Very often, during renovation, demolition or construction of houses, concrete walls are cut. Today, this procedure can be performed using several methods: using a diamond tool, a water jet, or an oxygen lance.
The most popular of them is the use of diamond tools.
A diamond wheel for a grinder allows you to process a concrete product in such a way that the surface is perfectly smooth without various side effects: cracks, noise and dirt that are in the affected area. This device cuts reinforced concrete, grinds concrete floors, and grooves communications for shrinkage.
In order for the surface to be as smooth as possible, it is necessary to choose the right discs, having familiarized yourself with their classification in advance. An informed choice will save money and reduce labor costs (the tool will have to be changed less often if its durability is higher).
Diamond blade rating
To compile the review, we tested the cutting tool and compared the results obtained on the main technical characteristics with the parameters stated in the manufacturer’s documentation. The availability of consumables on the market, the opinions of professional builders, installers, and car mechanics were taken into account. Reviews of diamond blades from owners of small home workshops were studied.
The following characteristics were taken into account:
- Size – determines the depth of cut, the possibility of using a grinder or a wall chaser of a certain model, productivity;
- The diameter of the mounting hole - no gaps and a tight fit on the shaft makes work safe and efficient;
- Rotation speed – must correspond to the same characteristics of the power tool;
- Class – professional and semi-professional models are produced;
- Design – equipment is produced with a solid and segmented cutting edge;
- Type of cutting – consumables are used for dry and wet cutting.
Not all equipment met the experts' requirements. Rapid clogging of the edge, low service life of the working layer, defects in the geometry of the plane - products with such defects were excluded from our rating.
The best gas cutters
Nozzle for an angle grinder. Types of Diamond Cups
Attachments for grinding concrete using an angle grinder are classified depending on the manufacturing method.
There are types:
- with a single-row working surface;
- double row;
- solid.
Single-row equipment has good performance and low weight. It is used to polish concrete and create a smooth edge. The disadvantage is that the tool is difficult to hold on the surface.
Double-row cups are used to carry out primary processing and eliminate gross defects in the concrete screed. Surfaces are polished using nozzles with continuous coating.
The best diamond blades for concrete
The most popular category of cutting consumables. The diamond-coated blade easily copes with cutting any type of concrete. This circle is used for dismantling work, adjusting door and window openings, and laying communications in the walls of buildings. The equipment is supplied by professional wall chasers, cutters, grinders and furrowers. VyborExperta.ru recommends products from 3 brands, which are distinguished by reliability, workmanship and performance.
Makita B-28092
The equipment of a popular Japanese manufacturer is designed for dry cutting of concrete, brick, and artificial stone. It has a segmented structure that improves the quality of the cut. The diameter of 125 mm allows use in branded diamond saws and classic angle grinders. During intensive work it hardly heats up; short breaks of 2-3 seconds are enough for the tool to be ready for cutting concrete again.
The thickness of 2.1 mm and the absence of vibrations ensures accurate cutting of concrete of any strength grade. The 7 mm diamond layer height ensures long tool life without loss of performance. The 22.23 mm mounting hole has precise geometry and fits tightly on the power tool shaft, without gaps. The consumable is designed to work with high-performance tools at a speed of 12,250 rpm.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- The design of the segments allows for efficient removal of dust;
- Does not rotate on the shaft under load;
- Stable cutting quality throughout the service life;
- Designed for intensive use.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Engineers from a Japanese company have developed a technology for uniformly distributing artificial diamond grains along the cutting edge. This has a positive effect on cutting speed and service life. We use our own diamonds with sharp edges.
Graff GDD 17 125.10
The diamond blade for the grinder, developed by Belarusian engineers, can be used to equip stone-cutting machines and hand-held concrete cutters. The equipment is manufactured using thermal crimping technology and has a long service life. It has a turbocharged edge with specially shaped channels that effectively remove dust from the working area. This increases the service life and ensures maximum cutting accuracy.
The model is universal, can be used for dry and wet cutting, used on natural and artificial stone, ceramic and paving slabs. The equipment is designed for high speed – 12,250 rpm. Features a smooth ride and professional performance. The material is resistant to high temperatures and dynamic impacts, which ensures personnel safety.
