Wall Chaser Blades

About Wall Chaser Blades

Wall chaser blades are specialised diamond-tipped cutting discs designed for cutting parallel channels in brick, concrete, stone, and masonry surfaces. These twin-blade systems allow electricians, plumbers, and builders to create neat, precise grooves for embedding cables and pipes with minimal dust and effort. Unlike standard angle grinder discs, wall chaser blades are engineered to work in pairs on dedicated wall chasing machines, delivering superior cutting depth and accuracy for first-fix installation work.

The diamond segments on these blades provide exceptional durability when cutting through abrasive building materials, with different segment configurations optimised for specific substrates. Premium blades feature laser-welded segments that dissipate heat efficiently during extended cutting sessions, preventing blade warping and ensuring consistent performance throughout their service life. Tooled-Up.com stocks professional-grade wall chaser blades designed to deliver maximum runtime when paired with both corded 240v and cordless battery-powered wall chasers.

Blade diameter is a critical specification, with 125mm (5 inch) and 150mm (6 inch) being the most common sizes for professional wall chasers. The arbor bore must match your machine's spindle diameter, while maximum RPM ratings ensure safe operation at the speeds generated by high-powered chasing tools. Quality blades reduce vibration and kickback whilst maintaining straight cutting lines even in dense materials like engineering brick and reinforced concrete.

Jargon Buster

• Diamond Segments: Industrial diamond particles bonded into metal segments around the blade's perimeter. These provide the actual cutting action and determine blade longevity and cutting speed through masonry materials.
• Arbor Bore: The central mounting hole diameter that fits onto the wall chaser's spindle. Common sizes include 22.23mm for professional machines. Always verify compatibility before purchasing replacement blades.
• Cutting Depth: The maximum depth of groove a blade can achieve, typically between 30-40mm depending on blade diameter and machine design. Twin blades working together determine the final channel depth.
• Laser-Welded: A manufacturing process where diamond segments are welded to the steel core using laser technology, creating stronger bonds that withstand higher temperatures and resist segment loss during aggressive cutting.
• Segment Height: The thickness of the diamond-impregnated cutting edge. Taller segments provide longer blade life but may cost more initially. As segments wear down, cutting efficiency gradually decreases.
• Maximum RPM: The highest rotational speed at which a blade can safely operate. Exceeding this rating risks blade failure and serious injury. Always match blade specifications to your machine's output speed.

Who Uses Wall Chaser Blades?

• Electricians and Sparkies: For chasing channels to conceal electrical cables, socket back boxes, and conduit runs in walls during first-fix installations and rewiring projects.
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Creating channels for central heating pipes, water supply runs, and underfloor heating systems in solid walls and screeded floors.
• Builders and General Contractors: Making service runs during renovation projects, new builds, and property refurbishment work where concealed pipework or cabling is required.
• Stonemasons and Restoration Specialists: Cutting precise channels in stone, brick, and heritage masonry during conservation work and architectural restoration projects.
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Installing concealed plumbing and electrical services behind fitted units, tiling, and sanitaryware in domestic and commercial installations.
• Maintenance Teams: Facilities management and property maintenance professionals adding new services or rerouting existing installations in occupied buildings.
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners tackling major renovation projects requiring professional-quality channel cutting for electrical upgrades or plumbing modifications.

How to Choose the Right Wall Chaser Blades

Machine Compatibility: Verify the blade diameter and arbor bore match your wall chaser model exactly. The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes blades specifically designed for popular brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch wall chasing machines. Check your tool's manual for precise specifications before ordering.

Material Application: Different diamond formulations suit different substrates. General-purpose blades handle brick, block, and soft concrete adequately, whilst hard material blades feature more aggressive diamond matrices for dense concrete, granite, and engineering brick. Consider the materials you'll cut most frequently when selecting blade specification.

Corded vs Cordless: Blades designed for cordless battery-powered machines often feature optimised segment configurations that reduce cutting resistance, extending runtime per battery charge. If you're running an 18v or 54v cordless wall chaser, look for blades specifically marketed for improved battery efficiency rather than standard corded machine blades.

