It is impossible to say how many holes you will get out of a bit. There are several factors beyond our control that impact bit performance. They include:

A) Quality of bit - A low cost economy bit will not give you the same life (or speed) as a high quality bit.

B) Speed – If the speed is too high the bit will glaze. If the speed is too low the job will take too long.

C) Water – Not too little and not too much. The right amount removes slurry and keeps the cut clean.

D) Steel – Slows the cutting process. Maintaining drill motor speed is important. Don't push the bit too hard! Maintain a consistent speed.

E) Bond Specs – How the diamonds are bonded to the barrel is important. A soft bond is good for concrete, and a hard bond is good for asphalt. Using the incorrect bond will greatly decrease your bit life.

F) Proper Alignment– This means the rig must be properly anchored. A rig can be anchored with concrete anchors, vacuum base or post jack. Standing on the rig is dangerous and not acceptable.

G) Operator Experience - An experienced operator knows how to get the most out of a bit!

2. Can my core bits be sharpened?

Usually when this questions comes up it is because the bit is glazed. Glazing occurs when too much heat is generated at the segments of the bit (stop pushing so hard and/or slow the speed down). When glazing has occurred your bit will "sit and spin" or drill really slow. The simple fix to this is usually drilling a hole into a cinder block. The abrasive nature of the block will clear the glazing and expose new diamonds thus "sharpening" your bit.

3. Can I use my hammer drill with core bits?

You can't use a hammer drill with any wet core bits. This is because the water needed to cool a wet bit is designed to go down the center of the core bit until it reaches the bottom of the hole, and is then pushed to the outside of the bit where it will rise to exit the hole. Since hammer drills do not have an attachment for a water feed, this method of cooling is impossible.

You can use a hammer drill with dry core bits provided you have: 1) the correct adapter and 2) a setting on your drill for spin only (the hammer action will blow the diamonds right off the bit, making it useless).

4. Are your core bits self-centering?

The industry did offer self-centering bits for a period of time, but due to incorrect usage all of the major manufacturers have stopped making these bits. The solution to this is to take a piece of plywood and cut a hole in it the diameter of your bit. This becomes a template for you to start your hole. You can remove the template once your bit is 1/2" into the material you are drilling.

5. Can I use core bits with any drill?

No. Besides core drills, you can use hammer drills (see question 3) or variable speed angle grinders depending on the core bit. Variable speed angle grinders are limited to small core bits that are intended for countertop and tile work. Please call us if you want to know whether or not the core bit you are looking at will work with your drill.

Most carpentry drills do not have the correct RPM's for diamond core bits. Having the correct RPM will greatly impact the life of the bit. Below are the recommended core drilling speeds for the most popular sizes. Please call us if you don't see your size listed.

Bit Diameter    Min RPM   Ideal RPM   Max RPM
     1"                 2400          3200           4000
     2"                 1200          1600           2000
     3"                  800        1050 1300
     4"                  600            800 1000
   6"    400    530    665
   8"                  300            400            500

6. Is the diameter of your bits id (inside diameter) or od (outside diameter)?

All of our bits are od (outside diameter). The majority of our customers are concerned with the size of the hole they have after drilling. A few of our customers are concerned about the core sample that they pull out. For those customers the general rule of thumb is subtract 1/4" from the od to get your id (ex: 6 1/4" od bit will give you about a 6" core sample). It's important to understand not all bits are made the same and there can be some variance. Please call us for more specifics.

7. Why does the circuit protector on my core drill keep shutting off?

Most likely this is happening because you are using the wrong gauge extension cord. We always recommend using a 10 gauge extension cord.

8. Can I use an extension cord when core drilling?

Yes, most core drill machines will have no problems when run through an extension cord. However, the extension cord you use should be no more than 100 ft. long (ideally shorter), and it should be a 10 gauge cord.