Advantages:
- Cutting edge height 10 mm;
- Does not crumble the edge of the processed material;
- Good balance;
- Low price;
- Professional spraying quality;
- Durability.
Flaws:
- The 2.5 mm thickness is not suitable for all applications.
Metabo Promotion 624307000
A segmented disk with a classic shape of outlets, which have a large contact area with air, effectively removes dust and helps cool the tool. Designed to work with concrete, hard sandstone, wet concrete and adobe. Installed on angle grinders, hand-held wall chasers or branded diamond saws. Recommended for power tools with a shaft rotation speed of 12200 rpm.
Used for dry cutting, 10 segments do a good job of dissipating heat. The cutting layer height is 7 mm, the edge uses a mixture of artificial diamonds and a binder pressed under high pressure, which ensures a long service life. The connection of the segments to the steel core is carried out by pressing at high temperatures.
Advantages:
- Small thickness;
- Uniform distribution of diamonds in the cutting plane;
- Rigid design for stable operation;
- Low price;
- High performance.
Flaws:
- Cannot be cooled with water.
Scope of application
The high reliability and wear resistance of the diamond cup make it unrivaled among other equipment for processing hard materials. Using the nozzle, you can scrape and grind concrete, brickwork, stone slabs, porcelain tiles, and paving slabs. Diamond discs are widely used for polishing natural stone - marble or granite. Operations performed using discs include rough, profiled and finishing grinding operations. Diamond cups are used for the following purposes:
- removal of screed sagging;
- roughening;
- alignment of seams;
- grinding joints;
- surface cleaning;
- removal of old or protruding layer;
- final polishing.
When installing attachments on an angle grinder, a dust extractor is usually used or the surface to be treated is moistened with water (wet grinding). This will help reduce dust and make cleaning easier.
Concrete grinding discs are widely used during dismantling work. They effectively remove layers of used glue, hard-to-remove coatings (epoxy, plaster, plaster) and have a long service life. Grinding with a diamond cup saves time: it not only removes unnecessary layers, but also immediately levels the surface.
The best diamond blades for stone
It is possible to carefully cut stone without chipping only at high speed. To do this, use solid and segmented circles designed for wet or dry cutting. Natural stone is a difficult material to process, and it is worth taking a responsible approach to choosing equipment for processing it. Our team offers three models created using different technologies. The tool is distinguished by good quality of the working layer, accurate cutting and durability.
Dremel DSM540
Classic solid disc designed for cutting natural stone, clinker, ceramic tiles. Suitable for dry cutting at 20,000 rpm. It has good performance and can accurately cut stone of any hardness. Used with compact specialized saws and branded angle grinders. It has a diameter of 77 mm and a mounting hole for the shaft of 11 mm, which limits the choice of power tools.
Small sizes allow you to perform high-precision operations and make complex cuts in ceramic tiles. The wide cutting edge and even distribution of diamonds guarantee a long service life under intensive use. The circle is distinguished by its high-precision plane geometry and tight fit, earning regular positive feedback from professionals carrying out complex interior projects.
Advantages:
- Increased resource;
- Thin cut without chips;
- Uniform wear of the cutting edge;
- Resistance to critical temperatures.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Practice Do it yourself 036-339
Domestic diamond disc for tiles, which is designed for classic angle grinders. Combines a good safety margin with a high cutting speed. Recommended for wet cutting: coolant provides extended service life at 12,250 rpm and reduces interruptions. The circle can be used for processing artificial and natural ornamental stone.
The small thickness of 1.9 mm helps the master make a neat cut without defects, which is especially important when adjusting the dimensions of expensive ceramics. The low price makes the equipment the best choice for domestic use. According to reviews from home craftsmen who carry out interior decoration themselves, purchasing components helped reduce repair costs.
Advantages:
- Tight fit;
- Light weight;
- The working part is not salted;
- Uniform diamond structure in the cutting edge.
Flaws:
- Application skills required.
Di-Star 1A1R Decor Slim
Di-Star offers a solid diamond blade that can quickly cut stone, tile and porcelain stoneware. The equipment is designed for installation on an angle grinder. The super-thin diamond layer of the cutting tool has an increased service life, good wear resistance and allows you to make a neat cut.
