Ranking of the best diamond crowns for 2022

Diamond drilling is a technological alternative to the direct use of rotary hammers and hammers. The crowns used in this case are capable of making holes on the surface with even greater accuracy and speed, while not creating extraneous vibrations and vibrations. These attachments are great for drilling holes in a variety of hard materials such as ceramic and stone, brick and reinforced concrete, and hardwoods. This drilling method is extremely effective when working with monolithic walls, which include reinforcement, even if they need to make a large and deep hole.

General information

Diamond crowns outwardly are not very different from traditional nozzles and look like a drill in the form of a small bowl. They are fastened to a metal rod, and the size of the bowl is equal to the diameter of the hole being made. The very smallest crystals of industrial diamond are applied to the edges of the drill by welding. Accordingly, the more crystals there are, the easier the workflow is. For some types of fixtures, the application of diamond particles can be carried out by the method of annular spraying, which means that such equipment can work on brittle materials. The number of working fragments of the nozzle will depend on the size of its diameter, and the shank for it must be suitable for the drilling tool used.

Operating principle

When drilling, the nozzle makes circular revolutions in a permanently fixed surface, and due to the indentation force, it moves it inside the material, which forms a hole with the desired diameter.The nozzle axis corresponds to the direction of its movement, and the indentation force is directly proportional to the contact area of ​​the nozzle edges with diamond coating. In order to optimize working operations, it is required to calculate in advance the future area and number of cutting fragments, rotation speed, and also take into account the hardness parameter of the surface to be machined. For very hard and stiff materials, a low speed is required, but for abrasive materials, a higher speed. The main part of the work on removing the layer is carried out by large crystals, while small fragments produce a finishing stripping. It should be noted that diamond crowns do not have centering, and when using them, it is better to use special plywood templates that will block the nozzle from slipping off the material.

The concept of a diamond segment in a crown

A diamond segment (fragment) is a cutting component that is soldered onto the working part of the crown. It consists of metal powder and diamond chips, which are mixed in the required proportions, and then pressed in a special way. Depending on how correctly the proportions were observed, the quality of the nozzle itself will also depend. Then, the resulting diamond-metal form is subjected to high temperatures and acquires the final monolithic form. Its application to the tooling is carried out either through laser welding or soldering, while the first method is more preferable, because it is fully automated, which implies high accuracy and a more uniform arrangement of work items.

Scope of use

The considered type of equipment is widely used in the construction and repair business and utilities.It is with its help that it is possible to conveniently create a niche in the wall for inserting electrical sockets. You can also use them to:

• Laying of main communications for pipes;
• Arrangement of various engineering distribution boxes;
• Make technical holes in an already created porcelain stoneware finish or in a simple ceramic tile;
• Drill metal or cement surfaces;
• Make holes for inserting dowels;
• Carefully drill into soft bases such as sandstone or limestone block;
• Connect communication wires with a round cross section to the main line.

In addition to the usual applied application, they can also be used for scientific purposes. For example, they can be used for point geological drilling in order to remove samples of layered rock. However, such actions require the presence of a special diamond segment (in most cases, characterized by a special hardness), which is far from easy to obtain in an ordinary hardware store.

The main advantages of diamond drilling

These positive features include:

• Increased speed of drilling operations, which will qualitatively save time when performing large-scale work;
• The ability to use the “wet drilling” technology, in which there will be no dust waste, and the niche itself will acquire a cleaner and smoother outline;
• Drilling is possible both in a horizontal and vertical plane, as well as at an angle, and the quality of the result will not decrease;
• The product is considered universal, because it is able to work with most materials;
• Upon completion of the operation, the result will not require additional processing, since the niche is completely smooth and has no cracks, chips, or roughness;
• Diamond segments have the status of a repairable element, which means that they can be renewed when worn, which will significantly reduce the financial costs of nozzle maintenance;
• When performing drilling operations, noise and vibrations affect the master to a minimum extent.

Classification of diamond crowns

Modern types of equipment under consideration are usually classified according to five basic grounds.

• By design.

Based on this parameter, crowns are divided into segment and matrix. The former are very popular examples. Their segments are fixed on the body by laser welding or by silver soldering. The segmented cutting part is reinforced with metal powder, which binds between the base of the bowl and the diamond crystals themselves. If you drill very hard materials, such as quartz, granite, concrete, ceramics, then the diamond grains will quickly crumble. However, it is very easy to restore a worn edge - it is enough just to carry out a new application of diamond fragments to an already finished metal bond. From this it is clear that knowing the metal used as a binding substance, you can correctly select the material with which a certain crown is able to work effectively:

1. If tungsten carbide is used as a binder powder, then this nozzle is more suitable for soft bases such as sandstone or limestone;
2. If the binder powder consists of cobalt, nickel or standard steel, then the equipment is suitable for materials of medium hardness (non-reinforced concrete or its weakly reinforced variations);
3. If tin or bronze is used in the powder, then this means the possibility of effective drilling on hard surfaces, i.e. on hydrotechnical concrete, quartz or granite.

