Diamond Blades UK – The 2025 Contractor’s Guide to Choosing the Right Blade for Every Cut

The Diamond Blade Mistake That Costs Builders Thousands

Picture this:
It’s 7 am on a rainy Tuesday in Manchester. The site’s buzzing, your crew’s geared up, and the schedule’s already tight. You fire up the saw for a concrete cut, and then it happens.

• Sparks fly.
• The blade chips.
• The cut’s rough, uneven, and your crew has to redo the work.

Now you’re staring at wasted time, wasted material, and wasted money, all because the wrong blade got picked for the job.

Here’s the brutal truth most suppliers don’t tell you:
Choosing the wrong diamond blade is like sending your team to the site with a blunt hammer. It slows everything down, costs more in replacements, and can even damage the tools you’ve invested in.

And yet… contractors make this mistake every single day.

Why?
Most blogs, merchants, and even manufacturers drown you in jargon. Segments, bonds, sintered vs. laser-welded, soft vs. hard materials – it’s enough to make anyone grab the cheapest blade on the shelf.

But not here.
This guide is different.

You’re going to learn:

• The exact blade you need for each job (concrete, masonry, granite, tiles, asphalt, no guesswork).
• What those EN standards and ratings actually mean (without the science lecture).
• How to extend the life of your blades with simple trade-tested tricks.
• Which blades to buy in 2025 if you want cuts that are fast, clean, and compliant?

And because this is built for UK contractors, every recommendation links directly to certified products we stock in the Diamond Blades section of our store.

So whether you’re cutting through reinforced concrete on a commercial build, trimming tiles in a bathroom refurb, or handling heavy masonry outdoors in freezing weather…
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to use, why it works, and how to save money while doing it.

Ready to cut through the noise (and the concrete)?
Let’s get into it.

What Are Diamond Blades and How Do They Work?

Here’s the thing:
Most people think a diamond blade is just “a sharp disc with grit.” But that’s only half the story.

A diamond blade doesn’t cut in the traditional sense.
It grinds.

Tiny industrial diamonds are bonded to the edge of the blade. As the blade spins, the diamonds scrape, grind, and wear away the material until a clean line is achieved. The blade doesn’t slice like a saw; it pulverises at a microscopic level. That’s why diamond blades can go through the toughest materials on-site: concrete, brick, asphalt, tiles, granite, and even reinforced steel in some cases.

But here’s the kicker…
Not all diamond blades are created equal.

The difference comes down to:

• The bond (how the diamonds are held in place)
• The segment (the metal section containing the diamonds)
• The core (the steel disc that holds everything together)

If you match these wrong? You’ll burn through blades faster than a roofer burns through tea bags.

Types of Bonds: Soft vs Hard

• Soft bond blades → Best for cutting hard materials (like granite or reinforced concrete). The soft bond wears away faster, exposing fresh diamonds as you cut.
• Hard bond blades → Best for softer materials (like asphalt or green concrete). They don’t wear down as quickly, which stops the diamonds from falling out too soon.

Pro tip:
If your blade is “glazing” (looking smooth and shiny without cutting well), you’re probably using the wrong bond. Swap it before you cook your saw motor.

Continuous Rim vs Segmented Blades

• Continuous rim: Smooth edge, ideal for tiles and ceramics where a clean finish is essential.
• Segmented blades: The gaps between segments enhance cooling, making them the go-to choice for heavy-duty concrete or masonry jobs.
• Turbo rim: A hybrid design, giving faster cuts with a cleaner edge, ideal for general-purpose site use.

Want to see what’s available? Browse our full Diamond Blades Collection; we stock segmented, continuous, and turbo options designed for UK contractors.

Types of Diamond Blades & Their Uses (Without the Guesswork)

Here’s where most contractors slip up:
They treat every diamond blade like it’s universal. One blade for concrete, brick, tile, granite… job done.

But that’s exactly how you burn through blades, ruin tools, and end up re-cutting the same material twice. The truth is simple: each material needs the right blade. And when you match it properly? Cuts are faster, cleaner, and your blades last longer.

Let’s break it down.

1. Concrete Saw Blades – Heavy-Duty Workhorses

Concrete is tough. Reinforced concrete? Even tougher. You need a blade with the right bond to handle the abrasion while staying sharp.

• Best choice: Segmented blades with a soft bond (they release new diamonds as they grind, perfect for reinforced cuts).
• Ideal for: Driveways, foundations, structural work.

Browse our full range of Diamond Blades for Concrete, built for UK site use.

2. Masonry Cutting Discs – For Brick, Block & Stone

Masonry eats up blades fast if you choose wrong. A turbo rim blade is often the sweet spot, combining speed with a cleaner edge.

