When you’re cutting or drilling day in and day out, diamond core barrels are one of your biggest consumables. The question many contractors face is simple: do you keep buying new barrels every time, or can you save money by retipping?
At Cutting Edge Diamond Tools, we’ve seen the numbers, and the case for retipping is strong — especially if you’re looking for fast turnaround, lower costs, and longer tool life.
What Is Retipping?
Retipping is the process of removing the worn diamond segments on your existing core barrel and replacing them with fresh, high-performance diamond segments. In other words, instead of throwing out the entire barrel, you’re only replacing the cutting edge.
The barrel itself is usually in perfectly good condition — it’s the diamond segments that take the wear. Retipping brings it back to life at a fraction of the cost.
The Savings Add Up
New core barrels can be a big hit to the budget, especially on larger diameters. Retipping, by contrast, costs:
- $14 per segment on barrels below 125mm
- $15 per segment on barrels 125mm and above
On larger barrels with many segments, the savings are significant.
For example:
- A new large-diameter barrel might run into the high hundreds or even thousands.
- Retipping the same barrel could save you hundreds per job.
- Over a year of drilling, the cost savings compared to buying new every time are enormous.
It’s not just about the money either — retipping means less waste and a smarter use of equipment you already own.
Segments for Every Material
Not all concrete, stone, or asphalt jobs are the same — and your segments shouldn’t be either. That’s why we stock a wide variety of segments specifically engineered for different materials and performance needs, including:
- Granite
- Asphalt
- Sandstone
- Concrete
- Speed segments for faster cutting
- Longevity segments for extended life
This means your retipped barrel can be tailored to the exact conditions you’re working in, often outperforming off-the-shelf new barrels.
Incredibly Fast Turnaround
We know downtime is money. That’s why we keep retipping fast and efficient. Many of our customers are surprised at how quickly they can have their barrels back on-site and ready to go.
Instead of waiting on shipping for a brand-new barrel, retipping often gets you back in action much quicker — so you don’t miss out on valuable work or hold up your team.
Why Retipping Makes Sense
When deciding between retipping and buying new, here’s what to consider:
- Barrel Condition: If the core barrel itself is still in good shape (straight, no cracks), retipping is the smarter move.
- Overall Cost: Retipping costs a fraction of new — and adds up to thousands in savings over time.
- Performance: With the right segments, your retipped barrel can perform as well — or better — than new.
- Turnaround Time: Faster than waiting for a new barrel to arrive.
When Buying New Still Makes Sense
Of course, there are times when buying new is the right call: if your barrel is bent, cracked, or worn beyond repair, it’s not safe or economical to retip. In that case, starting fresh is best. But in most cases, retipping is the clear winner.
Final Word: Retip Before You Replace
Retipping isn’t just a cost-saving measure — it’s a way to get more value from the equipment you already have. With incredibly fast turnaround, significant savings, and professional results, retipping is often the best choice for contractors who want to stay efficient and competitive.
At Cutting Edge Diamond Tools, we specialise in professional retipping services with high-quality diamond segments designed for Australian conditions. If you’re chewing through barrels, talk to us about how much you could save.
👉 Explore our full range of diamond tools here
Retipping Diamond Core Barrels: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does retipping take?
Turnaround is fast — much quicker than ordering a brand-new barrel. In most cases, we can have your retipped barrels ready within a few business days, keeping downtime to a minimum.
How many times can a barrel be retipped?
As long as the steel barrel is in good condition (straight, no cracks or major wear), it can usually be retipped multiple times. Many contractors get years of use from a single barrel with regular retipping.
Is retipping as good as buying new?
Yes — with the right segments, a retipped barrel will perform just as well as new, sometimes even better because you can choose segments matched to the exact material you’re cutting.
What materials can retipped segments cut?
We supply segments designed for concrete, asphalt, granite, sandstone, and other stone, as well as speed-focused and longevity-focused segments depending on your job.
When should I buy new instead of retipping?
If the barrel is bent, cracked, or heavily worn, it’s safer and more cost-effective to replace it. Otherwise, retipping is almost always the smarter choice.