Speaking of matrix structures, it should be mentioned that they are specifically used only for non-impact drilling. The cutting edge of such equipment is represented by a solid matrix, and not by segments. The matrix, on the other hand, has a uniform coating with diamond grains and is attached to the tooling by the method of base sintering. Matrix patterns are used for precise drilling of delicate but hard surfaces such as fragile ceramic tiles. This is the only way to get a smooth niche edge on the ceramic surface, without damaging the tile itself.

• By diameter.

This classifying feature is based on the characteristics of the size of the crown section. She may be:

1. Extra large - ranges from 20 to 60 centimeters, which is necessary for most industrial work;
2. Large - from 10 to 20 centimeters, which is enough for laying engineering communications, for example, house pipes;
3. Medium - from 3.5 to 8 centimeters, the most popular variation, is used for laying household wiring or creating socket boxes;
4. Small - from 0.4 to 1.2 centimeters, which is intended for making small holes in tiles.

• By total length.

This classification indicator reflects the scope more:

1. Household length - refers to products with a working length of 1 to 10 centimeters;
2. General construction - indicators in the range from 30 to 50 centimeters appear here;
3. Industrial (industrial) - these are the longest options for nozzles from a meter to two.

IMPORTANT! In principle, it is possible to manufacture a nozzle with a longer working length, but in this case it will be necessary to ensure its stability when operating with third-party devices.

• Fastener type.

This classifying feature is the most important. It must be taken into account when determining the parameters of a future labor task, since if the equipment does not properly match its drilling tool, their joint work will be impossible.

As a result, the following compatible parameters can be distinguished:

1. Bits having one half (0.5) or one and a quarter inch (1.25) shanks are considered classic for specialty drill rigs using diamond bits;
2. One-fourth inch "HEX" shanks are available and fit most screwdrivers;
3. Cylindrical shanks are used only for drills with a cam chuck;
4. Shanks "SDS" variations "MAX" and "PLUS" are focused on use in rock drills on the option of non-percussive drilling;
5. The shank marking "M-14" is suitable for an angle grinder;
6. Shanks marked "M-16" and "M-18" are used in hammerless drills with increased torque.

IMPORTANT! It is worth remembering that any crown with almost any shank can be used (within acceptable limits) on any drilling tool. Compatibility can be provided with a special adapter, of which there are plenty in today's construction market.

• Drilling technology.

There are only two operating process technologies:

1. Wet drilling is a very convenient method, characterized by increased productivity, without causing much wear to the cutting edges. During drilling, water is supplied to the work site, from which sludge is formed and at the same time the surface of the tool is cooled.
2. Dry drilling - used when it is not possible to supply coolant, or when the task involves the processing of particularly fragile material. The dry method can only be used on products with a laser welded diamond coating.

How to use diamond core bits

When handling the tools in question, several basic rules should be observed:

• It is desirable to use a coolant supply while drilling, as the most common models have soldered segments. Therefore, when the temperature rises to a maximum, the solder begins to weaken and melt, and the segments may begin to fly off or bend into the body. If it is not possible to apply water cooling, then it is better to use models with laser soldering.
• When drilling with soft crowns, you need to use the low speed mode. For example, for concrete processing, you should start with a small number of revolutions, gradually increasing them.
• During drilling, the stand-support must be fixed very rigidly - this way you can prevent excessive runout or distortion. If there is no rigid fastener, then there is a risk of breaking off the segment, deformation of the tooling itself, after which it will become unrepairable. If drilling is carried out by means of the hands of the operator “on weight”, then the use of a plywood template will be an effective solution, which will prevent slipping and inadvertent movement of the impact end of the tool.
• Do not apply excessive force to the tool, as well as apply it too quickly to the area to be treated. All this is also fraught with a break or overheating of the segments, and at best, a simple reduction in their operational life.
• Under no circumstances is it allowed to tap on the body of the nozzle with a hammer while extracting the core. Impact drilling with a crown mounted on a drill or perforator is also prohibited.
• In a situation where the nozzle has worked out its resource, and its segments have run out, it is possible to restore it. To do this, you just need to clean the head part of the body from the previous coating, cut off the part that was in work by 2-3 centimeters, and then re-solder the segment with diamond-metal powder in any way possible.

Difficulties of choice

Before purchasing the type of equipment in question, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

• You should not save on the quality of the purchased product - cheap samples will easily wear out their cutting part and you will have to buy a new product;
• Depending on the need for speed and drilling power, you need to choose the appropriate diameter of the nozzle;
• Be sure to read all the manufacturer's recommendations and follow them as accurately as possible;
• Before buying, you must establish the full compliance of the purchased product with your drilling tool.

Ranking of the best diamond crowns for 2022

For wet drilling

3rd place: "IRBIS 28D-450L-1 1/4 LLC IRBIS INSTRUMENT 2845000"

The model is intended for drilling reinforced concrete bases with an average degree of reinforcement. Suitable for wet drilling on all kinds of diamond drilling devices with a shaft of 1.25 UNC. The weight is 1.2 kilograms, the diameter of the section is 28 millimeters, the functional length is 450 millimeters. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1800 rubles.

