Easy Harvest Inductors from Old LED TV Power Supplies

If you’re tired of paying $ 2‑$ 5 for a single inductor, you’re in the right place. This guide shows you exactly how to harvest inductors from old LED TV power supplies using only a screwdriver, needle‑nose pliers, and a soldering iron. Follow the steps, test each coil, and you’ll walk away with a stash of free, reusable parts for your next DIY project.

Why Buying New Inductors Feels Like Throwing Money Away

A single low‑power coil may seem cheap, but the cost adds up when you need several for boost converters, LED drivers, or hobby‑grade power supplies. Shipping fees often dwarf the part price, turning a modest budget into an unexpected expense. By salvaging inductors from TV power boards, you eliminate the part cost entirely and keep unwanted electronics out of the landfill.

Tools You’ll Need (All Household‑Friendly)

Tool	Why It’s Needed
Flat‑head or Phillips screwdriver	Opens the TV chassis safely.
Needle‑nose pliers	Wiggles loose leads and pulls out coils.
Soldering iron (15‑30 W)	Desolders stubborn joints in seconds.
Multimeter	Verifies resistance and checks for shorts.
Anti‑static bag or small container	Stores salvaged inductors without damage.

Tip: If you don’t own a soldering iron, a cheap 30 W model works perfectly for this job.

Step‑by‑Step: Extracting Inductors Without Breaking a Sweat

Power‑off and unplug the TV. Let the capacitors discharge for a minute—older electrolytics can retain a charge.
Remove the rear panel with a Phillips screwdriver; keep the screws in a small jar.
Locate the greenish power board (the largest rectangle near the AC input).
Identify inductors: they look like thick, coil‑shaped components with two leads and often a colored stripe.
Test lead looseness with needle‑nose pliers. If they wiggle, pull straight out.
If soldered, heat the joint for ~1 second with the soldering iron, then give a gentle tug. The coil should release cleanly.
Drop each extracted inductor into a labeled container to avoid loss.

Testing & Storing Your Salvaged Coils

Resistance check: Set the multimeter to Ω, place probes on the leads. A low, steady reading (e.g., 10–100 Ω) indicates a usable coil.
Short detection: A reading of 0 Ω means the coil is shorted—discard it.
Labeling: Write the approximate value (based on size and winding count) on a sticky note and tape it to the bag. Include the TV model for future reference.

Storing the inductors in anti‑static bags prevents oxidation and static discharge, keeping them ready for the next build.

Quick Checklist Before You Start

[ ] TV is completely unplugged and discharged.
[ ] Workspace is well‑ventilated; wear safety glasses.
[ ] All tools (screwdriver, pliers, soldering iron) are within reach.
[ ] Multimeter is calibrated and set to resistance mode.
[ ] Containers are labeled for easy identification.

Wrap‑Up & Next Steps

You now have a reliable method to harvest inductors from old LED TV power supplies—no extra cost, no special equipment, just a few minutes of careful work. Use the saved coils in boost converters, LED drivers, or any low‑current circuit, and watch your project budget stretch further.

Enjoy the satisfaction of turning electronic waste into valuable parts, and feel free to share this guide with fellow makers. For more free salvage tips, subscribe to the newsletter and never pay for a tiny component again.