Which Metal "Diamond" Bit Should You Buy For Dog Nails?

Yes, the metal bits are better than sandpaper, mostly because they last longer before needing to replace them. My hollow drum metal bit has lasted me over 4 years of fairly regular use. The DiamaGroove has a decades-long warranty. Sandpaper and metal bits “work” just about the same. But longevity wins me over with the metal bits!
In this video, I help you choose the best nail grinding bit for your needs. I compare and review many of the most common options for metal dog nail dremel bits. I explain the features you should look at when shopping for a metal bit, so you can get the best one for your needs.
I break it down by price range, too!
TIME STAMPS:
00:36 Feature 1: hollow drum vs. solid barrel
01:45 Feature 2: straight sides vs. concave sides
02:21 Feature 3: polishing bowl
03:47 Feature 4: 1/8” shaft vs. shaftless
05:19 Feature 5: grit
06:08 Price range chart
06:49 Price range 1: Practically Free ($0-$5)
07:09 Price range 2: Pretty Cheap ($10-$20)
08:34 Price range 3: Mid-Range ($20-$40)
10:43 Price range 4: Pricey ($40-$70)
12:06 Price range 5: Am I crazy? ($150)
12:58 “Best Overall”
13:08 “Most Affordable But Still Good”
13:18 “Mid-Range Best”
13:32 “Mid-Range Runners Up”
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
PRODUCT LINKS:
------* “Practically Free” *------
SANDPAPER BITS FOR DREMEL:
From Amazon: 60 Grit 6 Pack: amzn.to/3KZiGf0
From Amazon: 120 Grit 6 Pack: amzn.to/3ohlaf3
------* “Pretty Cheap” *------
GROOMERS BEST FRIEND HOLLOW DRUM 80 GRIT: groomersbestfriend.com/produc...
AFFORDABLE GROOMING SHESRS HOLLOW DRUM 80 GRIT: www.affordablegroomingshears....
SHEARSDIRECT (Amazon): Never mind, I can’t even find this link anymore, but don’t worry- it was probably garbage.
MMOON (Amazon): amzn.to/3BDZi4w
------* “Mid-Range Price” *------
GROOMERS BEST FRIEND SOLID BARREL XL: groomersbestfriend.com/produc...
AFFORDABLE GROOMING SHEARS SOLID BARREL RUFF TO BUFF JUMBO: www.affordablegroomingshears....
OVATAVO (Amazon) 80 GRIT X-LG: amzn.to/3BDXvML
------* “Pricey” *------
DIAMOND G VERSION 1: groomersbestfriend.com/produc...
DIAMOND G VERSION 2 (“ENHANCED”): groomersbestfriend.com/produc...
------* “Am I Crazy? ($150)” *------
DIAMAGROOVE
Boxer bit: whitmans.biz/product/diamagro...
------* “Best Overall” *------
DIAMAGROOVE Boxer: whitmans.biz/product/diamagro...
------* “Most Affordable But Still Good” *------
AFFORDABLE GROOMING SHESRS HOLLOW DRUM 80 GRIT: www.affordablegroomingshears....
------* “Mid-Range Best” (winner plus runners up) *------
OVATAVO (Amazon): 80 GRIT X-LG: amzn.to/3BDXvML
GROOMERS BEST FRIEND SOLID BARREL XL: groomersbestfriend.com/produc...
AFFORDABLE GROOMING SHEARS SOLID BARREL RUFF TO BUFF JUMBO: www.affordablegroomingshears....
My doggie nail clippers:
MILLER'S FORGE RED HANDLE NAIL CLIPPERS
Amazon: amzn.to/36NYMEu
OTHER NAIL CLIPPERS (I like for really large/thick nails):
Amazon: amzn.to/3KjXK0T
MY DREMEL (The 7300PT and MiniMite are nearly identical)
Amazon Dremel 7300-PT: amzn.to/3HyivoE
Amazon Dremel MiniMite (not currently available): amzn.to/3GkGeaG
ANOTHER GOOD DREMEL OPTION (The Cordless Hyper Tough Rotary Tool)
From Amazon: amzn.to/3IcvDiP
From Walmart: www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Toug...
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
RELATED VIDEOS
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I Bought A Diamagroove! (unboxing): • My Unboxing And First ...
How To Dremel: • Video
How To SUCCESSFULLY Recede The Quick: • STRUGGLING To Recede T...
How Often Do You Need To Do A Dog's Nails In Order To Recede The Quick?: • How often should you d...
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#doggrooming #doggroomingforbeginners #doggroomingbasics
Disclaimer: This video was not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are my own. Some links above are affiliate links.

