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Turning Tool Holders

High-Performance ISO Turning Tool Holders for CNC and Manual Lathes.

Turning tool holders are essential components in any lathe or CNC turning operation, providing the stability and precision needed to securely clamp indexable inserts and deliver consistent machining performance. Designed for external turning, facing and, profiling , ISO turning tool holders ensure accurate insert positioning and reliable clamping, helping to improve stability and reduce vibration during machining.

At Cutwel, we supply a comprehensive range of turning tool holders from leading brands including Korloy, YG-1, Teknik and Cutwel Pro. Available in multiple shank sizes, approach angles and clamping systems, our holders are engineered to suit a wide variety of machining requirements, from general engineering to high-production environments.

Milling Cutters

Lathe tools at the UK's lowest prices, fixed until December 2026

Turning Inserts from £4.01 each
Turning Tool Holders from £22.35
Boring Bars from £15.24
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Turning Tool Holders ENGINEERS CHOICE

Engineers Choice
Turning Tool Holders

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Solid Shank
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Through Coolant Shank Turning ToolsThrough Coolant Shank Turning Tools

Through Coolant Shank
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Swiss Type Solid Shank Turning ToolsSwiss Type Solid Shank Turning Tools

Swiss Type Solid Shank
Turning Tools

Through Coolant Swiss Type Turning ToolsThrough Coolant Swiss Type Turning Tools

Through Coolant Swiss Type Turning Tools

Corner Radius Turning (SAGD)Corner Radius Turning (SAGD)

Corner Radius
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Capto Turning ToolsCapto Turning Tools

Capto Turning
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Turning InsertsTurning Inserts

Turning
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Custom Turning ToolsCustom Turning Tools

Custom Turning
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CCMT / CCGT Style Turning ToolsCCMT / CCGT Style Turning Tools

CCMT/CCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

CNMG Style Turning Tools HoldersCNMG Style Turning Tools Holders

CNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

DCMT / DCGT Style Turning ToolsDCMT / DCGT Style Turning Tools

DCMT/DCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

DNMG Style Turning Tool HoldersDNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

DNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

KNUX Style Turning Tool HoldersKNUX Style Turning Tool Holders

KNUX Style Turning Tool Holders

SCMT / SCGT Style Turning Tool HoldersSCMT / SCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

SCMT / SCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

SNMG Style Turning Tool HoldersSNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

SNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

SPMR Style Turning Tool HoldersSPMR Style Turning Tool Holders

SPMR Style Turning Tools

TCMT / TCGT Style Turning ToolsTCMT / TCGT Style Turning Tools

TCMT / TCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

TNMG Style Turning ToolsTNMG Style Turning Tools

TNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

VBMT / VBGT Style Turning Tool HoldersVBMT / VBGT Style Turning Tool Holders

VBMT / VBGT Style Turning Tool Holders

VCMT / VCGT Style Turning Tool HoldersVCMT / VCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

VCMT / VCGT Style Turning Tool Holders

VNMG Style Turning Tool HoldersVNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

VNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

WNMG Style Turning ToolsWNMG Style Turning Tools

WNMG Style Turning Tool Holders

Frequently Asked Questions

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A turning tool holder is a tool body used on a lathe or CNC turning centre to securely clamp and position an indexable turning insert. It provides the rigidity and stability needed to ensure accurate machining, good surface finish and consistent performance.
Mounted in the lathe turret or tool post, the turning tool holder holds the insert at a set approach angle while the rotating workpiece is machined. The holder’s design, including its clamping system, shank size and geometry, directly affects vibration control, chip evacuation and overall tool life.
Most modern turning tool holders are designed to accept ISO-standard indexable inserts such as CNMG, DNMG, TNMG, WNMG and more, allowing quick and cost-effective insert changes without replacing the entire tool.
Cutwel supplies a wide range of ISO turning tool holders for external turning applications, available in multiple sizes and configurations to suit different machining requirements.
Cutwel supplies a comprehensive range of ISO turning tool holders from leading manufacturers including Korloy, YG-1 and Cutwel Pro, offering reliable, high-performance solutions for a wide variety of turning applications.
Our range includes standard external turning tool holders for profiling, facing and longitudinal turning, as well as internal turning holders and boring bars for precision internal machining.
We offer multiple clamping systems such as dobule clamp, screw clamp, lever lock and top clamp designs to ensure secure insert retention and efficient insert changes. Holders are available in right-hand, left-hand and neutral configurations, with a variety of approach angles including 95°, 93°, 75° and 45° to suit different machining strategies.
With a wide selection of shank sizes and configurations compatible with popular ISO insert styles such as CNMG, TNMG, DNMG and VNMG, Cutwel provides turning tool holders suitable for everything from general engineering to heavy-duty, high-production environments.
Browse our full range of turning tool holders, contact our technical team or send us your question for expert advice on selecting the right solution for your application.
Choosing the right turning tool holder depends on your machine setup, insert type and machining application. The first step is to confirm the shank size your lathe turret or tool post can accommodate, as this determines which holders will fit your machine correctly.
Next, select a holder that matches your required insert style (such as CNMG or TNMG) and the correct hand orientation (right-hand, left-hand or neutral) based on your cutting direction. The approach angle is also important, as it affects cutting forces, surface finish and accessibility when machining shoulders or profiles.
You should also consider the clamping system: double clamp, screw clamp, lever lock or top clamp, depending on the level of rigidity and ease of insert change required. For heavy-duty or interrupted cuts, a more secure clamping design may be preferable.
If you are unsure which turning tool holder is best for your application, Cutwel’s technical team can provide expert advice to help you maximise performance, stability and tool life.
ISO tool holder codes follow an international standard that identifies the holder’s insert shape, clamping style, approach angle, hand orientation and size. Each letter and number represents a specific feature, allowing you to quickly determine compatibility and geometry.
For example, the code will indicate whether the holder is right-hand or left-hand, the insert shape it accepts (such as CNMG or TNMG), and the approach angle used for cutting.
Understanding ISO codes ensures you select the correct turning tool holder for your insert and machining application, helping to maintain rigidity, accuracy and reliable performance.
Turning tool holders are designed to accept specific ISO insert shapes and sizes. The insert compatibility is defined within the holder’s ISO code and product specification. The 2nd and 4th letter of the holders ISO code signifies the style of insert it is compatible with, for example, a PCLNR holder will only accept CNMG inserts of the correct size and thickness.
To ensure the correct fit, check the insert shape, size designation and fixing method. Using the correct insert ensures proper seating, secure clamping and optimal cutting performance. If you are unsure, Cutwel’s technical team can confirm compatibility before purchase or ask our team a question, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
The required shank size depends on the capacity of your lathe turret or tool post. Common square shank sizes include 12mm, 16mm, 20mm and 25mm, although larger sizes are available for heavy-duty machines.
Selecting the largest suitable shank size for your machine improves rigidity and reduces vibration during machining. A more rigid setup helps enhance surface finish, dimensional accuracy and insert life, particularly when taking heavier cuts.
Top clamp holders use a clamp plate positioned over the insert, providing strong and secure clamping for heavy-duty or interrupted cutting applications. Lever lock systems allow fast and convenient insert indexing while maintaining reliable clamping force.
Screw clamp holders secure the insert through a centre screw and are commonly used with positive insert geometries. The most suitable clamping system depends on your machining conditions, material and the level of rigidity required.
Double clamp turning tool holders have the most secure clamping design, ideal for applications where maximum rigidity is paramount. The ultra powerful double clamp system ensures the longest tool life and excellent surface finish.
Improving performance and tool life begins with ensuring maximum rigidity in your turning tool holder setup. Selecting the correct shank size for your machine and minimising tool overhang helps reduce vibration and improve stability during machining.
Choosing the right clamping system (whether double clamp, top clamp, lever lock or screw clamp) also plays an important role in maintaining secure insert retention, particularly in heavy-duty or interrupted cutting applications. A stable, properly secured insert reduces micro-movement, helping to prevent premature wear and edge chipping.
Ensuring the holder is correctly aligned and firmly mounted in the turret or tool post further improves consistency, surface finish and overall tool life.
Cutwel supplies high-quality ISO turning tool holders from leading manufacturers such as Korloy, YG-1, Teknik and Cutwel Pro. Our range is carefully selected to deliver reliable performance, strong clamping security and long-term durability.
Customers choose Cutwel for competitive pricing, excellent UK stock availability and expert technical support. Whether you require standard holders or specialist solutions, our team can help you select the right tooling to maximise productivity and reduce machining costs.

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