Equipment for dry cutting at a speed of 12,000 rpm has been developed. Special holes provide effective heat dissipation, increasing the intensity of operations. Artificial diamonds are evenly distributed across the width of the cutting part, which increases the quality of cutting thick porcelain floor tiles.
Advantages:
- Edge height 8 mm;
- Smooth cut without chips;
- Tight fit on the shaft;
- The lightweight design reduces the load on the grinder.
Flaws:
- High price.
Cutting Features
Before you start cutting concrete, you need to determine its type and structure. The following rules apply:
- For cutting depths of more than 10 cm, special discs are used that are capable of sawing reinforcement. It should be taken into account that reinforcement schemes can be very different.
- Fresh and old material have different properties, and therefore different wheels need to be selected for them.
- To cut basalt and quartz, you need to use discs with a soft binder so that the diamond substance is renewed faster.
- The larger the filler, the slower the sawing occurs.
In order to cut a concrete slab, block or other structure, 2 main technologies are used:
- Wet. It is carried out with the addition of water continuously, quickly and without the formation of dust.
- Dry. It is carried out in several stages to clean the material and equipment from dust, and also to give the cutting tool time to cool.
Important! Before starting work, you need to draw a cutting line in a straight line with chalk. Next, to make the cut as smooth as possible, it is necessary to secure the bars along the edges and make a shallow starting cut - 5-10 mm. Then perform the main cutting on it.
Video example of cutting a floor slab with a grinder:
The best diamond blades for metal
Metal cutting is one of the most common operations on a construction site. Manufacturers produce wheels with additional cooling for this work. The cutting edge has a small height, and artificial diamonds are applied using laser welding, soldering or using galvanization technology. The variety of models is due to the need to work with different grades of steel. Our team has tested 8 wheels and offers 3 types of equipment, which are distinguished by the quality of metal processing and good service life.
Hammer 206-232
The complex segment structure of a diamond cutting disc for metal allows one to effectively compensate for thermal expansion. The circle is made of high-quality tool steel and has an ideal geometry that eliminates beating and chipping. The equipment can be used for wet cutting; in the absence of a specialized tool, it is recommended to remove the disk from the cut every 3 minutes for forced cooling. This will provide the necessary level of security.
The cutting crystals are held on the surface by a wear-resistant bond that is resistant to elevated temperatures. The edge height has been increased by 30% compared to analogues, which has helped to increase service life and productivity. The consumable material belongs to the professional series, the service life is calculated taking into account the high intensity of use.
Advantages:
- You can work with different grades of steel;
- Versatility - works well on ceramic tiles and concrete;
- Uniform distribution of crystals;
- Minimum number of sparks;
- High performance.
Flaws:
- High price.
DeWALT DT40252
Professional diamond cutting disc designed for working with rebar, stainless steel, cast iron and non-ferrous metals. According to user reviews, it cuts any metal equally accurately. The design is segmental, with effective heat removal during operation. The cutting crystals are applied using a patented technology, which reduces wear on the cutting edge. The wheel is designed for at least 1000 cuts, which is 30 times more than when using abrasive cutting discs.
Design features ensure stable cutting depth and accuracy, as well as comfort during operation. The equipment makes it easy to operate the tool. During operation, less unpleasant odors and dust are released, increasing safety. You can equip the consumables with a UGM or a cutting saw.
Advantages:
- Small thickness – 1.3 mm;
- Ten segments;
- High strength of steel;
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fubag Slim Fast 80125-3
German engineers have developed a high-performance turbo disc to operate at 15,200 rpm. This is one of the best indicators in its category. The small thickness allows you to make a neat cut of any metal using dry cutting. Design features allow excess heat to be effectively removed, and holes in the sheet steel prevent overheating during intensive work.
Increasing the cutting edge height to 10 mm had a positive effect on the service life. Promotes long service life and uniform distribution of diamonds in the structure. The cutting part does not become clogged with intensive use. The circle has good strength and heat resistance.
