With so many concrete grinder tooling options on the market, selecting the right one for your job can be overwhelming. The key to maximizing your return on investment (ROI) and achieving top results is simple: ask the right questions before you grind.
A thoughtful approach to diamond tooling selection will save you time, reduce wear on your machine, and improve surface quality. Here’s how to make informed decisions based on your jobsite, application, and equipment.
Ask These Questions Before You Start Grinding
1. What is the weight, RPM, and size of your grinder?
The type of grinder you’re using, whether it’s a lightweight walk-behind or a heavy-duty planetary machine, affects what tooling will work best. Every grinder has a specific tooling shoe shape designed for it, and machine weight affects head pressure on each segment. Be sure your tooling matches your machine’s design.
2. How large is the job?
Job size, combined with the machine weight and concrete hardness, directly impacts how fast your diamonds wear out. Large-scale projects often justify premium tooling that lasts longer and cuts consistently.
3. What kind of finish is required?
If you’re going for a high-gloss polished concrete finish, avoid aggressive segments that could gouge the floor. Instead, choose finer-grit diamonds and tooling that reduces scratch patterns for a smoother result.
4. How hard is the concrete?
Concrete hardness plays a huge role in tooling selection. Here’s a general rule:
- Hard concrete = soft bond tooling
- Soft concrete = hard bond tooling
Not sure about hardness? Watch this video to learn how to test for it.
5. Were curing agents used?
If the slab was treated with curing agents, you’ll need tooling that can effectively open up the concrete cap. Choose segments with more bite, like the Rapida or V-style segments, to break through dense surfaces.
6. Is there a coating? Do you know what it is?
It’s not always clear what kind of coating is on a slab until removal starts. That’s why it’s smart to bring a few coating removal tools, such as PCD tooling or arrow-shaped segments, to test which works best. No one tool works for every job, so flexibility is key.
7. What’s your priority: speed, surface quality, or cost?
There’s no wrong answer here. If speed matters most, choose aggressive tooling. If finish is key, opt for finer segments. If budget is tight, find the best balance between performance and price.
Always Bring Options
Bringing just one type of diamond tooling to the jobsite limits your ability to adapt. Once you’ve answered the questions above, you’ll have a better idea of the right segment shape and bond type for the task. But surprises happen, so it’s wise to bring extra tooling in case conditions change.
Learn More About Grinder Tooling
Still not sure what tooling is right for your next job? Watch our team explain the options and see the difference the right segment can make in your surface preparation results.