[@anuthrutoobr]

Holy crap, absolutely fantastic run down of bits! I'm amazed at how expensive some of these are. Thanks for doing all of this research!

[@oeekje]

Just remember that using the more expensive one from whitmans is also taking care of your dog's nails! Nails are like horn (antler). If you have worked with horn like a jeweller or handcraft then you know how warm it gets when working on it with a Dremel or alike. The heat keeps intensifying after you have stopped. With the whitmans a hole is applied to the drill that let that heat out and not into the horn/nail! Most people don't know it but if you use a normal sandpaper drill (as an example) on a long nail and you just keep on till it's short you are actually boiling the inner of the dogs nerve! If you are using sandpaper or drills that are not diamond and without the hole in the drill ....you shouldn't work longer than 10 seconds on each nail to let it cool in-between grinding.

[@Verawnique]

Good to know! It makes sense about the hole in the bit to let the heat out...

[@cassandra6429]

I use a regular Dremel on my dogs. Not because I am cheap, but because, somehow, I always thought it is more powerful, has a special attachment for carvers, (pen-like piece, that I connect to the main part), and it's much more comfortable to hold while working, different speeds and hundreds of spares and different bits. I only realized that my dog's nail gets hot, after my GR started showing me, he doesn't like when I stay with one nail for too long. I've never used, but was planning to other bits, they are made from the different stone and metals. Do you think, they will make the dog's nail hot too? Before your comment, I thought the nail gets hot due to the friction and depends on the speed of the bit rotation, pressure applied to the nail and the amount of time I stay at one place. Since it's a nail and not the bit that is getting hot, I don't see how the hollowness of a bit can change this situation. Can you explain?

[@OrcinusLaryngologist]

@@cassandra6429exactly. The only benefit would be the bit itself not getting as hot. The heat generation indeed as you stated, friction with those factors. Sometimes you gotta disregard people and their brand shafting. 😂

[@Ladysmyth]

So glad I found these videos!! I've been "in dogs" for nearly 50 years, and still learned a TON from you. Great stuff!! Thankyou.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Yesss! That’s amazing to hear, so thank you a ton for the great compliment!

[@zupamahn]

W.O.W. Thank you!! This is hands down the BEST video I’ve seen in my search for an upgrade from sandpaper dremeling my dog’s nails. ❤❤❤

[@Leslee_Eddy]

I absolutely love your style of teaching! Love the sticky note chart! It works! I'm going to upgrade from sandpaper to probably a hollow barrel something from your list. Thanks so much for the price break downs.

[@barbroberts3153]

Always clear instruction. I do have a bit with a polishing bowl and don't use it at all. I only use the shaftless to avoid any fur getting caught. Safer for me to use. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@allinaday9882]

You are an excellent teacher.Thank for all the prep you accomplish before starting the video.😊❤

[@f.demascio1857]

THIS is the video I needed. Thank you so much.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@irinababkina422]

EXCELLENT PROFESSIONAL EXPLANATION! VERY USEFUL INFORMATION! THANKS!

[@timcongleton4218]

That was excellent teaching.

[@muttmom8003]

Thank you this was extremely helpful . Love the sticker notes .

