DIY Network

Junkyard 101 Find treasures amid the trash. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-163

Salvage yards are chock full of things you can B. Original with.

If you want to B. Original with auto parts, you need to go where the parts actually are. Much of the time, that means a trek to the auto salvage yard. Check your local phone directory—you'll probably be amazed at how many salvage yards are nearby.

Michele Beschen finds interesting objects just about every time she goes to the salvage yard. Even if you're hunting for something specific, keep your eyes and imagination open: Interesting pieces of metal or funky machinery can inspire fun new projects.

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	A beat-up steering wheel from the junkyard...
	Can clean up to become this swanky table.

Hitting the Salvage Yard

• Most salvage yards are open to the public, meaning anyone can go there during business hours and search for parts.

• Salvage yard employees often will know where to find a part if you ask them.

• Bring your own tools. You probably will be responsible for removing parts yourself and then taking them to a counter for payment.

• Handy tools to bring to the salvage yard include a hammer, socket set, electric drill, pliers, wrenches and screwdrivers. If you need a steering wheel, you may need a special "wheel puller" tool.

• If you don't have the necessary tools, you can often pay the salvage yard to remove the part for you.

  Safety Alert: Bring work gloves when you go to the salvage yard; wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy shoes. Salvage yards are full of broken-down cars—which means they're full of broken glass and jagged metal. Be careful.