Best Turning Inserts of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Turning inserts are essential tools used in the machining industry to shape and cut various materials. These inserts are designed with a cutting edge and are typically made from carbide or other hard materials. They are used in lathes and turning machines to remove excess material and create precise shapes and dimensions. Turning inserts are available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various machining needs. They offer high cutting performance, durability, and excellent chip control, making them a popular choice for professionals in the metalworking industry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shars 3/4" Carbide TCMT Turning Tool Set 404-1043 Cover #TOP 1
Shars 3/4" Carbide TCMT Turning Tool Set 404-1043
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HHIP 6062-0320 TDEX 32 TiN Coated Carbide Insert Cover #TOP 2
HHIP 6062-0320 TDEX 32 TiN Coated Carbide Insert
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Zouzmin CCMT/DCMT Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs Cover #TOP 3
Zouzmin CCMT/DCMT Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Turning Inserts

#TOP 1

Shars 3/4" Carbide TCMT Turning Tool Set 404-1043

Shars
404-1039-parent
3/4" 404-1043
Shars 3/4" Carbide TCMT Turning Tool Set 404-1043 Cover
Shars 3/4" 5 Pcs Indexable Carbide TCMT Insert Turning Tool Set 404-1043 P]

The Shars Carbide Turning Set offers a versatile solution for your turning needs with its 3/4-inch shank size, providing a sturdy and reliable grip during use. The set includes various tool holder styles, such as AL, AR, BL, BR, and E, giving you flexibility to handle different turning tasks with ease. Its overall length of 4.5 inches ensures good reach and control while working on your projects. Additionally, the set comes with TCMT and TCGX insert styles, designed for efficient cutting and long-lasting performance. This tool set is perfect for anyone looking to improve their turning work with durable and adaptable equipment.

What We Like
Multiple tool holder styles
Durable 3/4" shank size
Versatile insert styles (TCMT, TCGX)
Compact 4.5" overall length
#TOP 2

HHIP 6062-0320 TDEX 32 TiN Coated Carbide Insert

6062-0320
1 Count (Pack of 1)
HHIP 6062-0320 TDEX 32 TiN Coated Carbide Insert Cover
HHIP 6062-0320 TDEX 32 TiN Coated C-5 Carbide Insert, 3/8" IC

The HHIP TiN Coated Insert is designed with a 3/8" inside cutting diameter, making it suitable for precision turning tasks that require accuracy. It features three cutting edges, which means you get more use out of each insert before needing a replacement, saving you time and money. The honed edge on this insert allows you to take heavier cuts, so you can work more efficiently and handle tougher materials with ease. Overall, this insert provides durability and versatility, helping you achieve clean, consistent results in your turning projects.

What We Like
3/8" cutting diameter
Three cutting edges
Honed edge for heavy cuts
Durable TiN coating
#TOP 3

Zouzmin CCMT/DCMT Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs

zouzmin
Gold
CCMT32.51/DCMT21.51
Zouzmin CCMT/DCMT Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs Cover
Zouzmin CCMT21.51 CCMT060204 DCMT21.51 DCMT070204 Carbide Turning Inserts,CCMT Insert DCMT Insert Mutilayer Coated Lathe Replacement Inserts for Lathe Turning Tool Holder Boring Bar,20 Pieces

The Zouzmin Carbide Inserts are made from solid carbide with a multilayer coating, which means they last longer and allow you to cut faster. This coating also reduces friction, making your work smoother and helping the inserts resist wear better. Each insert is 3/32" thick with a 1/64" radius and is single-sided, designed to give you precise and reliable performance. These inserts work well with stainless steel, steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous materials, making them versatile for many turning and finishing tasks. With 20 pieces in the package, you have plenty of inserts ready for your lathe projects.

What We Like
Durable solid carbide material
Multilayer coating for longer life
Low friction for smoother cutting
Good wear resistance
Versatile material compatibility
#TOP 4

Shars 1/2" Carbide Turning Tool Set 7 Pcs

Shars
404-2888-parent
Shars 1/2" Carbide Turning Tool Set 7 Pcs Cover
Shars 1/2" Indexable Carbide Turning Tool 7 Pcs Set in Fitted Case 404-2890 S]

The Shars Carbide Turning Set offers a versatile collection of seven tools designed with a 1/2" shank size, making them compatible with a variety of lathes and turning machines. This set includes multiple tool holder styles such as MGEHR, SCLCL, and SDJCR, providing you with options to handle different turning tasks efficiently. The inserts come in various styles like 16ER and CCMT, allowing for precise and reliable cutting performance. With these features, the Shars Carbide Turning Set is a convenient choice that helps you tackle diverse turning projects with ease and accuracy.