9. What is the main difference between wet and dry core bits?

Core bits need something to cool them. In the case of wet bits it is water. With dry bits it is air. When drilling with dry bits you should drill about a 1/2" and then pull the bit out to let it air cool (tip: dip the end of the core bit in a coffee can of water to speed up the cooling process).

10. How much run time will the battery in my cordless drill have?

Battery run time varies greatly depending on several variables. Age of the battery, temperature, and proper storage will all impact battery run time. As a general rule, you should be able to core 60" using a 4" diameter core bit. This is only a generality and will be different for every user.

Sawing

1. What are the important details in selecting a diamond blade?

There are lots of things to be concerned with when purchasing a blade. The right blade makes a job much easier.

A) Bond Specs – How the diamonds are bonded to the blade is important. A soft bond is good for hard materials (concrete, pavers, granite, etc), and a hard bond is good for abrasive materials (asphalt, limestone green concrete, cinder block, etc). Using the incorrect bond will greatly decrease your blade life.

B) Saw Horsepower - Make sure your blade is rated for the horsepower on your saw. This detail is often overlooked. A saw that has too much horsepower will use up a blade prematurely.

C) Cooling Technique - Will you cool the blade with water or air? We suggest water. Make sure you have enough. If you use air you must allow the blade to cool every few feet of cut by running it at full speed outside of the cut.

D) Blade Life vs Cutting Speed - Typically, there is an inverse relationship between cutting speed and blade life. If the operator makes a change, such as increasing cutting pressure to make a blade cut faster, blade life will tend to be shortened as a result. Likewise, if an operator wants to extend the blade's life, he can reduce cutting pressure and cut slower.

2. Why don't electric walk behind saws come with cords?

There are several factors in determining the correct cord to put on an electric walk behind saw. The two biggest factors are motor type (horsepower and phase) and length of cord. Due to these variables, saw manufacturers do not include cords with electric saws.

3. Should I get a diamond, abrasive, or carbide blade?

The decision to get a diamond, abrasive, or carbide blade comes down to your jobs specific needs. Each type of blade has an application that they will excel in.

Diamond blades will be some of the best blades you will be able to find. They are a great general purpose option for whatever material they are designed to cut. Like abrasive and carbide blades, they will excel at cutting the material they are designed for. However, what sets them apart is the life that you can get out of a blade. If you want a good quality blade that will last you a long time, then you can't go wrong with the right diamond blade.

Abrasive blades will excel at cutting the materials they are designed for. However, they will have a fraction of the life that a diamond blade will have, and unlike diamond blades an abrasive blade will not maintain the same diameter throughout its lifetime. As you use the blade the resin coated abrasive grains that makes up the blade will wear away over time and the diameter will slowly shrink. This more than anything else is what limits the life of the blade. However, a benefit of this is that abrasive blades can be self sharpening. If you have multiple workers that need to use blades at the same time, and want something that you can buy in bulk without spending the amount you would for one diamond blade, then abrasive blades are a great option for you.

Carbide blades will excel at cutting metal more aggressively, and are a great heavy duty option to have. With either tungsten or cermet carbide teeth, a carbide blade will have a durable design that excels at aggressive stock removal.

4. How much run time will the battery in my cordless saw have?

Battery run time varies greatly depending on several variables. Age of the battery, temperature, and proper storage will all impact battery run time. As a general rule, you should be able to cut with a continuous run time of 10-20 minutes. This is only a generality and will be different for every user.

Policies

1. How do I get expedited shipping for my order?

All orders will ship ground shipping by default. If you would like to have expedited shipping, then you can call or email us to request a quote for the shipping method of your choice. Once you have decided on the expedited shipping method you would like to use, then call us at 866-268-2600 to complete your order over the phone.

2. Will my order have sales tax?

Items sold by ToolsDirectUSA.com that are shipped to destinations in the following states may be subject to sales tax:

Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

The tax rate applied to your order will be the combined state and local rates of the address where your order is delivered to. For example, if you live in a state that does not impose a sales tax, you may still see tax calculated on your order if shipped to another state. Additionally, the tax rates applied to your order may also be different for a variety of reasons, such as a shipment to a residential home versus a business address.

