A & K Metals In Higdon AL

About A & K Metals in Higdon, AL

A & K Metals has been a solid fixture in the Alabama landscape since its founding in 1985. This company is incorporated right here in Alabama, and it's proudly owned by Kenneth Fortner. Unlike some larger chains, many places like A & K Metals are often family-owned or local operations. They stick around for a long time by doing good work, recycling materials, and providing jobs for folks in the area. They're a big part of the local economy by making sure valuable metals get recycled and don't just sit around.

Services You Can Count On

A & K Metals, found at 1151 County Road 95, Higdon, AL 35979, is mainly a scrap metal recycling, industrial demolition, and general contracting business. They're not like those places where you wander around looking for a specific used car part. Think more along the lines of a superhero for old metal!

Here’s a breakdown of what they offer:

Is it a Self-Service or Full-Service Salvage Yard?
A & K Metals is a full-service metal recycling and industrial demolition business. This means you won’t be walking through rows of cars pulling parts yourself. They handle all the heavy lifting and processing. So, if you're looking for a U-Pull-It experience, this isn't the spot.

Do They Buy or Sell Used Cars?
Nope, A & K Metals is not in the business of buying or selling used cars. Their focus is purely on scrap metal, not on selling whole vehicles or individual auto parts.

Do They Ship Parts?
No, you won't find them shipping out auto parts. Their business model is about buying scrap metal by weight, processing it, and then selling the recycled materials in bulk to other companies.

What Kind of Vehicles Do They Handle?

A & K Metals is mainly a scrap metal and recycling business. They’re not a car dealership, so you won’t find shiny, ready-to-drive cars here. Their main gig involves recycling various materials, including vehicles that have reached the end of their road.

• Junk or Scrap Vehicles: This is their bread and butter. They take in vehicles that are just good for scrap. You’ll find all sorts of makes and models, from old Fords and Chevrolets to Toyotas and Hondas. Basically, any car that's seen better days and is ready for the recycling bin.
• Late Model Vehicles: Don't expect to find the latest models sitting around here for sale. Their focus is on processing vehicles for their metal, not on reselling newer cars.
• Inventory Details: They don’t publish lists of specific cars or parts, because their business is about recycling the metal, not maintaining a stock of vehicles for retail.

Scrap Metal Prices and How to Get the Latest Info

Here’s the deal: A & K Metals doesn't put their detailed scrap metal prices online for everyone to see. The prices you might find on other websites are often just general averages or old examples, and they might not be what you get when you visit A & K Metals in Higdon.

For instance, some places might list:

• Stainless Steel: Maybe around $0.30/lb (but remember, this is just an example!)
• Copper Scrap: Can go from a few cents to over $2.00/lb depending on the type and cleanliness.
• Heater Cores Scrap: Perhaps $0.50/lb.

The best way to get the real, up-to-date prices? Pick up the phone and call them directly! Their number is (256) 632-6296. That's the only way to know for sure what you’ll get for your scrap.

Who They Serve: A & K Metals' Service Area

A & K Metals is a big help to folks not just in Higdon, AL, but also in many surrounding towns. They’re a local hub for anyone looking to recycle metals.

You’ll likely find customers driving in from:

• Fort Oglethorpe, GA: A historical spot with a military past.
• Chattanooga, TN: A bigger city with lots of different businesses.
• East Ridge, TN: Known for its shopping and easy highway access.
• Scottsboro, AL: A friendly town with a strong community.
• Fort Payne, AL: Famous for its music and outdoor fun.
• Bridgeport, AL: A charming small town with history and nice views.
• Ider, AL: A quiet, rural area with local attractions.

These places are all close enough to Higdon to make A & K Metals a convenient stop for their metal recycling needs. If you're nearby, you know where to go! For more on Salvage yards in Alabama, check out our directory.

Need a Part? Understanding the Interchange System

Even though A & K Metals isn't a traditional junkyard for pulling parts, they understand how parts fit together. When it comes to recycling vehicles, they likely use something called an interchange system.

Think of it like a secret codebook for car parts! This system, often like the well-known Hollander Interchange, helps them figure out which parts from one car can be used in another, even if the part numbers are different. It’s super handy for maximizing the usefulness of every bit of a retired vehicle. For example, a headlight from a 2005 Ford might fit perfectly into a 2006 model, even if the factory part numbers are a little different. This helps them process vehicles efficiently for recycling.

Warranty Information – What to Expect

When it comes to warranties on used parts, A & K Metals is a bit different because they’re primarily a metal recycling company. They’re focused on collecting and processing scrap metal, not selling individual used automotive parts.