What We Like
Varied tool holder styles
Multiple insert types
Standard 1/2" shank size
Seven-piece comprehensive set
#TOP 5

GBJ DCMT21.51 Carbide Lathe Inserts 10pcs

GBJ
GBJ DCMT21.51 Carbide Lathe Inserts 10pcs Cover
GBJ 10pcs DCMT21.51 DCMT070204 Carbide Inserts Lathe Turning Inserts Turning Tool Multilayer Coated CNC Lathe Inserts for SDJCR Lathe Turning Tool Holder Replacement Insert

The GBJ Carbide Lathe Inserts come in a pack of 10, designed with a 3/32" thickness and a 1/64" radius, featuring a diamond shape with a chipbreaker for smooth cutting. These inserts are great for both finishing and semi-finishing tasks, especially on stainless iron, and they perform well even in dirty environments, making your work easier and more reliable. Made from carbide alloy with a CVD coating, they offer strong impact resistance and high wear resistance, ensuring durability and precision when working with steel and stainless steel parts. Their wear-resistant and heat-resistant properties help prevent sticking and breakage, ensuring a smooth cutting experience every time.

What We Like
Wear-resistant
Heat-resistant
Strong impact resistance
High precision
Good for dirty environments
#TOP 6

KinRite DCMT32.51 & DCMT32.52 Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs

KinRite
Gold
DCMT11
KinRite DCMT32.51 & DCMT32.52 Carbide Turning Inserts 20pcs Cover
KinRite 20 pcs Cutting Tools Indexable Inserts Turning Inserts DCMT32.51 DCMT32.52 Carbide Inserts for Metal Cutting Cutter bar (20pcs DCMT11)

The KinRite Carbide Turning Inserts come in a set of 20 pieces, including different colors and types for versatile use. These inserts feature a 55° diamond shape with a TIAIN coating, making them ideal for working on steel and stainless steel with smooth finishing, semi-finishing, and rough machining. The varied relief angles (0.4 and 0.8) and precise cutting dimensions give you control and accuracy during your metal cutting projects. Plus, the chipbreaker design helps manage chips effectively, making your work cleaner and more efficient.

What We Like
Varied relief angles
Durable TIAIN coating
Chipbreaker design
Includes multiple insert types
#TOP 7

ASZLBYM 5/8" Lathe Turning Tool Set

0231
Black + gold
ASZLBYM 5/8" Lathe Turning Tool Set Cover
ASZLBYM 5/8" 36PCS Indexable Carbide Lathe Turning Tool Insert Holder Bit Set MTJNR1616H16 + MWLNR1616H08 + MCLNR1616H12 with CNMG 431 + WNMG 431 + TNMG 331 Indexable Carbide Turning Insert Blades

The ASZLBYM 5/8" Lathe Turning Tool Set is a high-quality and durable tool set designed for lathe machine operations. It includes three 5/8 inch lathe indexable carbide turning tool holders, namely MTJNR1616H16, MWLNR1616H08, and MCLNR1616H12. The tool holders are made of quality 40Cr steel, ensuring durability and adaptability. The set also comes with 33 indexable carbide turning insert blades, including 11 pieces each of CNMG 431, WNMG 431, and TNMG 331. These blades are made of cemented carbide with a TIN coating, providing high hardness, low friction coefficient, excellent wear resistance, and chemical stability. The tool holders and inserts are easy to replace, and each tool holder is placed in a plastic box for safe and easy storage. With the ASZLBYM Lathe Turning Tool Set, you can enjoy efficient turning operations and achieve professional results.

