How to Choose and Work With Concrete Cutting Blades
When cutting through some concrete at home, whether that's a basement wall or your driveway that needs repairs, you need to choose the right cutting blades and then also know how to use them properly. Concrete is not like wood or any other material, so you need to ensure you opt for concrete cutting blades in particular and then also know how each one is used when making the cut. This will help you avoid damaging the blade. Note a few simple tips to remember when you're ready to get concrete cutting blades.
1. Masonry blades
Masonry blades are usually very affordable, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The masonry blades wear down very quickly so they're usually good for just cutting a small amount. If you want to cut away some damaged areas of your driveway, they may be a good choice; for cutting large sections out of a basement wall to access plumbing pipes or run new pipes through, you may see that you need to constantly change out the blades before the job is done. In those cases, diamond blades may be a better option.
2. Dry diamond blades
Diamond blades have a metal and diamond composite material on the teeth; when you wear down the metal, this exposes more of the sharp diamond edge. Dry blades usually have serrated edges so they can kick back waste as they cut, allowing for a more accurate and cleaner cut. This also helps to keep the blade cool as you cut. However, kicking back all that waste means that they create tremendous amounts of dust when you use them, so you need to seal off everything with plastic and use adequate ventilation in the area. They may be less expensive than wet blades, but are typically more cumbersome to use.
3. Wet diamond blades
When choosing a wet diamond blade, you need to use it with the right type of saw that can distribute water and operate safely in and around the puddles created. Wet blades may be serrated or smooth, and the water will keep the blade cool so you can choose either edge for your cutting. Note that a wet blade must be used with water; don't get a wet blade and assume you can use it in a dry saw, as it may generate too much heat and dust to be used safely.