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Oh my gosh, I needed this video so bad I’ll go ahead and get the $50.00 one it’s just two dogs I have to keep up with and I think I can do this. 🤞🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@MCarmer21]

Great video. Seriously helped a TON

[@miichaelhickey]

thanks I've been using an off brand of nail trimmer and finally my Schnoodle is ok with it. So I got the Dremel 7300PT and yes he is all black w/black nails

[@garryflesher5920]

Yes, my dog has black nails too. I would love to see a video clip showing Dremel use on a black nail. LOVE these videos!

[@carolinapoochpack]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of this. I didn’t even realize that the diamondG and the diamondgroove were two different companies. I didnt understand why you would choose the enhanced bit over the 1/8 inch shaft. You did an awesome job of explaining that hair gets tangled around 1/8 inch shaft. I asked my grooming teacher, a bunch of questions when trying to figure out what to buy and she was irritated because I wasn’t buying the exact items she suggests. She was clueless on the 1/8 in shaft vs enhanced screw on. To further complicate things I have a Dremel tool that accepts up to a three MM shaft and I purchase a diamond groove that has a thicker shaft a four MM shaft I don’t know what you’re supposed to use that with ? But I assumed some rotary tools excepted 1/4 or larger tools, and that I had to make sure if I was buying a bit it would fit both the rotary tool that I’m using today and whatever I might want to replace it with in the future. She thought I was speaking another language. I’m doing further research I did find that you could purchase a coupling mount for a rotary tool that accepts a larger diameter shaft, but it does not appear to be standard.

[@theresa7777]

I bought a cordless nail trimmer with the metal grinding head. It works great, but I never took a very close look at it. Now I have. Thank you for the video. I should have done this a long time ago.

[@hellehansen8477]

THANK YOU ! 😍 Loved the amaunt of information, but I'm quite a dog grooming nerd, so I might not represent the majority 😉 I've been wanting the diamagroove for ages, but can't afford it, so this video is perfect for me to find an alternative that I can afford and still be happy with 🤩 Hope you have an amazing day 🌞

[@GoodDogGrooming]

💜🐩💕🐾✂️!!! Thanks for watching 🤩

[@mickeybroderick8902]

Wow great info and ty.

[@WalkingwithDidi]

Very valuable information!

[@kyledycio2865]

Thank you!!! Very informative 👍😊

[@daphnerandall4084]

I love your videos-thank you for posting!

[@tcfoto99]

Excellent informative review thank you for taking the time to make it! 👍

[@user-yh3if8qv9y]

Thank you. very clear !

[@theChef1337]

Thank you!!!

[@bryantforsythe728]

Thank you!

[@baklash1762]

Super review! Thanks for such an informative review. I appreciate all your time and research you put into this video. The 1/8” straight shaft design works with the Dremel brand, but most inexpensive grinders, like I have, made in China and sold on Amazon do not have this type shaft. Instead of a round smooth shaft they usually have several sides with angles and some kind of knob or tip at the bottom. So I doubt the round shaft will fit in my cordless grinder. Guess it’s time to switch to the cordless Dremel, but have noticed some bad reviews there also. Sure do appreciate all your fantastic videos.

[@jonmorton9267]

Hi. I really like your videos. Thank you for posting. I don’t like to be critical but it is called a shank (not a shaft).

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you, I’ll note that. I truly am an amateur teaching novices 😆 I appreciate the input!

[@theChef1337]

Wow I never knew I could tighten the part that the sand paper goes on 😂 it kept slipping when I tried to dremmel my dogs nails…

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Ha! That’s why I make these videos! 😄Thanks for watching 🐶

[@jyes23.]

