more work.

code/modules/power/cable.dm

@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(cable_coil_recipes, list (new/datum/stack_recipe("cable restrai
 	attack_verb = list("whipped", "lashed", "disciplined", "flogged")
 	singular_name = "cable piece"
 	full_w_class = WEIGHT_CLASS_SMALL
-	grind_results = list("copper" = 2) //2 copper per cable in the coil
+	grind_results = list(/datum/reagent/copper = 2) //2 copper per cable in the coil
 	usesound = 'sound/items/deconstruct.ogg'
 
 /obj/item/stack/cable_coil/cyborg

code/modules/power/cell.dm

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 	var/charge = 0	// note %age conveted to actual charge in New
 	var/maxcharge = 1000
 	materials = list(MAT_METAL=700, MAT_GLASS=50)
-	grind_results = list("lithium" = 15, /datum/reagent/iron = 5, /datum/reagent/silicon = 5)
+	grind_results = list(/datum/reagent/lithium = 15, /datum/reagent/iron = 5, /datum/reagent/silicon = 5)
 	var/rigged = FALSE	// true if rigged to explode
 	var/chargerate = 100 //how much power is given every tick in a recharger
 	var/self_recharge = 0 //does it self recharge, over time, or not?