Because of their main business, it's unlikely they offer warranties on used parts. Most scrap metal yards don’t. If you're looking for parts with a warranty, you might have better luck at a dedicated used auto parts store or a full-service salvage yard that specializes in selling tested components. Always call ahead if you have questions!

Entry Fee and Hours of Operation

Good news! You won't find an entry fee or cover charge to get into A & K Metals. They’re a business focused on metal recycling, industrial demolition, and contracting, not a place that charges you to walk through the gate.

Their operating hours are pretty straightforward:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays

No special discounts for entry, just a place to get your recycling done during business hours!

Tools and Equipment for Scrap Metal

Since A & K Metals is a metal recycling facility and not a self-service yard, you won't be needing a toolbox to pull parts from cars here. They've got their own heavy-duty equipment to handle all the metal that comes through.

What they *do* use and provide for their operations:

• Heavy Machinery: Think big stuff like cranes and forklifts to move those heavy piles of metal and vehicles.
• Weighing Facilities: They have advanced scales to accurately weigh your scrap metal, ensuring you get paid fairly by the pound.
• Processing Equipment: While not for customer use, they utilize machinery like metal balers, shearers, and shredders to process and separate different types of metals efficiently.

So, leave your wrenches at home unless you’re stopping by on your way to another project! But it's always good to be prepared for any junkyard visit.

Do They Offer Cash for Junk Cars?

A & K Metals is primarily a metal recycling and industrial demolition firm. While they handle vehicles as part of their metal recycling operations, it's not explicitly stated that they buy junk cars directly from the general public or offer cash for junk cars as a specific advertised service.

If you have a junk car you want to sell, your best bet is to call A & K Metals directly at (256) 632-6299 to ask about their current practices regarding vehicles. Sometimes recycling centers will take whole cars for their metal content, but it's always good to confirm. If they don't, other local businesses, like Big Cash for Junk Cars in nearby Hazel Green, AL, might be more geared towards buying your old ride.

News and Notable Information

As of now, there isn't any specific breaking news about A & K Metals in Higdon, AL, that's hitting the headlines. That often means they're busy doing what they do best: handling metal recycling and demolition work efficiently and without drama!

However, it’s worth noting that their Flat Rock, AL location holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). That’s a good sign of their commitment to customer service and solid business practices across their operations.

For general insights into the metal recycling industry, resources like the iScrap App and ScrapMonster offer market conditions and industry news.

Check out this video about how salvage yards operate in general:

Other Metal Recycling and Salvage Yards Nearby

While A & K Metals is a top choice for metal recycling in Higdon, you might be wondering about other options if you're looking for specific auto parts or junk car buying services.

Here are a few other places in the general area that might serve different needs:

• Chattanooga Valley Used Cars & Parts: Located in Flintstone, GA, this spot might be closer to what you think of as an auto salvage yard for finding used car parts.
• Thomas Motors & Salvage: Another option in the vicinity for used or rebuilt auto parts.
• Rusty's Auto Salvage: This place is known for serving the Higdon area and often pays cash for junk cars, which is a different service than A & K Metals.

Remember, each place has its own specialty. A & K Metals excels at metal recycling and demolition, while others might focus more on selling individual used auto parts or buying complete junk vehicles.

Common Questions About A & K Metals

Here are some quick answers to questions people often ask about A & K Metals:

1. What services does A & K Metals offer?
   They are a metal recycling company, collecting and processing various types of scrap metal. They also handle industrial demolition and offer general contracting services related to metal.
2. What types of metal does A & K Metals accept?
   While specific details aren't publicly listed, most metal recycling yards like theirs take a wide range of metals, including aluminum, copper, steel, and iron. It's always best to call them directly to confirm.
3. What are the operating hours of A & K Metals?
   They are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Sundays.
4. Does A & K Metals offer pickup services?
   Yes, they do offer pickup services for scrap metal, which is super convenient if you have a big haul and can't transport it yourself.
5. How are prices determined at A & K Metals?
   Scrap metal prices at A & K Metals depend on the current market. They don't post prices online, so you'll need to contact them directly for the latest rates.
6. What tools or equipment does A & K Metals use for metal recycling?
   They use professional equipment like metal balers, shearers, shredders, and magnets to efficiently process and sort different types of metals.
7. What is the reputation of A & K Metals?
   Their Flat Rock, AL location is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating, showing their commitment to good customer service and business practices.