Me too

[@sandynorris-thomas16]

I think what I was looking for was temperature. I get the price... I'm more interested if the bit gets hot while grinding down the nails and if it lasts longer

[@debraedgar179]

Great video! I would like to know which tips would do the quickest job on a large breed dog with thick black nails. Thank you.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

A slightly rougher grit should help, especially if the dremel speed is high enough (if your dog will tolerate the sound of the higher rpm). For more detail, here are 2 videos: my “which grit” kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZmKikdtihm9Esi=wjL3mEmRYywxHCbe and my “which speed” kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGawgHZvmq-aY68si=VqyXvAOCVrp_xLa1

[@whatnow8362]

I’m considering the am I crazy option for just doing at home nails for my one dog. Love him so much I want the best for him. 😂

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I believe it’s $160 now, last time I checked (yay inflation) for the DiamaGroove. But I absolutely love mine!

[@gergemall]

You’re amazing

[@r8drvr819]

Wow! Your technical descriptions are extremely well presented! So nice to have an expert's very detailed presentation; THANK YOU!!!!! Do you have a plastic pen pocket protector?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Ha, well… I do consider myself slightly nerdy! But, like, cool nerdy 🤓

[@kathigratton2286]

Like the top one, however I have a god with weird nails , hard to get under! What do you recommend

[@TaraTanaka]

Your info has been invaluable to me - thank you so much for your videos! I have the Boxer, but when I got the standard one I kept having problems with it skipping on the nail, and they let me exchange it for the one with less coarse grit, but I do still have the problem. I've found that the plain sandpaper that came with my Andis tool works better. Do you think I need more/less pressure, or a faster speed when I'm using the Diamagroove? I use the Andis on the 3rd or 4th of 6 speeds. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Do you happen to know what grit that sandpaper bit has? Try the faster speed if the noise doesn’t bother your dog too much. Slightly higher pressure is another thing to try. I guess lastly I would discuss the problem with a DiamaGroove customer service problem if it’s really not working out because they may have some insight. Best of luck, don’t hesitate if you have further questions!

[@joeygrasso7611]

What nail clippers would you recommend?

[@maryruhe4806]

I recently splurged on a Diamagroove Pinnacle. Unfortunately, I am not able to find a grinder that works with it. The grinders that you recommend are no longer available. I tried the Hyper Tough but apparently it’s a new model and I could not make it work with the Diamagroove. Do you have recommendations for other grinders that fit a Diamagroove? Thanks.

[@sandrataylor4291]

Your video is comprehensive and clear -- thank you ! I will be shopping around and now know what to look for. I have an Andis cordless and am thinking of getting a metal bit to try. Also, the bits came in different sizes S, M, L, XL. How do I know which one to buy ? I have a Cairn Terrier but his front nails are a good size, more like a medium sized dog, I think.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

For the barrel shaped bits, I like the half inch diameter size. Is that a measurement shown in the product description corresponding to S, M, L, etc?

[@sandrataylor4291]

@@GoodDogGrooming Not sure, but that helps!

[@nihonsuki]

What about ceramic/stone bits? I have a small dog and I'm thinking a fine grit will cause less of the vibration which irritates him. Also, a smaller diameter would reduce the grinding speed and lessen the heating problem. I'm currently working on getting him acclimated to the Dremel and have not been able to grind his nails yet, but your videos give me hope!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I haven’t tried stone or ceramic bits, but I’m vaguely remembering seeing some comments from people in facebook groups saying they didn’t prefer them. Take that with a grain of salt, though! I have a “which grit” video if it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZmKikdtihm9E but finer grit does typically have less “bouncing”… a coarser grit requires higher speed tp prevent the bounce. You’re always trying to strike the balance between high enough speed to effectively remove nail, but not so high that the noise is too much for the dog to handle. I have always preferred the 1/2” diameter bits but I don’t know if a smaller radius would generate less heat… it’s a theory that should be investigated! Lastly, I do have a desensitization video if it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gny2ZnmPi8uSgtE

[@explorabout2024]

Hi Colleen, Since we are getting two Aussie puppies, would you reco we maintain the nails from the beginning this way? Thank you, Karen

