Diamond sharpening block (diamond bar)

The diamond sharpening block — also called a diamond bar or dressing stone — is a specialised tool for sharpening, reconditioning and restoring diamond tooling. It is used to reopen glazed-over diamond segments so that a drill bit or saw blade regains its cutting ability.

Bringing diamond tools back to sharpness

After prolonged use or when cutting very hard material, the diamond segments on a blade or bit can glaze over. The bond wears too slowly, which prevents fresh diamond crystals from being exposed, and the tool loses its cutting power. A diamond sharpening block grinds away the top layer of the bond so that fresh crystals are revealed. Often just a few strokes are enough to restore full cutting performance.

How to use a sharpening block

Run the blade or bit at low speed and hold the sharpening block against the diamond segments. The block is softer than the diamond but harder than the bond, so it selectively removes the bond layer. You see immediate results: the tool cuts freely again and drilling or cutting speed increases. Sharpening blocks come in various grit levels — a coarser block reopens segments faster, while a finer block is better for tuning nearly-new segments that are just starting to glaze.

Essential for maintenance

Sharpening blocks come in various grit levels. A coarser block reopens segments faster, while a finer block is better for reconditioning nearly-new segments that are just beginning to glaze over. For most daily maintenance a medium-grit block strikes the right balance.

Every business that works with diamond tools daily should have a sharpening block in the toolbox. It extends the life of your drill bits and saw blades and prevents unnecessary replacements. The sharpening block is one of the most underrated tools in the kit — read our guide on correctly dressing diamond tools for optimal results. Browse our sharpening blocks and add this essential maintenance tool to your next order.

The sharpening block is one of the most underrated tools in the kit. Read our maintenance guide on correctly dressing diamond tools for maximum lifespan and performance.