What We Like
Durable and adaptable
High-quality carbide turning insert blades
Easy to replace and store
#TOP 8

LAHDYFHOE DCMT32.51 Carbide Inserts

DCMT32.51
20pcs DCMT32.51
LAHDYFHOE DCMT32.51 Carbide Inserts Cover
GBJ 20pcs DCMT11T304 DCMT32.51 Indexable Carbide Turning Inserts Multilayer Coated CNC Lathe Inserts for SDJCR Lathe Turning Tool Holder Replacement Insert (20pcs DCMT32.51)

The LAHDYFHOE Carbide Inserts are designed for precision and durability in turning operations. Made from carbide alloy, these inserts excel in finishing and semi-finishing tasks, especially on stainless steel. Their advanced CVD coating provides strong impact resistance and versatility, ensuring high precision and a smooth finish. You’ll appreciate their heat-resistance, as they reduce the risk of sticking to workpieces or breaking during use. With vacuum hardening and expert craftsmanship, these inserts make cutting easier, allowing you to achieve better results with less effort.

What We Like
High precision cutting
Wear-resistant materials
Heat-resistant performance
Easy to use
#TOP 9

GBJ TCMT32.51 TCMT16T304 Inserts

GBJ
Gold
TCMT
GBJ TCMT32.51 TCMT16T304 Inserts Cover
GBJ TCMT32.51 TCMT16T304 10pcs tcmt-32.51 Inserts Carbide Inserts External Turning Inserts Cutting Tools for Steel Parts and Stainless Steel for STFCR Turning Tool Holder (TCMT32.51 (Yellow))

GBJ TCMT32.51 TCMT16T304 Inserts are high-quality carbide inserts designed for external turning operations on various steel, stainless iron, and cast iron workpieces. With their CVD coating, these inserts offer strong impact resistance and high precision, making them suitable for steel and stainless steel parts processing. They are particularly useful for finishing and semi-finishing tasks, such as working with 45# steel, Spring steel, H13 steel, and 42Cr steel. These inserts perform exceptionally well even in dirty environments, ensuring easy cutting and excellent wear resistance. The package includes 10pcs of TCMT32.51 Gold carbide inserts, making it a cost-effective choice for turning tool holders.

What We Like
High precision
Strong impact resistance
Excellent wear resistance
#TOP 10

Maclix CCMT060204 & DCMT070204 Carbide Turning Inserts

CCMT21.51+DCMT21.51
Maclix CCMT060204 & DCMT070204 Carbide Turning Inserts Cover
Maclix 10pcs CCMT060204/CCMT21.51+10pcs DCMT070204/DCMT21.51 Carbide Turning Inserts,TISIN Coating, Replacement Inserts for CNC Lathe,CCMT Inserts, DCMT Inserts, for Lathe Turning

The Maclix Carbide Inserts are designed with a tough cemented carbide base that resists wear, oxidation, and high heat, helping you get more use out of each tool. These inserts work well on various materials like steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals, making them versatile for different machining tasks. Their precise design includes sharp tips to reduce cutting effort, and built-in chip breakers help control chip flow, which is great for stable cutting conditions. You also get two types of inserts: one for smooth, high-speed finishing, and another for semi-finishing and tougher, intermittent cuts, so you can match the tool to your project needs.

What We Like
High wear resistance
Versatile material use
Sharp tip design
Chip breaker included
Two insert types
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose a turning insert?

When choosing a turning insert, consider the application demands and the space available for the cutting tool. A larger insert size provides better stability, which is suitable for heavy machining. For finishing, the size can often be reduced.

2. What are the different types of inserts?

There are several types of turning inserts available: 1. Square insert: has 4 cutting edges per side. 2. Triangular insert: has 3 cutting edges per side. 3. 80° Rhombic insert: used for external machining and facing. 4. 55° Rhombic insert. 5. 35° Rhombic insert. 6. Trigon insert. 7. Round insert.

3. How many types of inserts are there?

There are four main types of four-sided inserts: diamond, square, rectangular, and rhombic. Diamond inserts have two acute angles and are used for material removal. Square inserts have four equal sides. Rectangular inserts have four sides, with two longer sides. Rhombic inserts come in different angles, such as 80°, 55°, and 35°.

Editor's Notes

During our turning insert research, we found 24 turning insert products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,474 customer reviews through our big data system to write the turning inserts list. We found that most customers choose turning inserts with an average price of $26.51.

The turning inserts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of turning inserts, including Shars, HHIP, zouzmin, GBJ, KinRite. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 180 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.