Keep carbide separate
Do not mix carbide with high-speed steel, steel or ceramics. A magnet test helps: carbide is only weakly magnetic because of its cobalt binder. Separation protects your payout.
We buy tungsten carbide inserts, end mills, drills, brazed tooling and grinding scrap from South Carolina machine shops, manufacturers and individuals — by mail or freight.

Machine shops, tool and die shops, manufacturers, oilfield service companies and individuals across South Carolina.
Send clear photos, manufacturer or nameplate information when available, approximate quantity, city/state, condition and desired removal timing.
South Carolina's automotive corridor — anchored by BMW in Spartanburg and Volvo near Charleston — plus Boeing's North Charleston assembly plant make the Upstate and Lowcountry major generators of carbide tooling and manufacturing surplus. The Port of Charleston's logistics boom, data-center development, and a fast-growing commercial construction market add copper cable and electrical equipment, while textile and chemical plants in transition release plant-closure assets.
Do not mix carbide with high-speed steel, steel or ceramics. A magnet test helps: carbide is only weakly magnetic because of its cobalt binder. Separation protects your payout.
Spread inserts or tools so quantities are visible and capture brand names and part numbers where present. New-in-box tooling may carry resale value above scrap.
Carbide is dense and brittle. Pack it in a sturdy box with padding so inserts do not chip in transit, include your contact information, and confirm the shipment with us first.
View Ironcrest’s complete carbide purchasing page →
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Tungsten carbide is valued by form, grade, and condition. New or unused inserts in original packaging command the strongest offers because they can re-enter the tooling supply chain. Used inserts, end mills, and drills are priced as scrap by weight, with solid carbide round tools typically outpacing brazed tooling. Grinding sludge and swarf have real value too, though they require assay or established recovery channels to price accurately.
The single biggest mistake sellers make is mixing carbide with other metals. A bucket of inserts tossed in with high-speed steel, steel shanks, or ceramic is worth a fraction of the same carbide kept clean. Keep a dedicated container at each machine, separate inserts from round tools if you can, and never let grinding sludge get contaminated with steel swarf. When in doubt, send photos before you ship — identification is free and it protects your payout.
Ironcrest Industrial Surplus is based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, in the Chicago area. We buy from South Carolina sellers every week: small and mid-size lots typically move by mail or freight after a photo review, and large commercial or plant-closure lots may qualify for coordinated pickup. Start by sending photos, quantities, and your city — we will confirm the fastest way to get your material evaluated and paid.
Industrial centers we regularly hear from: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach.
Typical sellers: automotive suppliers, aerospace shops, port and logistics contractors, commercial electrical contractors, and chemical and textile plants.
We evaluate carbide inserts, end mills, drills, round tools, brazed tooling, saw tips, wear parts, and grinding sludge. New or unused tooling in original packaging may carry resale value above scrap. Send photos showing quantities, brands, and part numbers when visible.
Yes, but sorted material is worth more. Keep carbide separate from high-speed steel, steel, and ceramics. If you are unsure what you have, send photos and we will help identify it before you ship anything.
Send photos of the material first for an initial review. Once confirmed, pack the carbide in a sturdy box with padding, include your contact information, and ship it. We verify the material on arrival and issue payment. Small shops and individuals across the country use this program regularly.
Send photos, estimated weight, and the type of tooling or scrap. We price each lot from current market conditions and the form and grade of the material, so public per-pound prices are not posted.
Ironcrest is based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois and buys carbide nationally by mail. For large commercial quantities, freight or coordinated pickup can be arranged. Send photos and your location so we can confirm the best option for your lot.
Have carbide tooling or scrap to sell in South Carolina? Send photos, quantity, and your city to [email protected] or call 312-880-8174 for today’s price.
Industrial equipment can be worth more intact than as scrap. Clear photos and nameplates help determine whether resale, component recovery or commodity recovery is the best path.
Photograph the material, nameplates and quantity, then send them through the quote form, by email or by phone.
We review what the material is, its condition and quantity, and whether it fits a direct purchase.
For qualifying material, we discuss a direct purchase offer and the next steps.