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Hi!! So glad you found the channel!! Yes, desensitizing to all potential grooming processes as early and often as possible is what I recommend. Puppies are notoriously fussy over all the handling that come with grooming. I am planning a video about early puppy care that will launch in a few weeks. For now: here’s a video of one puppy’s first dremeling exposure. Seeing this helps people set expectations… puppies are so sensitive and nervous! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn-8c56hhaedgKM We want those early grooming experiences to be mostly positive. “Perfectly trimmed nails” is NOT the goal early on. (There is WAY more training content out there beyond what I provide on my channel… I particularly like Susan Garrett, she has a channel called Dogs That and also a podcast and some books. You might like her since most of her dogs are aussie and border collie types!)

[@peachykeen451]

I recently bought the Diamagroove detailer but unfortunately have to send my Dremel to the company. For some reason the bit stops spinning after being on for a couple seconds 🙁

[@roadtriplover.]

Based on guidance from your videos and your responses to my comments/questions, I purchased the Dremel, which comes with the disposable sandpaper barrels. I am so grateful, cus trimming nails is so much faster. My hope is that my boy’s nails will shorten to a proper length. As a rescue, he came to me with super neglected nails. My little girl (10mo) is proving to be a challenge no matter how I approach her feet. Just generally, she does NOT want her fee touched. I was successful just recently, but had to completely exhaust her to get them done. Not a great experience, but will get better over time for both of us. Im so appreciative of this video, but you didn’t address one thing. What is the average lifespan for these more expensive sanders?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Thank you for pointing this out, I did neglect to talk about the lifespan of these metal bits. It’s many years at least. My straight-side hollow barrel bit has lasted me over 4 years so far. It needed to be cleaned once, because it got kinda gunked up. The DiamaGroove has a very long warranty, like… decades I think. Lemmie research that and put it into the video description. Long story short, I think the metal bits are better than the sanding bits because they rarely need to be replaced. Functionally they’re pretty similar though. Hope that helps!

[@roadtriplover.]

@@GoodDogGrooming Great. When Ive exhausted the sanding bit rounds, I expect I’ll be investing in one of these metal bits. Thanks a ton.

[@vibrantly50]

Awesome info! We have a 18 month Mini Schnauzer - black nails - and afraid of clippers from a bad first grooming experience. I am trying to desensitize him to the Dremel. He has to be sedated by the vet to get his nails clipped. He also has Congenital Myotonia so sedation is not the best for him.

[@sandyw4888]

Is the tool itself nail specific or can I use the one I use for sharpening my chainsaw. It looks the same. Maybe the rpm is different? Thank you for your videos. I am not a professional groomer but do my own dogs.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I bet you could use that bit. If it helps, I do have a “which grit?” Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZmKikdtihm9E so you can check if it’s in line with your needs. Dogs’ nails can really be done at any rpm that isn’t too loud to freak them out but 10,000 rpm is about ideal. Much lower takes a bit too long to remove enough material and much higher is just a tad loud for the dogs. My dremelMiniMite has only 2 settings, however… low (6500 rpm) and high (14000 rpm) and I almost always use it on high. So that 10,000 number is just kind of a guideline. Hope that helps!

[@dawnrus156]

Which one would you recommend for a multi dog/pet of different size household? I’ve just bought a dremel and don’t have lots of money to spare but want to invest in something that’s going to work on both medium size dogs and one with thick nails that I don’t have to replace regularly so don’t mind spending if it’s going to be worth it. Thank you 😊 ps. Not all are available in the UK.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Scroll down in the video description to the category of "Mid range Best (winner plus runners-up)" Because there are 3 links there that I think should suit your needs. If you want concave design, go with ovatavo. if you want straight sides, go with one of the other 2 options. Whichever one of those can actually be shipped to you, I would go with. I recommend 60 or 80 grit (coarse) but some like 100/120 (medium/fine). Here's my which grit video if it's helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZmKikdtihm9E

[@shadia2722]

Hi do you know if you can get Diamagroove boxer bits in Australia?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I actually don’t know where they can and can’t ship, but here is the company’s website: whitmans.biz/product/diamagroove-boxer hopefully you can investigate on there and at least maybe make a call to inquire!

