Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blades

Your Go-To Guide for Choosing the Perfect Diamond Blade

Detroit Industrial Tool has long been a leader in manufacturing professional-grade power tool accessories including their line of diamond blades. But with different sizes, segments, bond strengths and purposes, how do you know which diamond blade is right for your next project? This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades.

What Are Diamond Blades Used For?

Diamond blades are circular saw blades that have small industrial grade diamond segments embedded around the edge. The diamonds are extremely hard, allowing the blade to cut through tough materials like concrete, stone, tile, masonry and more.

Detroit Industrial Tool offers diamond blades optimized for both wet and dry applications. Wet diamond blades use water to cool the blade and keep dust under control when cutting tile or masonry. Dry blades are designed for cutting harder materials like concrete when water is not used.

Diamond blades can make accurate cuts in materials that would quickly wear down a standard wood or metal blade. The diamond segments grind through material while maintaining their sharp cut. Diamond blades are a must for contractors, construction crews, renovators or DIYers working with any hard surface materials.

What Materials Can Diamond Blades Cut?

Here are the most common materials suitable for cutting with Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades:

• Concrete: Concrete slabs, foundations, blocks and pavers
• Asphalt: Asphalt pavement and patches
• Masonry: Brick, block and natural stone
• Tile: Ceramic, porcelain or granite tile
• Fiber cement: Backerboard, siding and composite decking
• Stucco
• Roofing slate and ceramic roof tiles
• Glass and fiberglass
• Pipe and ductwork

The more dense and abrasive the material, the better a diamond blade will handle it compared to other saw blade types. Detroit Industrial Tool produces segmented diamond blades specialized for these different cutting applications.

Are Diamond Blades for Wet or Dry Cutting?

Diamond blades are designed for either wet or dry use depending on the material you need to cut:

• Wet diamond blades: Used when water is continuously supplied during cutting. The water prevents the blade from overheating and flushes away cutting dust. Wet cutting is required for masonry, tile, stone or any material prone to producing fine dust while being cut.
• Dry diamond blades: Built for cutting hard materials like concrete or asphalt without water. Special slots in the blade allow air circulation to cool the blade. Dry cutting is best for outdoor job sites with no water access.

Make sure to match the correct diamond blade to your cutting application and whether or not water will be used. Using a wet blade dry can lead to dangerous overheating and blade damage. Dry blades may not properly flush cutting debris when water is used.

How Long Do Diamond Blades Last?

With proper care, Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades can make dozens of cuts before requiring replacement. Blade life depends on several factors:

• Material hardness – More abrasive materials wear down blades faster
• Depth of cut – Deeper cuts increase friction and heat buildup
• Intermittent vs continuous cuts – Continuous cuts shorten blade life
• Water usage – Lack of water removes cooling and lubrication
• Speed – Excessive RPMs cause faster wear

Tile blades typically last the longest, while aggressive concrete cutting can wear down blades much quicker. Always inspect blades before each use and retire them at the first sign of segment damage or reduced cutting speed. Rotate between multiple blades instead of using a single blade for all cuts to maximize diamond life.

What Sizes Are Available?

Detroit Industrial Tool makes diamond blades in all common sizes to fit a full range of cutting applications:

• 4-7 in for angle grinders – Smaller general purpose and tile blades
• 7-12 in for circular saws – Versatile mid-sized blades
• 12-16+ in for walk-behind or handheld saws – Large concrete and asphalt cutting
• Circular masonry saws – 6-14 inch blades for tile and brick
• Chainsaw style – 16 inch diamond chainsaw for concrete walls

Larger diamond blades can make longer, deeper cuts. Smaller blades allow better control and access in tight areas. Choose the size you need based on your cutting equipment and project requirements. Many popular Detroit Industrial Tool models are available in multiple sizes.

Where To Buy Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blades

Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades are sold at home improvement stores, hardware stores, equipment rental outlets and online:

• Home Depot – Extensive selection of Detroit diamond blades
• Lowes – Carries many common Detroit Industrial sizes
• Amazon – Convenient online purchasing and fast shipping
• Walmart – Budget blades for occasional use
• Tool specialty retailers – More brands and sizes for pros
• Equipment rental stores – Diamond blades for renting concrete saws
• Direct from Detroit Industrial Tool – Bulk and specialty blade ordering

For the best selection, many contractors source Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades from a trusted hardware store or specialty tool retailer familiar with their cutting needs. Be sure to choose the right specified blade for your particular application.

How Much Do Diamond Blades Cost?

