TF2 keys, refined metal and exact change
Understand key and metal prices, half-scrap weapons and how to balance a Cinder trade.
Read keys and metal separately
A price such as 2 keys + 3 ref means two Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys and three Refined Metal. Keys and metal are different items in a Steam inventory. A key’s value in refined changes with the market; it is not a fixed cash exchange rate.
Cinder displays the key-to-refined reference in the trade summary. The final quote checks the actual item prices and payment again. Do not treat a search result or an older screenshot as a guaranteed executable price.
Metal is counted in scrap
One Refined Metal equals three Reclaimed Metal, or nine Scrap Metal. One Reclaimed Metal equals three Scrap Metal. The familiar 0.11 ref and 0.33 ref displays represent one scrap and one reclaimed; they are truncated display notation, not decimal cash.
Eligible ordinary craft weapons may count as half a scrap within the shop’s stock and per-trade limits. This does not apply to every weapon: quality, special attributes, tradability and crafting eligibility still matter.
Use Auto Select, then review
Choose the item you want and use Auto Select to balance the other side with available payment. It can fill a shortfall or reduce excess payment, retaining selected merchandise where possible. If exact change cannot be made with the available items, adjust the basket rather than assuming the displayed estimate is final.
Review both You get and You give after any change. The Steam offer must contain the exact agreed items and quantities. You decide whether to accept it in Steam.
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