• Well welded annular segment;
• Possibility of connection of a dust collector;
• Sufficient operational resource.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "For concrete (46×400 mm) Diam 312009"

The sample is used to make holes in lightly reinforced concrete or building blocks. Able to work with a manual drilling machine. The optimal solution for wet drilling. Number of segments - 4, segment size (length*width*height) - 24*3.5*8 mm. Section diameter - 46 millimeters, functional length - 400 millimeters. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3500 rubles.

• Suitable for laying pipes of air conditioners;
• professional orientation;
• Wear resistance.

• Not detected.

1st place: "For concrete (71x400 mm; 1 1/4 mm) DIAM 312012"

The product is used with a drill for construction and finishing works. Designed for drilling, as well as for drilling concrete structures and weakly reinforced concrete, as well as building blocks. It is possible to use forced water cooling. The design of the product includes 6 diamond segments, which makes it easy to achieve high-performance surface treatment. The equipment has a long service life and steadily retains its cutting properties. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5160 rubles.

• Increased diameter;
• Sufficient length;
• Common shank type.

• Not detected.

For dry drilling

3rd place: "STD САМС (52×450 mm; 5 segments; 1 1/4UNC) Diam 310116"

The product is intended for special drilling machines.Used for dry drilling of holes in reinforced concrete structures, standard concrete, building blocks or bricks. The crown is made by laser welding of the segments. Due to their special shape, DRUM segments make initial drilling easy. The nozzle is characterized by an extended resource and performance. The height of the present segment is 10 mm. The recommended cost for retail chains is 2800 rubles.

• Excellent balance;
• Does not require much effort;
• Easily works with surfaces of almost any thickness.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Laser (52x450 mm; 1 1/4 UNC) Hilberg HD705"

The sample is designed for dry drilling in conjunction with drilling rigs and drills focused on diamond surface treatment. It is used to make holes in reinforced concrete, reinforced concrete and standard concrete. Diamond parts provide increased drilling speed and long service life of the crown. There is a 1.25 UNC threaded connection. Production technology - laser welding. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3800 rubles.

• Adequate price;
• Possibility of operations with microshocks;
• Solid base.

• Not detected.

1st place: "For reinforced concrete (42x300 mm) MESSER 06-10-042"

The template is used to make holes in reinforced concrete, ordinary concrete and brick with a hand drill. Due to the special formulation of the segment and laser welding on the body, it is possible to work with this nozzle without water supply.To extend the service life, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust during processing. The shank has a size of 1/2 inch, and the working part of the tool is 300 mm. The recommended cost for retail chains is 9150 rubles.

• Quality manufacturing;
• Practical versatility;
• The most common sizes of all parts.

• Somewhat overpriced.

For angle grinders (drilling of fragile foundations)

3rd place: "Extra Line V-TECH (6×35 mm; M14) DIAM 320264"

The model is ideal for use on angle grinders. Designed for drilling holes in ceramics, granite, porcelain stoneware, marble, onyx, travertine. Produced by the method of vacuum sintering using the patented V-TECH technology, which allows you to work even without water cooling. The recommended cost for retail chains is 700 rubles.

• Accurate result;
• Orientation to the repair purpose;
• Sufficient strength.

• Limited scope.

2nd place: "Universal PROFESSIONAL (68 mm; M14) for angle grinder Zubr 29865-68"

The model is a replacement component for angle grinders. Used for dry drilling in brittle porcelain stoneware of the highest hardness class, stone and marble, ceramic and concrete, brick and limited sheet metal, wood and various combinations of all of the above materials. The drilling depth is 35 mm. The increased density and even placement of the diamonds on the edge ensures efficient processing and long service life. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3050 rubles.

• High performance;
• Does not destroy the most fragile material;
• Focused on professional use.

• Non-critical chips in the coating are possible.

1st place: "Vacuum for stone D50-15W-35L-M14 (50x35 mm; М14) MESSER 06-35-050"

The product is designed to make accurate and uniform holes in natural stone objects. The shank is of the M14 type (internal), which allows you to install the product on the angle grinder. The production method is vacuum sintering of diamonds, which allows drilling both with and without water supply. The recommended cost for retail chains is 3620 rubles.

• Focus on superhard materials;
• Ability to work with and without cooling;
• Adequate value for money.

• Not detected.

Conclusion

It's no secret that with a conventional drill it can be difficult to drill through brick or concrete. For this, as well as possible, diamond crowns are suitable. They are able to work with almost any drilling equipment - from rotary hammers to drills with screwdrivers. Their ability to quickly and accurately make a hole in the wall, while leaving no chips or cracks in it, has made crowns an extremely popular tool. Naturally, the prices for such devices are not democratic, but this is more than offset by the quality of the final result.