• Best choice: Turbo rim for bricks, segmented for natural stone.
• Ideal for: Bricklaying, wall chases, patios.

Check out Cutting Discs for masonry-ready options.

3. Granite & Tile Blades – Precision Cuts Only

Granite, marble, porcelain, they don’t forgive mistakes. You need a continuous rim blade that gives smooth, chip-free finishes.

• Best choice: Continuous rim for tiles, soft-bond blades for granite.
• Ideal for: Bathrooms, kitchens, feature stonework.

4. Asphalt Blades – Soft Material, Hard Work

Asphalt is soft, but it clogs blades fast. That’s why you need a hard-bond segmented blade that resists wearing down too quickly.

• Best choice: Hard-bond segmented with deep gullets for cooling.
• Ideal for: Roadwork, car parks, driveways.

5. Multi-Purpose / General Contractor Blades

Sometimes you don’t know what you’ll be cutting next, concrete today, brick tomorrow. That’s where hybrid or multi-purpose blades come in. They won’t outperform specialised blades, but they’ll keep you moving without swapping discs every five minutes.

Explore our Diamond Blades Collection, including multi-purpose options perfect for contractors on varied sites.

Pro Tip: If you’re cutting indoors (tiles, ceramics), go for wet-cutting blades with water cooling, a cleaner finish, less dust, and a longer blade life. Outdoors on concrete or masonry? Dry-cut segmented blades usually win.

Types of Diamond Blades & Their Uses (Without the Guesswork)

Here’s where most contractors slip up:
They treat every diamond blade like it’s universal. One blade for concrete, brick, tile, granite… job done.

But that’s exactly how you burn through blades, ruin tools, and end up re-cutting the same material twice. The truth is simple: each material needs the right blade. And when you match it properly? Cuts are faster, cleaner, and your blades last longer.

Let’s break it down.

1. Concrete Saw Blades – Heavy-Duty Workhorses

Concrete is tough. Reinforced concrete? Even tougher. You need a blade with the right bond to handle the abrasion while staying sharp.

• Best choice: Segmented blades with a soft bond (they release new diamonds as they grind, perfect for reinforced cuts).
• Ideal for: Driveways, foundations, structural work.

Browse our full range of Diamond Blades for Concrete, built for UK site use.

2. Masonry Cutting Discs – For Brick, Block & Stone

Masonry eats up blades fast if you choose wrong. A turbo rim blade is often the sweet spot. combining speed with a cleaner edge.

• Best choice: Turbo rim for bricks, segmented for natural stone.
• Ideal for: Bricklaying, wall chases, patios.

Check out Cutting Discs for masonry-ready options.

3. Granite & Tile Blades – Precision Cuts Only

Granite, marble, porcelain, they don’t forgive mistakes. You need a continuous rim blade that gives smooth, chip-free finishes.

• Best choice: Continuous rim for tiles, soft-bond blades for granite.
• Ideal for: Bathrooms, kitchens, feature stonework.

4. Asphalt Blades – Soft Material, Hard Work

Asphalt is soft, but it clogs blades fast. That’s why you need a hard-bond segmented blade that resists wearing down too quickly.

• Best choice: Hard-bond segmented with deep gullets for cooling.
• Ideal for: Roadwork, car parks, driveways.

5. Multi-Purpose / General Contractor Blades

Sometimes you don’t know what you’ll be cutting next, concrete today, brick tomorrow. That’s where hybrid or multi-purpose blades come in. They won’t outperform specialised blades, but they’ll keep you moving without swapping discs every five minutes.

Explore our Diamond Blades Collection, including multi-purpose options perfect for contractors on varied sites.

Pro Tip: If you’re cutting indoors (tiles, ceramics), go for wet-cutting blades with water cooling, a cleaner finish, less dust, and a longer blade life. Outdoors on concrete or masonry? Dry-cut segmented blades usually win.

How to Match Diamond Blades to Tools (Angle Grinders, Saws & Cut-Off Machines)

Here’s a little secret most merchants won’t tell you:
Even the best diamond blade in the world will fail if you mount it on the wrong tool.

It’s like putting racing tyres on a tractor, wrong fit, wrong function, guaranteed breakdown.

So before you buy another blade, here’s how to make sure your tool and blade are working together, not against each other.

Angle Grinders – The Everyday Hero

If you’re cutting bricks, tiles, or small slabs, the angle grinder is your go-to. But not every blade fits every grinder.

