Diamond disc cutter

A **diamond disc cutter** is a power tool designed to be operable with one or two hands depending on size, used for cutting hard materials such as ceramic tile, metal, concrete, and stone by the use of segmented diamond blades (picture). These blades are made of solid metal and feature crenellated grooves or slots that allow cooling of both the blade and the cutting surface. These tools are highly efficient at cutting hard materials, compared to non-diamond tools. Although they may look similar to abrasive saws, they differ in the type of blade they use.

## Segmented diamond discs

The discs used in these cutters are made of steel or metal alloys, and are usually coated with materials such as industrial diamond on the edge. The gaps between the segments allow the heat generated during cutting to dissipate, preventing warping and increasing the life of the disc. The most common size for these cutting discs is 350 mm in diameter; however, they can range from 2 to 16 inches in diameter with a thickness between 0.045 in and 0.125 in. The maximum speed (RPM) specified on the disc should never be exceeded, nor should it be overloaded by pressing too hard, which could cause it to jam in the workpiece.

## Types of disc cutters

- **Portable electric disc cutters** : Used in light construction, plumbing, locksmithing and industrial maintenance.
- **Bench disc cutters**: Fixed, for repetitive cuts in workshops.
- **Gasoline-powered disc cutters** : For heavy-duty outdoor work, such as cutting fences, metal structures, or paving.

## Gasoline-powered disc cutters

A high-performance variant is the portable gasoline-powered saw, also known as _a cut-off saw_. These tools are designed to cut through metal structures, security fences, or heavy construction equipment. The diamond blade used has separate, crenellated segments, which allow the cut to cool and prevent distortion. This type of tool is common in demolition, rescue, or professional burglary work, as in the case of the Louvre robbery.

## Diamond disc cutters vs. abrasive saws

Although both types of tools may seem similar at first glance, there are fundamental differences in the type of disk they use, their design and their applications.

**Diamond disc cutter:** Used for many manual cutting tasks, especially when working with hard materials such as steel, stone, or concrete. Metal cutting is one of the most common uses for these tools. Typical applications include: Cutting sheet metal. Sizing parts for welding. Removing welds for replacement. Cutting and notching steel pipes. These operations are performed using segmented metal discs, usually with an industrial diamond coating, which allow precise cuts and efficient cooling thanks to their crenellated grooves,  although, when cutting very hard materials, may require lubrication or water-cooling to prevent overheating.

**Abrasive saw -** Used for cutting larger workpieces or less demanding materials, such as metal profiles, large diameter pipes, or lightweight structural members. This tool uses non-metallic abrasive discs, typically in the range of 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) in diameter. The abrasive saw provides clean, straight cuts, especially at 90-degree angles, but should not be confused with the diamond blade cutter, which is designed for more demanding tasks and different types of discs.

The following table summarizes the main differences between the diamond disc cutters and the abrasive saws:
|Feature|Diamond disc cutter|Abrasive saw|
| --- | --- | --- |
|**Disk type**|Segmented diamond blade (diamond coated)|Abrasive disc (resin, rubber or superabrasive)|
|**Disc shape**|Separate crenellated segments for cooling|Continuous disc, without visible separations|
|**Disc material**|Steel or metal alloy with diamond coating|Non-diamond abrasive compounds|
|**Main application**|Cutting of metal structures, concrete, stone|Cutting of metals, profiles, tubes, soft materials|
|**Refrigeration**|By disk design (slots) plus water cooling if needed|Sometimes by forced air, but less efficient|
|**Types of tools**|Portable electric or gasoline, or bench|Portable electric or gasoline, or bench|
|**Notable example**|The Louvre Robbery (2025): Gasoline-powered diamond-bladed disc cutter|Common use in workshops and light construction|
|**Related article**|This article ( _Diamond Disc Cutter_ )|Abrasive saw|

## Louvre robbery

An example of a diamond disc cutter use was in the robbery at the Louvre Museum in October 2025, where the thieves abandoned such a tool behind them as they fled. Although some media outlets mistakenly described it as a "chain saw" or "cordless grinder", on-site footage and security video clearly show a 65cc Stihl petrol-powered diamond disc saw. This tool, of a much higher cost compared to a, is far more powerful than any battery-powered radial abrasive saw. On the day of the robbery, after accessing a balcony using a furniture lift, they used a diamond disc cutter to cut the glass of a window, entering the Galerie d'Apollon, action that triggered all the security alarms. After threatening the security guards with their motorized tool, the thieves stole nine objects from two display cabinets fitted with safety glass, which they cut with the diamond disc cutter, then they left the museum by going down with the furniture lift they used to enter the building, until they met up with the other two members of the gang, who were waiting for them on two Yamaha TMAX scooters, with which they fled.

## Other information

For information on tools that use abrasive discs, see the article _abrasive saw_.

## Other websites

- Diamond Discs: Types, How to choose them.