Diamond Masonry vs Carbide Metal Blade: Which for What?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
DIYPicks is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of home-improvement retailers, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site — at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
Diablo DMADS0700 7 in. Segmented Diamond Masonry Cut-Off Blade
A 7 in. segmented-rim diamond blade for dry-cutting concrete, brick, and block on a circular saw or cut-off tool. The rim clears dust for fast cuts and outlasts bonded abrasive wheels. It grinds rather than slices, leaving a rough edge, is wrong for wood or metal, and throws heavy silica dust that demands a respirator.
| Teeth | Segmented diamond rim (toothless) |
|---|---|
| Arbor | 7/8 in / 5/8 in |
| Kerf | 2.4 mm (~0.094 in) |
| Material | Diamond-segmented rim |
| Diameter | 7 in |
| Best cut | Dry-cut concrete / brick / block |
Diablo D0748F 7-1/4 in. 48-Tooth Steel Demon Ferrous Metal Blade
A 7-1/4 in. 48-tooth TCG Steel Demon blade for cutting ferrous metal (steel studs, EMT, angle iron, bar) on a circular saw with far less spark than an abrasive disc, leaving a cool, burr-free edge. It outlasts cut-off wheels. It's ferrous-only, the 0.087 in. kerf needs a slow feed or teeth chip, and it's wasted on wood.
| Teeth | 48T TCG |
|---|---|
| Arbor | 5/8 in |
| Kerf | 0.087 in |
| Material | TiCo Hi-Density carbide (cermet) |
| Diameter | 7-1/4 in |
| Best cut | Ferrous metal (studs, EMT, bar) |
Our verdict
Both cut hard material but by opposite mechanisms, so the material decides. The DMADS0700 is a toothless segmented diamond rim that grinds through concrete, brick, and block, and it will not cut metal cleanly. The D0748F Steel Demon has TCG carbide teeth that slice ferrous metal like steel studs and conduit, and it will glaze and burn instantly on masonry. Match the blade to the material: diamond for concrete and masonry, Steel Demon for ferrous metal, and never cross them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a diamond blade cut metal?
- Not cleanly. A segmented diamond rim is toothless and grinds rather than slices — it is for concrete, brick and block. Cutting ferrous metal needs carbide teeth, which is a completely different mechanism.
- Which blade cuts steel studs and EMT?
- The Diablo D0748F Steel Demon with 48 TCG carbide teeth. It cuts ferrous metal with far less spark than an abrasive disc and leaves a burr-free, cool cut you can handle almost immediately.
- Is the metal blade good for stainless or aluminum?
- No — it is ferrous-only. Stainless and aluminum need blades designed for them. Using this one on the wrong metal chips teeth and wastes a blade that costs several times a wood blade.
- What safety issue comes with dry-cutting masonry?
- Silica dust. Dry cutting concrete throws heavy silica, so a respirator is required rather than optional. The segmented rim clears dust for faster cuts, which also means more of it in the air.