Updated June 12, 2026 • ScrapMetalBuyers.com • All Guides
Tungsten Carbide Scrap: What It's Worth and Where to Sell (2026)
Tungsten carbide is one of the most valuable industrial scrap materials — worth 20–50x more per pound than steel. If you have carbide inserts, end mills, drill bits, or solid carbide tooling, you're sitting on serious money. Here's everything you need to know.
Tungsten Carbide Scrap Prices (2026)
Solid carbide end mills and drill bits (clean, no steel shanks) pay $8.00–$14.00/lb. Carbide inserts (indexable, clean) pay $10.00–$16.00/lb. Carbide rods and blanks pay $9.00–$14.00/lb. Mixed carbide (various forms, clean) pays $7.00–$12.00/lb. Carbide sludge and grinding swarf pays $2.00–$5.00/lb due to processing costs. Carbide with steel brazed shanks pays $3.00–$7.00/lb, discounted for steel content.
How to Identify Tungsten Carbide
Carbide is extremely heavy for its size — much denser than steel. It is gray in color with a metallic sheen, extremely hard (will scratch glass easily and resist a file), and produces very few, short, dull sparks when ground (unlike steel's bright sparks). Common forms include indexable inserts (small geometric shapes), round end mills, drill bits, saw tips, and wear parts.
What Reduces Carbide Value
Steel brazed shanks reduce value because carbide-tipped tools with steel shanks contain less pure carbide by weight. Coatings (TiN, TiAlN, etc.) may cause a slight discount at some buyers. Mixing carbide with other metals forces a lower blended price. Carbide sludge or grinding swarf requires more processing and pays less.
Where to Sell Carbide Scrap
Local scrap yards often don't accept carbide or pay far below market value. Specialized industrial buyers like ScrapMetalBuyers.com pay top-of-market prices for all forms of carbide. We buy carbide inserts, solid carbide end mills and drill bits, carbide rods and blanks, carbide wear parts and dies, and carbide sludge and grinding swarf. Call 954-488-0700 for a same-day carbide quote.
💰 What ScrapMetalBuyers.com Pays for Tungsten Carbide
As of June 12, 2026 — Call 954-488-0700 to confirm current rates before delivery.| Carbide Form | Market Range | SMB Drop-Off Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Carbide Inserts (indexable, clean) | $10.00 – $16.00/lb | Up to $17.00/lb |
| Solid Carbide End Mills / Drills | $8.00 – $14.00/lb | Up to $15.00/lb |
| Carbide Rods & Blanks | $9.00 – $14.00/lb | Up to $15.00/lb |
| Mixed Carbide (clean) | $7.00 – $12.00/lb | Up to $13.00/lb |
| Carbide w/ Steel Brazed Shanks | $3.00 – $7.00/lb | Up to $7.50/lb |
| Carbide Sludge / Swarf | $2.00 – $5.00/lb | Up to $5.50/lb |
ⓘ Drop-off rates apply when you deliver to a confirmed ScrapMetalBuyers.com U.S. location. Call 954-488-0700 to find your nearest drop-off point and lock in your price before you haul.
📍 Drop Off & Get Paid More
Did you know that sellers who deliver directly to one of our U.S. drop-off locations receive a premium above our standard pickup rate? We pass the logistics savings straight to you.
Drop-off locations are available across the United States. Contact us first so we can confirm the nearest location, verify your material, and lock in your price before you make the trip.
📞 Call 954-488-0700 to Find Your Drop-Off Location Get a Drop-Off Quote OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
How do I separate carbide from steel-shank tools?
Carbide tips can be separated from steel shanks by heating the brazed joint with a torch until the brazing alloy melts. For large quantities, ask your buyer if they accept brazed tools at a discount rather than separating them yourself.
Are worn or broken carbide inserts worth anything?
Yes. Worn and broken carbide inserts are worth the same as new ones for scrap purposes — the tungsten content doesn't change with wear.
What about carbide from mining equipment?
Mining carbide (drill bits, roller cone bits, button bits) is valuable scrap. The carbide content in mining bits is typically 80–90% tungsten carbide. Contact ScrapMetalBuyers.com for large mining carbide lots.
Can I mail carbide scrap to a buyer?
Yes. For small lots (under 50 lbs), ScrapMetalBuyers.com will provide a prepaid shipping label. Call 954-488-0700 to arrange.
What is the difference between tungsten carbide and pure tungsten scrap?
Pure tungsten (used in electrodes and weights) is a different material from tungsten carbide (used in cutting tools). Both are valuable, but pure tungsten pays differently. Call us to discuss what you have.
Does ScrapMetalBuyers.com buy carbide in small quantities?
Yes. We have no minimum quantity for carbide. Even a single pound of clean carbide inserts is worth calling about. For large lots, we offer free pickup anywhere in the U.S.
Ready to Sell? Get a Same-Day Quote
Call us now or fill out our form. We respond within 2 hours, pay same-day, and handle all logistics at no cost to you.
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