When you want a fantastic price on used auto parts, a local salvage yard is often a terrific solution. While some places have parts already removed from the vehicle and ready for sale, other locations require you to pull components yourself. When that's the case, below are a few crucial items to have on hand.

5 Items to Bring to a Salvage Yard

1. Wrenches

A large number of auto parts require a wrench to disassemble. Therefore, you need a ratchet with a selection of sockets, along with an adjustable wrench or a few sizes of fixed head wrenches so that you can hold the nut in place while unscrewing. Remember to bring a socket extender, as well, for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts.

2. Hammer & Crowbar

You may need to bend pieces of metal out of your way or tap your wrench with a hammer to loosen fasteners. If that's the case, a hammer and crowbar will prove indispensable.

3. Flashlight

It is dark under the hood or below the car, especially at dusk if the salvage yard doesn’t have sufficient lighting. It is challenging to see what you're doing without additional light. Bring a flashlight, or for hands-free illumination, a headlamp.

4. Gloves

You can easily scrape skin or rap your knuckles when fiddling with car parts. To preserve your hands, wear protective gloves. While you're at it, dress in old clothes that you don't mind getting greasy or dirty.

5. Plastic Baggies

Zip-lock bags come in handy if you need to keep hardware organized. Drop nuts, bolts, washers, and other small pieces into a baggie, so you don't lose them. Bring multiple bags to separate the hardware for different parts.

If you seek affordable used auto parts from a reputable salvage yard, stop by VanDemark Company, a 20-acre junkyard in Amelia, OH. They serve customers from throughout the Greater Cincinnati region and feature thousands of used car parts, rebuildable cars, junk RVs, campers, and boats, as well as a full-service auto body shop. Visit their website to search for a particular part or call (513) 797-7278 to ask about pricing, availability, and business hours.