Diamond blade prices range from $15 for smaller basic models up to $200 or more for large professional concrete cutting blades. Expect to pay:

• $15-30 for 4-7” angle grinder blades
• $25-60 for 7-10” miter and circular saw sizes
• $50-200+ for 12-16” walk-behind saw blades

Factors impacting cost:

• Blade diameter – larger sizes cost more
• Number and concentration of diamond segments
• High vs normal concentration diamonds
• Bond strength – softer/harder bonds for less/more abrasive materials
• Brand name – Detroit Industrial as a premium brand
• Specialty vs general purpose – specialized blades cost more

For frequent concrete or heavy tile cutting, invest in commercial grade Detroit Industrial blades with higher diamond concentration and stronger bonds. Occasional DIYers can use more affordable hardware store blades for shorter lifespan.

Are There Reviews For Detroit Diamond Blades?

With Detroit Industrial Tool’s long history and reputation for quality, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive for their diamond blade models including:

• DWM172 12” Turbo Concrete Saw Blade – “Cuts concrete like butter,” “Lasts at least 5x longer than the Diablo brand blades”
• DWM254 7-1/4” Concrete Cutting Blade – “Saved me hours of work cutting cinder blocks”, “Very durable, cut 100 feet no problem”
• DWM125 4” Tile Blade – “Clean smooth cuts in porcelain tile”, “Used wet, no chipping or cracks”
• DWM570 14” Dry Cut Masonry Saw Blade – “Made quick work cutting outdoor patio pavers”, “Used dry, minimal dust produced”

The most frequent feedback is how aggressive Detroit Industrial Tool blades cut while running cool and quiet compared to competitors. Reviews mention extended blade life even cutting abrasive materials like solid concrete. While costing more up front, #Detroit diamond blades save money by outperforming cheaper alternatives.

How Do Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blades Compare?

Key advantages of Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades include:

• Bond strength – Harder bonds withstand high heat/friction of tough materials
• Diamond concentration – Higher concentration than competitors
• Segment thickness – Maintains diamond exposure as blade wears
• Core strength – Reduces vibration and potential blade warping
• Precision balancing – For smoother, faster cutting with less equipment wear
• Silent core – Quieter cutting and higher RPM capability

Brands like Diablo, Norton and MK Diamond also produce quality construction diamond blades. However, Detroit Industrial Tool consistently ranks as the top performing commercial grade blade for the most demanding concrete, asphalt and masonry cutting jobs where diamond blade performance is critical.

How To Properly Use Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blades

Follow these best practices when using Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades:

• Select the proper blade – Match the blade to your material, cutting method and equipment
• Use adequate water – When wet cutting, provide sufficient water to flush debris and cool blade
• Avoid excessive feed pressure – Allow blade to cut without forcing into material
• Control speed – Stay within blade’s designed RPM range
• Rotate blade periodically – Distribute wear by rotating blade 1/8 turn every cut
• Let blade reach full speed before cutting – Don’t start cutting until full RPM is achieved
• Watch for blade damage – Inspect before using and retire when diamonds are worn
• Pre-score cut line – Score a guide cut to follow with deeper passes
• Clean blade after use – Remove packed cutting debris after each use

Proper use will maximize cutting performance and blade life. Read the blade’s packaging or manual for optimal use recommendations and safety precautions.

Cutting Concrete With Detroit Diamond Blades

Detroit Industrial Tool concrete cutting blades use more diamond concentration and harder bonds specially designed for the rigors of concrete. Look for “concrete”, “reinforced concrete” or “green concrete” on the blade to ensure it’s suitable for concrete work.

Consider a turbo style diamond blade which uses alternating high and low diamond concentration segments around the blade for faster concrete cutting. Turbo blades work well for both dry and wet concrete applications.

Make sure to control feed pressure and cutting speed when entering a concrete cut to avoid excessive heat that can damage blade segments. Allow the diamond segments to gradually grind into the concrete surface. Advance the blade slowly as the cut deepens.

For best performance, always use water when wet cutting concrete to flush away abrasive slurry and keep the blade edge cool. Concrete blades not designed for dry cutting can overheat quickly.

Cutting Tile and Marble With Diamond Blades

Tile jobs call for using a continuous rim diamond blade since tile is less abrasive than concrete. The uninterrupted diamond edge produces smooth, chip-free cuts in ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles.

Always wet cut tile or marble to minimize dust and prevent overheating. Upgrade to a blade with parabolic gullets if dealing with especially dense porcelain tiles. The deep gullets channel away debris better.

Make sure the material is properly supported near the cut so the diamond blade edge doesn’t snag, causing chipping or cracking. Cut slowly and gently to achieve a perfect cut line.

Periodically dress the blade edge with a dressing stone to expose fresh diamond segments as the blade wears. Avoid cutting metal like rebar, screws or nails which can damage the diamond edge.

Do Diamond Blades Fit All Saws?

Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades are designed to fit industry standard size arbors and mounting systems, allowing broad compatibility with different saw brands including:

• Miter saws – Thin kerf diamond blades for precise trim cuts
• Circular saws – 7-1/4” and 10” diameter blades for carpentry saws
• Masonry saws – Large format for tile and brickwork
• Walk-behind concrete saws – 12” to 16” blades for deep concrete cutting
• Angle grinders – 4”, 4-1/2” and 7″ blades for grinding and cutting
• Gas-powered cutoff saws – Gas-powered cut-off saw compatibility
• Table saws – With diamond blade attachments
• Chain concrete saws – Segmented diamond chains

Always confirm your saw’s arbor size, blade diameter capacity, blade speed and other specifications before selecting a diamond blade. Buy blades specifically made for that saw type to ensure ideal performance and safety.

Proper Diamond Blade Rotational Speeds

The best cutting speed depends on blade size, materials, and whether dry or wet cutting:

• Smaller blades – Higher speeds of 5,000-13,000 RPM
• Larger blades – Slower speeds of 1,000-4,500 RPM

Dry cutting requires slower speeds than wet cutting due to increased heat buildup. Cutting harder materials calls for lower speeds as well. Excessive speed can damage blade segments causing uneven cutting.

Refer to the blade’s packaging or your saw’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended speed range. Match the blade speed to the saw’s capability. If in doubt, start at a lower speed and increase RPMs slowly while testing cut performance.

Are Diamond Blades Durable For Heavy Use?

Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades are built for heavy-duty commercial use – much more durable than basic hardware store models in several ways:

• Stronger diamond concentration – More diamonds per segment resist intensive wear
• Tougher bond matrix – Holds diamonds together through prolonged use
• Reinforced core – Prevents warping or wobbling under heavy loads
• Precision balancing – Allows stable operation at high speeds
• Silent core technology – Dampens vibration and noise for smoother cuts
• Sturdy mounting hardware – Handles powerful saw torque without slipping

Expect significantly longer blade life cutting the toughest materials on large-scale concrete or tile jobs. Paying more up front will save money compared to replacing cheaper blades that wear out quickly.

Diamond Blade Maintenance

With proper care, Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades deliver reliable performance cut after cut:

• Inspect segments – Replace blades with damaged or missing segments
• Clean after use – Remove packed debris from blade gullets
• Avoid abrasive material – Prevent contact with glass, rocks, etc.
• Check mounting hardware – Ensure tight arbor nut and secure blade
• Store carefully – Keep blades flat and protected
• Rotate periodically – Extend diamond exposure by rotating blade
• Dress bonded blades – Expose fresh segments with dressing stick

Well-maintained diamond blades stay sharper longer, cut faster and more accurately, and are safer to operate. Always check blade condition prior to each use. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for blade changing and maintenance.

Buying Diamond Blades in Bulk

For big projects requiring many blades, Detroit Industrial Tool offers bulk discounts directly through their website with savings up to 20% off. Consider bulk purchases for:

• Concrete contractors – Stock up on all commonly used concrete blades
• Tile professionals – Buy bundles of the same tile blade model
• Equipment rental companies – Outfit multiple saws with new blades
• Schools/universities – Equip entire trades classes with diamond blades

Bulk customers can mix and match qualifying blade models to customize your own bundle. Buying bulk direct from the manufacturer ensures brand new factory-direct Detroit Industrial Tool blades with full warranty.

Using Diamond Blade Safely

Always follow essential safety practices when operating diamond blades:

• Use blade guards – Keep guards in place during cuts
• Wear eye protection – Wear safety glasses or a face shield
• Wear ear protection – Diamond blades produce high decibels
• Use dust control – Prevent inhaling potentially toxic dust
• Check blade speed – Confirm RPMs match blade specifications
• No side forces – Avoid lateral pressure on blade
• Support material – Reduce vibration, blade grabbing
• Dry cuts outdoors only – Prevent exposure to concrete dust
• Unplug when changing blades – Lock out power while swapping blades

Diamond blades spinning at high speeds can cause injury if used incorrectly. Read all safety instructions and refer to professional training before using diamond blades, especially for unfamiliar materials.

Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blade Warranty

All Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blades come standard with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty protecting against defects in materials or workmanship.

Warranty coverage includes:

• Manufacturer defects – Flaws in materials or construction
• Workmanship errors – Assembly or manufacturing defects
• Premature wear – Unusual degradation under normal use

The warranty does not include normal diamond wear or damage from improper use. Be sure to follow all operating instructions and blade specifications to avoid voiding the warranty.

Choosing the Best Detroit Industrial Tool Diamond Blade

With so many factors to balance like blade size, materials, wet or dry use, and cost, selecting the ideal Detroit Industrial Tool diamond blade for your project can seem overwhelming.

Start by carefully considering your specific cutting application – the type of saw, materials, blade features needed and your experience level. Reference this buying guide to match those requirements to the right diamond blade.

Investing in a quality blade designed for your work will pay off with faster cuts, less equipment wear, and fewer mid-project blade changes. For tough concrete and tile jobs where performance matters most, rely on Detroit Industrial Tool’s leading diamond blade technology.