5 Things to Do with Your Old TV Antenna

The large, metal, tree-like contraption on your roof has probably not been used for years. It is an eyesore, and you want it gone. But what do you do with it? It won’t fit in your garbage can. The local thrift store will not accept it as a donation. This is likely why many people still have unused, old antennas on their rooves. Do not despair. This is not a tale of tragedy for old TV antenna owners. There are many things you can do with your ancient relic.

5 Things to Do with Old TV Antennas

1. Use your old TV antenna.

Believe it or not, many old TV antennas still work! You may have to do some adapting, but they can even get HD channels (maybe not as good as new, but pretty good). In today’s world of TV apps replacing regular cable television, it is nice to use your TV antenna as supplemental coverage of local news and TV channels. You might even be able to get your favorite sports coverage.

Adapting your old TV antenna for current use:

Older TV antennas use flat cables, and these need to be adapted to regular coaxial cables. This can be done at the base of the antenna or further down if you can’t access your roof. There is a push-on adapter available where one must take each wire from the flat cable, attach it to screws on the adapter, and then it can be pushed on the regular coax female end. There are also balun adapters that serve as an integrator of two-wired flat cables to coax. They can be attached at the antenna or at any point in the flat cable.

If you are going to start using your old TV antenna, it may need some revival. It is likely oxidized, and may have bent elements. Oftentimes, it can be bent back into shape, but there is no guarantee that it will work. If it doesn’t work, but you are interested in pursuing an antenna for local channels, go to your local superstore. They are likely to have a couple options for an indoor, incognito antenna that will give you quality picture with no monthly fee.

2. Donate your old TV antenna.

Your thrift store may not let you drop off your TV antenna at their doorstep, but that doesn’t mean you cannot donate it elsewhere. You can list it on Craigslist or Freecycle for free, or consider donating it to a ham radio user. Your local college or high school may be looking to collect antennas for a project. There are many possible ways to donate, so get creative. Maybe an art center or school needs some material to upcycle into artistic pieces.

3. Recycle your old TV antenna.

You can make a lot of money recycling metal, but don’t hold your breath when it comes to your old TV antenna. It isn’t going to make you rich. However, recycling the metal from your antenna could bring a few bucks. It may contain copper wire and is likely made from aluminum, which are both recyclable materials.

4. Dump your old TV antenna.

It may not fit in your garbage can, but your local disposal station or landfill likely has rules about how you can dispose of your old TV antenna. This may involve some disassembly, so be prepared. Honestly, dumping your old TV antenna is not the best option because there are so many ways to responsibly discard of it. But we understand that at times, you just have to get things out of the way.

5. Re-purpose your old TV antenna.

Lastly, there are hundreds of ways to re-purpose your old TV antenna. They can be placed in the garden as trellises or plant supports. They can be put in the garden shed to hang tools or stack pots. There are also many artistic ways to re-purpose old TV antennas. They can make a great contraption for hanging lanterns, mobile art, or even bird feeders. They can be painted and bent into any number of imaginative ways. This is why we say, if you are looking to donate, don’t neglect to check with any local art centers.

YOU CAN GET RID OF THAT UNUSED ANTENNA OR PUT IT TO GOOD USE

If you decide to remove your antenna from the roof, make sure you don’t leave a hole in the roof, or you’ll be headed for other problems. If you cannot cover the hole appropriately, leave the base of the antenna attached to the roof, so no hole is created.

Otherwise, if you don’t like that metal thing on top of your roof, there are many things you can do with it. Some of those ways can make you some extra cash, and some are fun or whimsical. Whatever you chose, you’ll be happy you are either using it or removing it from the top of your home.

The professionals at Bray Electrical Services can help you with removing your old antenna. Bray Electrical services Decatur, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Stone Mountain and other surrounding areas.