3. How do I make my orders tax exempt?

If your organization is tax exempt, please email your tax exempt form to Info@ToolsDirectUSA.com before placing your order. Please indicate in the e-mail that you want to be setup as tax exempt, the e-mail address associated with your account, and the reason for the exemption. After we receive the document(s) we will set your account up accordingly for tax exemption on your current and any future orders. Please do not place an order until after we set your account up as tax exempt.

4. What product warranties are offered?

Tools Direct USA warrants all of its diamond tools against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment to customer. If you have a problem with your diamond bit or blade that is caused by a manufacturer's defect than Tools Direct USA will replace that item with a new one FREE OF CHARGE.

Equipment product warranties are covered by the respective manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty. Please see manufacturer's web page for warranty specifics. The warranty process may require that the item be sent to the manufacturer or a certified service center for inspection. In most cases, warranty claims must be filed by the customer directly with the manufacturer.

Determination of the applicability of any warranty claim will be made after the product is inspected by our Warranty Claims Department. The warranty does not cover any tool which is determined to have been used in an improper application, subjected to negligent abuse, improperly mounted, altered, involved in a non-application accident or miscellaneously damaged. The responsibility of Tools Direct USA and our manufacturer's under this Warranty is limited to repair or replacement at our option. In no event shall Tools Direct USA or our manufacturer's be liable for consequential or incidental damages. This warranty includes all labor parts and return shipping costs via ground service.

5. How do I return my order?

We will refund the purchase price and freight fees for any defective product within 30 days of delivery.

We will refund the purchase price less a 15% restocking fee for any unused standard stock catalog product. Unfortunately we can not take back returns of used product. If you should need to return any new, unused product you have purchased from Tools Direct USA, please observe the following procedures:

Contact Tools Direct USA to receive a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number
Write the RGA number on the box on several sides
Email Tools Direct USA the tracking number and shipping company
All returned merchandise must be shipped prepaid to destination
All returned merchandise must have been purchased within the previous 12 months

6. Do I have to buy Route shipping insurance?

No, Route shipping insurance is a completely voluntary add-on to help better protect your order in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged items while in transit. If you do not want to buy shipping insurance, you can simply opt-out of purchasing it while in checkout.

7. What does Route shipping insurance cover?

Route shipping insurance covers lost, stolen, or damaged items as outlined in their insurance policy. This insurance is designed to provide peace of mind for customers, who won't have to spend a long and frustrating time filing a claim with the carrier. Instead, Route removes much of the tedium and hassle, allowing you to get your order resolved within 24 hours of filing the claim. For more information on Route's insurance policies, please click here.

8. How do I file a claim if I bought Route package protection?

If you purchased the optional shipping insurance provided by Route and experience an issue with your order, please file a claim with Route's team here.

9. When can I file a claim with Route?

Lost Shipment

If your order has been lost by the carrier, a claim can be made no sooner than 7 days after the last tracking update for United States domestic shipments (20 days for international shipments). Additionally, a claim must be made within 30 days from the last checkpoint.

Stolen Shipment

Your order is considered stolen if it has been marked "delivered", but you have not received it. In this instance, a claim must be filed no sooner than 5 days after the "delivery date". Additionally, a claim must be filed within 30 days of the "delivery date". Before filing a claim, we recommend you check with neighbors to make sure your package has not been mis-delivered or that it isn't located elsewhere around the premises.

Damaged Shipment

If your order arrives damaged, a claim must be filed within 30 days of the delivery date.

For more details regarding what Route qualifies as "lost, stolen, or damaged", please look at their policies.

Have a question you'd like us to add? We can be reached by phone, fax, or email (info@toolsdirectusa.com).

Tools Direct of North America, Inc.

Toll Free: (866) 268-2600

Office: (678) 581-1435

Fax: (678) 581-2746