Help & safety

Help and safety

Guidelines, rules, and answers to common questions. Read the safety section before your first Pick & Pull visit.

DRAFT — pending legal review. General information only, not professional safety or legal advice.

These guidelines are general information only and do not constitute professional safety advice. Always follow the specific rules of the yard or seller you are visiting.

Pick & Pull safety guidelines

Self-service part removal is safer when you come prepared. These guidelines apply to all Pick & Pull visits — at a salvage yard or a private seller's property.

Personal protective equipment

Wear closed-toe shoes or steel-toed boots — no sandals or open-toe footwear.
Safety glasses or goggles when working under vehicles or removing components that may release debris.
Gloves protect against sharp edges, hot surfaces, and chemical exposure.
Long pants and sleeves reduce cuts from sheet metal and undercarriage work.

Vehicle stability

Never crawl under a vehicle that is not properly supported — yard vehicles can shift.
Do not rock or push vehicles — they may be stacked or on uneven ground.
Confirm with the seller/yard staff which vehicles are accessible before approaching.
Keep children away from the work area at all times.

Fluids & hazards

Assume all vehicles contain residual fluids — fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid, battery acid.
Do not drain or puncture fuel tanks.
Refrigerant must not be vented to the atmosphere; A/C refrigerant work requires EPA Section 609 certification.
Catalytic converters may be extremely hot on recently arrived vehicles — allow cooling time.

Restricted — do not self-pull

Airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners (explosive charges) are restricted on AxleNook pending legal and safety review — do not attempt removal.
Never touch orange high-voltage cabling or hybrid/EV battery packs — serious shock risk; these components are restricted pending review.
Fuel tanks and fuel-system components are not available for self-pull pending review.

Tools

Bring your own tools — most yards/sellers do not provide them.
Typical kit: socket set, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars, penetrating oil, zip ties, flashlight.
Do not use spark-producing power tools near fuel systems.
Keep tools secured — loose tools are trip hazards.

On property

Check in with the seller/yard staff on arrival; a signed liability waiver may be required.
Follow any entry-fee and payment arrangements shown on the listing and agreed in advance.
Do not remove parts from vehicles marked HOLD or SOLD.
Parts removed must be paid for as agreed before leaving.
Photography: ask first.
No alcohol or controlled substances on property.

Buyer rules

Verify fitment before you buy. Listings show vehicle specs, but compatibility is your responsibility. Cross-reference part numbers or consult a mechanic.
Inspect before you commit. In person for local pickup; review photos and ask for more for shipped parts.
Communicate through AxleNook. Keep initial contact in AxleNook messaging so there is a record of what was agreed.
Respect seller property. Leave the area as you found it and follow the seller's rules.
Appointments need seller approval. A visit is only confirmed when the seller approves it, and the exact address is shared only after approval. Show up on time or cancel in advance.

Seller rules

Accurate listings only. Describe vehicle and parts honestly (condition, mileage, available components).
Respond promptly. Buyers often need parts urgently; timely replies sell parts.
Keep availability current. Mark parts Sold/Missing and vehicles No Longer Available when they're gone.
Pick & Pull hosts: maintain safe access. Reasonably safe property, clear pathways, secure unstable vehicles, communicate hazards in advance.
Fair payment practices. Do not pressure buyers toward untraceable payment methods (wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency). Agree the payment method through AxleNook messaging before the visit.
Privacy. Never post ownership documents, full VINs, personal contact details, or your precise address publicly. Exact address goes only to a buyer whose appointment you approved.

Prohibited & restricted parts

Draft — pending legal review

General guidance, subject to change. Federal, state, and local laws vary; sellers are responsible for compliance.

Prohibited

Airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners (any deployment status) — safety-critical explosive devices; prohibited pending legal/safety review.
Stolen parts or vehicles — illegal; suspected listings are removed and may be reported.
Odometer devices that have been tampered with or rolled back — prohibited by federal law (49 U.S.C. § 32703).
Emissions defeat devices — devices designed to bypass or disable emissions controls are prohibited under the Clean Air Act.
Catalytic converters without proof of lawful ownership and removal.

Restricted

May be listed only with full disclosure, and not available for self-pull until cleared by review.

Hybrid/EV high-voltage batteries and high-voltage components.
Fuel tanks and fuel-system components; A/C components containing refrigerant (EPA Section 609 rules apply).
Brake components — accurate condition and mileage disclosure required; buyers should have them inspected by a qualified mechanic before installation.
Tires — disclose tread depth, age (DOT date code), and damage; tires over 6 years old must be clearly marked.

FAQ

How do Pick & Pull appointments work?: Request an appointment from the listing. Nothing is confirmed until the seller approves your request and confirms a date/time window; the exact address is shared only after approval. On the day: check in with the seller or yard staff, bring your own tools, agree the price before removal, remove the part, and pay as agreed before leaving.
Who removes the part?: It depends on the listing. Pick & Pull = you remove it (usually cheaper, you bring tools and follow the safety guidelines). Seller Removes = the seller pulls it for you. Already Removed = it's off the vehicle and ready for pickup or shipping.
What does "Ask Seller" mean?: The part isn't separately priced or confirmed yet. One vehicle listing makes many parts discoverable: message the seller through the listing, say what you need, and they'll confirm availability and price.
Is there an entry fee for Pick & Pull?: Some yards and sellers charge one; AxleNook does not set it. If a listing has an entry fee, it will be shown on the listing before you request an appointment.
Does AxleNook guarantee parts or handle payments?: No. AxleNook does not guarantee parts and does not process payments at this time; buyers and sellers complete transactions directly. Listing a vehicle is free during our launch, and AxleNook currently charges no transaction fee — if fees are ever introduced, they will be announced before they take effect. Inspect parts before paying, and prefer payment methods with buyer protection when possible.
How do I know if a part will fit my vehicle?: AxleNook does not guarantee fitment. Verify before buying: check part numbers, compare specifications, consult your manual or a qualified mechanic, or message the seller with your year/make/model. Fitment is ultimately the buyer's responsibility.
Can I return a part that doesn't fit?: Return policies vary by seller; many used parts are sold as-is. Check the seller's policy before purchasing, and inspect thoroughly at pickup. If a part was significantly misrepresented, contact the seller first, then report the listing.
How do I post a part request?: Use Request a Part / the Community Board. Describe the part with year, make, model, and details. Posting is free; sellers who have it can contact you through AxleNook.
I'm a salvage yard owner — how is AxleNook different?: AxleNook is built specifically for the parts-vehicle and Pick & Pull model, not general classifieds: buyers search by vehicle, part, and ZIP; you set your own terms (including any entry fee); inquiries and appointment requests come to your seller dashboard; profiles for professional yards are part of the platform. Listing is free during launch.
What if I suspect a listing is fraudulent?: Use the Report Listing option on the listing page and include details. Reports are reviewed and listings that violate policy may be removed. If you've been a victim of fraud, contact local law enforcement and your payment provider.

Still have questions? Reach out through the Contact page.