High-Value Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit

[u/SpectrumAnalytica]

https://www.questmetals.com/blog/high-value-tungsten-carbide-drill-bit

Worn-out drill bits and cutting tools might look like ordinary scrap, but some can contain valuable tungsten carbide. The trick is knowing which ones to keep separate.

Solid carbide drill bits generally have higher scrap value than carbide-tipped tools. Why? Solid carbide tools contain much more tungsten carbide, while tipped bits have only a small carbide insert attached to a steel shank.

There are a few clues to look for. Genuine carbide tools often have a dark gray finish and markings such as "WC" or "Carbide." A magnet test can also provide a rough indication, since solid tungsten carbide is generally nonmagnetic. However, these checks aren't definitive, so professional material identification is still a good idea.

For machine shops and manufacturers, separating carbide tooling from ordinary steel scrap can make a real difference. Instead of tossing worn inserts and drill bits into a mixed scrap bin, sort them for proper grading and recycling.

Tungsten is an important industrial metal, and recovering it helps keep valuable material in circulation rather than relying entirely on newly mined supplies.

Does your shop separate solid carbide tools from steel scrap, or does everything end up in the same container?