Thread: Motor salvaging ideas

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We frequently talk about the motors we have salvaged from appliances to use in our props. Many of them I never would have thought about using before seeing it mentioned on a forum, like the Shiatsu massager for example. And i am sure many others feel the same way. I would like you to list as many items as you can that we have found good usable motors inside. Then when we are out thrift shopping or dumpster diving if we see these items we can nab them.

In your post you may want to mention what type of prop you have used that motor for, if you have used it. That way we will get a better idea of what it is capable of. Pictures and videos are great too. I know some have thousands of uses, like the reindeer motors. So just list one or two ideas that have been proven. If you have an idea but haven't tried it yet, be sure to specify that.

Please don't keep listing the same items. If someone has already listed something, once is enough.

Not mine - but uses a motor salvaged from a VCR:

Rat Feast

Originally Posted by bradbaum

Not mine - but uses a motor salvaged from a VCR:

Rat Feast

GREAT!!! I have two broken vcrs and a dvd player. Time to tear into them

I have used an old fan motor for axworthy ghosts
And of course the reindeer motors for just about everything..

Refrigerators that have an ice maker have great motors in them. The motor can be found in the back of the ice bin attached to the shaft that twirls out the ice. They have their own gear reduction and everything and don't need an adapter like wiper motors. They have lots of torque and a slow rpm. Then only problem is that they have a thermo coupler. I was told that this problem can be solved by adding a heat snyc. I used mine for my Jail Grabber and it worked great. This year I will be using them in most of my larger props.

Appliances are good for more then just motors. I get small lights for my props out of the front panels of stoves and dishwashers. You can find valves and solenoids in washers and fridges that have water and ice in the door. I also reuse wire and plugs from appliances to wire my props.

Another good motor is a BBQ rotisserie motor. These can always be found on Craigslist for free. Sometimes you have to dispose of a BBQ(put it back on Craigslist after you scavenge the motor). I am using one for my flying crank ghost this year.

Also ceiling fans are a good idea. I have not used one yet but they generally have three speeds.

Plus don't forget about power tools. People use drills for a monster in a box and I have seen people use sanders under the seat in their electric chair.

Good luck scavenging. I think it might be my favorite part of Halloween!

I found one in an old electric go-cart but not sure what I am going to use it for.

treadmills have some good size motors in them.

Does anyone know or have ideas what props you could make with air conditioner parts and motors? I have 3 of them that are going to be disposed of, but will keep the parts I can use. Sorry new to building props.

Window units? now i dunno about window units but i know enough about the air handlers and compressors and they have large caps in them and hold a charge that can unload on you and kill you...Unless you know how to safely discharge the caps i wouldnt mess around in them. If the window units are the same with the caps. I would say dont mess with them.

I have a oscilating fan motor that I was going to rig for a FCG, but I'm too much of a novice when it comes to motors and connections. I swear it would work tho if I knew what I was doing. It was about 5 rpm and lots of torque.

I'm going to repurpose it as a grave popper if I can figure THAT out, but the plans I'm going to use look pretty easy even for someone like me... so I should be able to get the #@! thing to work.