Build Quality: Laser-welded segments provide superior durability compared to brazed segments, justifying higher initial cost through extended service life. Professional-grade blades maintain cutting accuracy for longer and resist segment loss even during demanding site conditions with heavy vibration and thermal stress.

Cutting Depth Requirements: Larger diameter blades cut deeper channels in a single pass. If your typical installation work requires channels exceeding 30mm depth, invest in 150mm blades rather than making multiple passes with smaller 125mm discs, which reduces productivity and increases blade wear.

Budget vs Performance: Whilst premium diamond blades cost more upfront, they deliver significantly more linear metres of cutting before requiring replacement. Calculate cost-per-metre rather than just purchase price when comparing options for regular professional use.

Popular Accessories

• Dust Extraction Systems: Vacuum units and dust shrouds that connect to wall chasers, capturing silica-laden dust at source to maintain HSE-compliant working conditions.
• Wall Chaser Machines: The power tools themselves, available in corded 240v and cordless battery formats from manufacturers including DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee.
• Depth Guides and Fences: Adjustable guides ensuring consistent cutting depth and parallel channel spacing for professional-quality results.
• Replacement Carbon Brushes: Serviceable wear items for maintaining optimal performance in corded 240v wall chaser motors.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, respiratory masks rated for fine dust particles, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves essential for safe wall chasing operations.
• Cold Chisels and Club Hammers: For removing material between cut channels and creating the final groove profile.
• Measuring and Marking Tools: Laser levels, chalk lines, and pencils for accurate channel layout before cutting commences.

Safety Information

Wall chasing generates substantial quantities of respirable crystalline silica dust, a serious health hazard regulated under COSHH. Always use suitable dust extraction equipment and wear appropriate respiratory protection rated FFP3 as minimum standard. Never operate wall chaser blades without proper guarding in place, and ensure all blade specifications including maximum RPM match your machine's capabilities.

Inspect blades before each use for cracks, missing segments, or damage that could cause blade failure at operating speed. Replace damaged blades immediately rather than risk catastrophic failure. Wear impact-resistant eye protection and hearing defenders, as wall chasing produces high noise levels and airborne debris. Ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors, and follow HSE guidance for controlling exposure to construction dust on site.

Only fit blades when the machine is disconnected from mains power or with battery removed. Allow blades to reach full operating speed before contacting material, and never force the tool through cuts. Be aware of concealed services including electrical cables, gas pipes, and water supply runs before cutting into walls. Use a cable and pipe detector to scan cutting areas thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do wall chaser blades typically last?
Blade life varies considerably depending on material hardness and cutting technique. In soft brick, quality diamond blades may cut 50-100 linear metres before requiring replacement. Dense concrete and stone reduce this significantly. Professional-grade laser-welded blades from brands like DeWalt typically outlast budget alternatives by two to three times, offering better value despite higher purchase cost.

Can I use standard angle grinder discs on a wall chaser?
No. Wall chasers require specifically designed twin-blade systems with appropriate arbor bores and RPM ratings. Standard angle grinder discs lack the necessary specifications and using incorrect blades risks serious injury and tool damage. Always use manufacturer-approved replacement blades matched to your specific wall chaser model.

Do I need different blades for brick versus concrete?
General-purpose diamond blades handle both materials adequately for occasional use. However, if you regularly cut particularly hard concrete or engineering brick, specialist hard material blades with optimised diamond matrices deliver better performance and longevity. Soft brick and aircrete actually wear blades faster than hard materials due to their abrasive nature.

Why do cordless-specific blades cost more?
Blades designed for battery-powered machines feature advanced segment configurations that reduce cutting resistance and motor load. This extends runtime per charge and reduces battery drain. The specialised design and development justifies slightly higher pricing, but the improved efficiency proves worthwhile for cordless tool users.

How do I know when blades need replacing?
Replace blades when diamond segments wear down to approximately 2-3mm height, cutting speed noticeably decreases, or you observe damage like missing segments or cracks in the blade body. Continuing to use worn blades reduces cutting efficiency, increases motor strain, and creates dangerous working conditions through excessive vibration and potential blade failure.