Advantages:
- The fastest cut;
- Universal application;
- No vibration during operation;
- Very thin cut.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
The Best All-Purpose Diamond Blades
You can buy any specialized equipment for the job, but regularly changing the working tool has a negative impact on labor productivity. If you have to work with concrete, ceramic tiles, or metal at a construction site, then it is better to purchase universal discs. Manufacturers produce wheels that accurately cut any building material without negative consequences. The catalogs contain consumables designed to work with tools that have different speeds. The VyborExperta.ru team studied the effectiveness of circles from the best American and European manufacturers. Experts suggest choosing one of 3 models that are equally easy to cut profiles for gypsum boards and porcelain tiles.
Di-Star 1A1RSS/C3-H Technic Advanced
Engineers of the Ukrainian-Italian company have developed a cutting-off segmented diamond blade for universal use. The wheel is designed for dry cutting at 6650 rpm and is suitable for use by personnel with little experience. Consumables are supplied with angle grinders and wall chasers. The design feature is the complex shape of each of the 10 segments. Advanced geometry ensures maximum heat dissipation even when the operator uses power tools with the covers closed.
The complex shape helps to remove not only heat, but also dust. The wheel copes well with reinforced concrete, granite, paving slabs and baked bricks. The diameter ensures high productivity when gating walls made of monolithic concrete. The manufacturer increased the height of the diamond layer to 12 mm. This helped to increase the resource and efficiency of equipment use.
Advantages:
- Work without breaks for up to 5 minutes;
- Manufacturer's warranty 3 years;
- High cutting speed;
- High-quality cutting at a depth of up to 5 mm;
- Tight fit.
Flaws:
- High price.
Bosch Standard for Universal
Engineers from a German company have developed a universal cutting tool that does not require sharpening or regular replacement. The tool steel wheel has 8 large segments located at a slight angle to the axis and a turbocharged edge structure. This allows for heat dissipation and good contact with the material being processed. Consumables are designed to complete grinders and wall chasers operating at a speed of 12,250 rpm.
The thickness of the circle is 2 mm - the optimal balance for working with concrete, metal or ceramics. The layer of cutting crystals has a height of 10 mm, providing high performance and increased service life. Artificial diamonds with sharp edges are evenly spaced in the edge structure. This guarantees high-quality processing of the material after prolonged use.
Advantages:
- High cutting speed of concrete;
- Ideal surface geometry;
- Lack of combat;
- Smooth cut without defects for any building materials;
- Low price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Dewalt DT3711
Sintered universal disc made of high-quality tool steel, which provides the components with high wear resistance and strength. The classic segmented edge allows you to work at high speeds - up to 12,000 rpm. Good heat dissipation increases service life and thermal stability. The equipment is designed for dry cutting and is used on angle grinders or wall chasers.
The high strength of steel made it possible to reduce the thickness of the circle to 1.8 mm without losing the main performance characteristics. The tool cuts all building materials carefully, without chipping. The edge does not become greasy due to the uniform distribution of diamonds throughout its thickness.
Advantages:
- Durability;
- Low price;
- Strict geometry;
- Tight fit.
Flaws:
- The edge height is only 7 mm.
Description and classification
A diamond disk is a metal circle of small thickness with cutting diamond plates fixed on the edges. They are made from industrial ground diamonds, which are pressed into a metallic binder - carbide, steel or titanium. The plates are attached to the disks using silver soldering or laser welding. Modern technologies connect the cutting tool to a metal base using powder soldering. This way they last longer. Once the cutting part of the diamond blade has been sharpened, it is completely ready for use.
In order to cut reinforced concrete or concrete, a variety of equipment is used, such as stationary machines, wall chasers, gas cutters, and grinders. Different brands of circles are attached to them. Their distinctive features are:
- Working edge configuration.
- Composition of the binder.
- Number of diamonds per unit area.
- Quality indicators of diamonds.
To choose the most suitable option for you, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification.
Circles are divided into groups according to several criteria. The most important indicators are: the purpose and shape of the cutting part.
Diamond cutting discs
This group is divided into three subspecies. These include:
- Segmental for dry cutting. Concrete is cut dry using hand tools. For these purposes, a grinder (angle grinder) and a wall chaser are used. On the base of the segmented circle, the diamond contour is located in the form of separate sectors, and between them there are radial through grooves. During the cutting process, the plates experience heavy loads and the discs heat up. The slots are necessary to relieve stress in the cutters, remove waste, remove heat and compensate for linear expansion. This group includes diamond tools for cutting fresh concrete. The difference between such circles is that they can be used to cut material immediately after hardening. The diamond layer is usually filled directly onto the body without using a binder.