[@Elkins24]

I purchased mine from STARR GROOMING SUPPLY in the large size. Have you tried them from this company.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I have not! Let me know if it works out for you. Ideally whatever the brand/company, a metal bit should last several years at a minimum, even with frequent use. As a groomer I did so many types and textures of nails that occasionally my metal bit would need to be cleaned. But with proper cleaning it lasted so long! I never even needed to replace it, I simply wanted an upgrade.

[@Flowingmobility]

Which dremel do you use?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Scroll way down in the description of this video for links to the dremels that I use as well as one more that I like! Under “Product Links” but waaaay towards the bottom. Hope that helps!

[@Flowingmobility]

@@GoodDogGrooming yes that helps! Thank you so much. Thanks for the videos. You are a good teacher!

[@daemon1143]

I've been using the same garnet sandpaper drum on 4 dogs done once a fortnight, for three years, and it's not showing any wear yet. Dog nails don't have the hard silica spicules wood does, and really do not cause significant wear on the sanding media if there isn't dirt in them. To my mind, the only folk who might benefit from a diamond drum are professionals.

[@bradvanburen3803]

Why is Whitman's Diamagroove not on this?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

It is! Jump to 12:06 in the vid

[@bradvanburen3803]

@@GoodDogGrooming Oh I see.. I just misunderstood because it didnt say Whitmans on the erase board

[@justnoted2995]

Yeah, features, grit, and price... can almost grade spousal marriage caliber like that

[@GoodDogGrooming]

☝️truth 😆

[@Stranded360]

I like that fancy one you have but jeez...$160 >< yikes

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I know. I waited years to get mine and even then I used birthday money to help with the purchase!

[@omaha1361]

8" shaft.....😂

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Ok let’s all keep our heads out of the gutter 😆

[@annfoxley]

The description of a shaft is not easy to understand for people who work in metric. Im not actually sure what you say? I’d it 1/8 of an inch ? If it is could you add a note to the screen as you say it so fast i cant be sure what i have heard . Europe and many other parts of the world work in metric and we don’t use eighths, quarters, sixteenths or any other parts of an inch, as mm are a lot easier to understand, one cm has 10 mm. 1 meter has 100 cm everything is divisible by 10 so much easier than 12.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Saturday Night Live recently had a great skit with Nate Bargatze joking about how goofy America’s system of measurements are! Here’s a link just for fun: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIrUl4l7Ysusoc0si=a0cE6Yf2lM78EWg4 I did indeed say “an eighth of an inch shaft” which is: the stick part holding up the barrel, it’s just over 3mm in diameter. Thank you for the feedback, I’ll try to include metric on screen when I make videos with measurements!

[@krazmokramer]

Another great video Colleen! Lots of information presented clearly and concisely. I can see where the diamond drums would appeal to a groomer. For the amateur trying to trim their own dogs' nails, the sand paper drums are the most cost effective. Especially since you posted they both "work" the same. SUBSCRIBED. Thank you!!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Yep. And I failed to mention this in the video (but I later added it to the description), but the main advantage to metal bits over sandpaper is they rarely need to be replaced. But the thing is, the sandpaper bits are very EASY to replace! And they last pretty long even for a groomer doing lots of nails all day. (Say, a couple months). I have a video about how to replace the sandpaper head, if you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKLGpaR4ptqfnKs

[@krazmokramer]

@@GoodDogGrooming I'm a retired dentist. I've been using these sandpaper drums for lots of years. I also use them to sculpt wood replacement scales for pocket knives. White pumice stone denture burrs also work and last about as long as diamonds. The stones run cooler than diamonds so might be more comfortable for the dogs. Thanks for the reply and the link!

[@romak4756]

You are a natural beauty, pretty lady!