• Blade sizes: Typically 115mm, 125mm, or 230mm.
• Best use: Small, precise cuts, indoor tile work, trimming blocks.
• Blades to choose:
  • Continuous rim → clean tile cuts.
  • Turbo rim → brickwork and block.
  • Segmented → outdoor concrete cuts.

Explore our Cutting Discs designed for grinders.

Hand-Held Saws / Circular Saws – Mid-Range Power

Great for mid-scale jobs where precision meets power.

• Blade sizes: Often 300–400mm.
• Best use: Masonry, paving, and structural cuts that need depth but still portability.
• Blades to choose: Segmented or turbo blades, depending on material hardness.

Shop Diamond Blades built for circular and hand-held saws.

Cut-Off Machines (Stihl Saws & Consaws)

These are the beasts of the trade; when you’re cutting reinforced concrete, asphalt, or road surfaces, this is the kit you roll out.

• Blade sizes: 300mm, 350mm, or 400mm, depending on machine spec.
• Best use: Heavy concrete, asphalt, site work.
• Blades to choose:
  • Soft-bond segmented → reinforced concrete.
  • Hard-bond segmented → asphalt.

Pro Tip: Always check the RPM rating on your blade against your machine. Running a blade beyond its max speed isn’t just unsafe, it’s illegal under UK HSE guidelines.

Table Saws & Bridge Saws (Workshop Use)

Perfect for controlled, workshop-based jobs like tile cutting, marble, or granite.

• Blade sizes: Wide range, often continuous rim.
• Best use: Precision finishing work.
• Blades to choose: Continuous rim for a clean, polished finish.

Quick Rule of Thumb:

• Small jobs = angle grinder.
• Mid-size structural = hand-held saw.
• Heavy-duty site work = cut-off saw.
• Precision finishing = table saw.

Get the blade/tool match right, and you’ll cut cleaner, save blades, and keep your crew safe.

UK Standards & Safety Regulations for Diamond Blade Use

Here’s the thing most contractors underestimate:
Using diamond blades isn’t just about performance; it’s about compliance. And in the UK, HSE doesn’t mess around.

One missed PPE item, one mismatched blade, and you’re looking at:

• Site shutdowns
• Insurance claims denied
• Or worse… injuries that could’ve been prevented

So let’s strip it back to what actually matters.

The EN Standards You Can’t Ignore

1. EN13236 – Safety for Diamond Tools
   
   • Governs the safety specs for all diamond blades sold in Europe.
   • If your blade doesn’t state EN13236 compliance? Don’t touch it.
     
2. EN388 – Mechanical Risks (for Gloves)
   
   • Gloves used with cutting tools need proper cut/tear resistance.
     
   • Example: Our Black Nitrile Palm Coated Gloves are EN388-rated and designed for scaffolding and cutting tasks.
3. EN397 – Helmets
   
   • Required for anyone working near cutting equipment.
4. EN ISO 20345 – Safety Boots
   
   • Steel/composite toe caps are non-negotiable when using heavy cutting tools.

PPE Checklist for Using Diamond Blades

Before you even fire up the saw, your crew should be wearing:

• Safety goggles or face shields → sparks and debris are no joke.
• Cut-resistant gloves → nitrile or impact gloves depending on task.
• Hearing protection → especially on petrol cut-off saws.
• Dust masks/respirators → concrete dust can cause long-term respiratory issues.
• Safety boots → steel toe caps for dropped discs or debris.
• Hi-vis clothing → especially on roadside jobs.

Stock up via our PPE & Safety Collection.

HSE Rules on Site Use

According to the Work at Height Regulations (2005) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER):

• Blades must match the tool’s RPM rating (never exceed max speed).
• Workers must be trained on correct mounting and use.
• Inspections should be logged weekly for heavy-use tools.
• Wet cutting should be used wherever possible to reduce dust exposure.

Non-compliance? That’s how fines and failed inspections hit.

Final Word: Cut Smarter, Cut Safer, Cut with MPS

Look — your blades are more than just consumables. They’re the difference between:
→Fast, clean jobs that make clients happy
→Downtime, wasted money, and site accidents

By now, you know exactly:

• How diamond blades actually work
• Which blade to choose for each material
• How to match them to your tools
• The standards and PPE you need to stay legal and safe

The only thing left? Making sure you buy from a supplier who gets the trade.

At MPS Construction Supplies, we stock:

• EN13236-certified Diamond Blades
• Contractor-tested Cutting Discs
• Full PPE & Safety Gear to keep your crew compliant

With trade pricing, free UK shipping over £149, and honest advice from people who actually work with this kit, you’re in good hands.Ready to build smarter?
Start here: Shop Diamond Blades