- Infinite (whole). There are no segments on such circles. And in order to distribute the tension, there are holes. They are used when cutting is carried out with water cooling. Wet processing is carried out on stationary equipment. Such equipment has the design ability to supply coolant.
- Diamond discs for reinforced concrete. These discs have a segmented design, but the teeth contain more diamonds than a conventional disc type. They are a little thicker. It is necessary to take into account the fact that reinforced concrete is very difficult to cut at home. The grinder heats up quickly, dust penetrates inside it (to prevent dust from penetrating, dust protection for the bearings and a dust-proof motor are necessary). Using a hand-held power tool, it will be possible to cut reinforced concrete no deeper than 10 centimeters in one go. After this, the equipment will turn off to cool the disk and motor.
- Turbo segment diamond cutting wheels. They are solid, and their cooling is carried out due to the wavy surface. Their price is higher than regular circles, but they compensate for these costs with expanded functionality and a long service life. They can even cut reinforced concrete if the diameter of the reinforcement does not exceed 10 centimeters.
Diamond grinding discs
These wheels are used to grind concrete if it is necessary to level the floor before applying a decorative coating. This process is carried out with a special grinder or grinder. Grinding wheels differ in that the cutting diamond layer is applied to a conical annular surface that protrudes along the edge. A diamond disk for mechanical floor processing is a main circle on which several grinding cups are attached, between which there are grooves for removing dust.
How to choose diamond blades
Wheels with a cutting edge made of artificial diamonds are used for high intensity construction work. The tool allows you to make hundreds of cuts when used correctly. When choosing consumables, you need to take into account not only brand awareness and price, but also technical characteristics. This will help you purchase products that meet your goals. Understanding the features of a diamond wheel, you need to evaluate its diameter and design features. The cutting tool must be designed to work with a specific building material. The specifics of dry or wet cutting are also taken into account.
Diameter
The outer diameter must correspond to the design features of the tool used. Particular attention is paid to models equipped with a casing: equipment with a large diameter simply cannot be installed if the protection interferes with it. Before purchasing, you should check the diameter recommended by the power tool manufacturer. If you have a choice, then it’s worth remembering: the larger the radius, the deeper you can cut the building material.
The inner diameter of the circle is of particular importance. The parameter must correspond to the characteristics recommended by the manufacturer of the angle grinder or wall chaser. Deviations are not acceptable, since the equipment will dangle on the shaft, which can result in serious injury, tool breakage, and damage to the material being processed. The most widely used models are those with mounting holes of 22.2 and 25.4 mm. The manufacturer indicates all dimensions on the components in the labeling, duplicating the information on the packaging.
Processing material
Building materials differ in different densities, hardness, and structures. High-quality cutting requires different speeds and specific dynamics of heat removal from the working area. Depending on the structure of the material being processed, crystals with different grain sizes are used. Designers select the optimal edge configuration and distribute diamonds evenly throughout the entire depth.
The buyer does not need to be a materials science specialist to select components for his tool. You need to know what material you will be working with and purchase the appropriate equipment. Manufacturers produce wheels for working on metal, concrete, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, and stone. Standing apart from this list are universal discs that effectively cut several materials at once. Using such equipment allows you to save time when replacing it. When choosing a universal circle, you need to clarify what materials it is intended for. Information can be obtained by examining the surface - the manufacturer applies special markings or inscriptions.
Type of diamond blade
Manufacturers produce circles that differ markedly in their design. Solid discs are made from a solid metal plate with cutting crystals applied to the outer edge. This type of wheel is used when cutting at low speeds. To remove heat, slots are made in the steel plate, which can have a simple or complex shape. The slots have a size of 10-15% of the total diameter and are directed towards the center; they divide the disk into 8-10 segments. This type of equipment is called segmented; the tool is designed to work at high speeds.
You can find circles with frequently notched edges. This tool is classified as a turbo. The equipment is highly durable and can operate under constant loads. Combined discs with a segmented surface and notches are called turbo-segmented circles. The main advantages of this product are good performance and versatility in relation to the materials being processed.
