are relatively safe to open, but others are not so harmless. If you think you have a chance to replace the cells in your laptop battery to restore it, do a Google and/or YouTube search to get an idea of what’s going on.

Battery disposal varies by state, so you should check your local laws to find out what to do.

2. Motherboards

Another piece of hardware that needs some inspection is that motherboards can usually be reused with some cleaning. However, it is important to test the device first as there may be some flaws. For example, a fracture could have occurred that rendered the original computer useless. In the event of a malfunction, the motherboard becomes a fire hazard, so it should be safely disposed of.

tips and tricks for reusing old equipment

One of the popular ways to reuse motherboards (and other circuit boards) is to turn them into other items. We have already shown you how to convert old motherboards into new items. and the same can be done for RAM another type of circuit board.

However, if you plan on working with motherboards, be sure to take the right precautions. Cutting, drilling, and even paneling the motherboard can lead to potentially harmful dust. Dust masks and goggles are recommended!

3. Monitors

This is where things get a little dangerous. As you probably know, there are two types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) and LCD. As long as these devices are working, you will be able to continue using them. However, CRT monitors are not suitable for tuning. They must also be disposed of safely. Televisions and monitors using CRT technology are capable of storing a destructive electrical charge. So, if you don’t have the required experience, stay away.

tips and tricks for reusing old equipment

However, when it comes to LCD technology, reuse is much easier. For example, you can use the monitor as a replacement for a small TV or use it as a magic mirror.

Opening an LCD monitor is much safer than opening a CRT. As long as the device is turned off and disconnected from the power source, and you have taken antistatic precautions, it is safe. But do not hack the monitor without first checking. Each model of TV and monitor is slightly different!

Visit the EPA website for details on how to safely dispose of your old TVs.

4. Cables

You must have a lot of cables. USB cables, Ethernet, network adapters; you might have chargers for smartphones (or even old style phones) or internal PC cables. Our guide should help you identify your cables.