Wet or dry cutting
Heat dissipation is the most important problem that has to be solved when cutting building and structural materials. There are three main approaches: reducing the cutting speed, increasing the area due to segmentation, and supplying a cutting fluid to the working area. The last solution is called wet cutting. The technique requires the use of a special tool, which has a complex design and high price, and requires work skills. It is paired with consumables that are designed for wet cutting.
Dry cutting wheels are the most widely used. This is facilitated by the emergence of structural materials with high heat resistance and wear resistance. The equipment operates at high speed and is only slightly inferior in productivity to wet cutting tools. The only drawback is that it is required to periodically stop work, which is unacceptable when solving critical problems.
The best tile cutters
Tool selection
When purchasing a circle for an angle grinder, many factors are taken into account that determine the final choice. Each individual case requires an individual approach. The main conditions on which the characteristics and optimal dimensions depend are:
- Material. Most often, ordinary concrete is processed with segment tools for dry cutting. The new concrete surface has a high level of abrasiveness. This causes rapid wear of the discs. For such work, it is better to purchase thicker discs. Old concrete is stronger than young concrete, so it is better to use options of moderate thickness. If the cement-sand mixture includes quartz sand or balsate, then the abrasiveness of the concrete goes off scale. It is better to choose options where diamond plates are soldered with silver to the base. If you need to cut reinforced concrete, granite or concrete, then a soft diamond wheel is used.
- Cutting method. Wet technology allows cutting reinforced concrete and concrete accurately and quickly, avoiding dust and overheating of the tool. But before purchasing solid discs, you need to make sure that the cutting equipment has a cooling system. For dry cutting, buy segmented circles.
- Working conditions. For home use, products with the optimal ratio of quality and price are selected. They will be able to cope with reinforced concrete and medium-reinforced concrete. If you use them periodically and avoid overloading, they will last quite a long time. Professional discs are designed for continuous use. They have increased durability and wear resistance. Distal and Bosch companies produce the best samples. Such products must be purchased strictly for their intended purpose: concrete cannot be cut with a disk on marble.
- Equipment and cutting depth. The deeper you need to make the cut, the larger the diameter of the circle should be. At the same time, you should not forget about the capabilities of the device. If you attach a disk that is too large, its linear speed will be very high, which will lead to rapid wear. And if you put on a small one, the car will heat up and slip. For powerful wall saws, diamond circular saws are produced, the outer diameter of which should not exceed 1200 millimeters. To work with large-sized foundation blocks and concrete elements, machines with a working diameter of 350-400 millimeters are needed.
Circles for hand-held power tools have more modest dimensions. For cutting concrete when renovating a room, products with a diameter of 115-120 millimeters are used. To process lintels in openings, slopes and other elements, grinder discs for reinforced concrete and concrete are used, the diameter of which is 150-230 millimeters.
The wall chaser works in the same way as the grinder. But the concrete is grooved with two diamond wheels. The width and depth of the cut are adjustable during operation. The diameter is selected depending on the depth of the groove. It ranges from 110-365 millimeters. Grooves for any communications can be made using dry technology, efficiently and quickly, using a powerful wall chaser and diamond wheels for reinforced concrete.
Which diamond blades are better?
Our experts selected products from the world's best manufacturers, considering offers in all categories. High-quality universal discs exist, but they are more suitable for home craftsmen who have decided to make major renovations to their home or build an extension. Professionals should use a specialized tool, and each category has its own leader. We recommend the following brands of diamond blades:
- Makita B-28092 – for cutting concrete on a construction site;
- Graff GDD 17 125.10 – for low-cost brick work;
- Dremel DSM540 – for high-precision cutting on ceramic tiles;
- Di-Star 1A1R Decor Slim (11115427010) is a good choice for the decorator;
- Hammer 206-232 – for wet cutting of metals;
- DeWALT DT40252 – for intensive work with any metals;
- Bosch Standard for Universal 2608615059 is a durable and reliable universal.
Good equipment means high productivity, operational safety and high-quality cutting. Only the best wheels, distinguished by their thoughtful design, perfect edge quality and heat resistance, are worthy of this high title.