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How Many Carbide Teeth per Bush Hammer Plate — Does It Matter?
When it comes to choosing the right bush hammer for your concrete or stone surface preparation, one seemingly small specification can make a significant impact: the number of carbide teeth per plate. Many contractors and surface professionals underestimate this factor, but in reality, it plays a central role in surface profile quality, tool longevity, productivity, and even labor cost.
What Are Carbide Teeth on a Bush Hammer?
Bush hammers are tools used to texture or roughen surfaces such as concrete, marble, granite, or terrazzo. They work by pounding the surface with multiple hard tips made from industrial-grade tungsten carbide. These tips—commonly called "carbide teeth"—are fixed to a roller that rotates under the force of a grinder or milling machine.
The total number of teeth per plate varies from as low as 30 to over 150, and this number determines the tool’s performance characteristics. To better understand what a bush hammer does and how it fits into a tooling system, check our in-depth guide: What is a Bush Hammer and What Is It Used For.
Why Tooth Count Matters
1. Surface Profile
Fewer teeth (e.g. 30–60 per plate) deliver a deep, aggressive profile, ideal for coating removal or when high CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) levels are required. Higher tooth counts (100–150+) create a finer finish, suitable for anti-slip texturing or decorative applications.
For reference on finish types, read: How to Use a Bush Hammer on Concrete Floors.
2. Productivity
Low tooth-count hammers remove material faster due to the larger spacing between impact points. This means fewer passes are needed to cover a surface, increasing productivity. However, it may require secondary grinding for leveling.
3. Tool Life & Wear Distribution
A higher number of teeth distributes impact across more points, leading to less wear per tooth. This extends the tool’s lifespan, particularly when working with dense materials like granite or marble.
4. Machine Compatibility
Large planetary grinders can handle denser tooth configurations without causing chatter or vibration, while handheld tools often work better with mid-range or low-tooth-count plates. For matching grinder size and plate type, see: Best Angle Grinder Sizes for Bush Hammer Plates.
Choosing the Right Tooth Count for Your Project
| Application | Recommended Teeth Count | Surface Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Thick Coating Removal | 30–50 | CSP 4–5 |
| General Surface Preparation | 60–90 | CSP 3–4 |
| Anti-Slip Finish for Walkways | 100–120 | CSP 2–3 |
| Decorative/Architectural Surfacing | 130–150+ | Fine Texture |
Not sure what CSP level you need? Start with: 5 Advanced Methods for Removing Coatings from Concrete.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing high-tooth-count plates on soft surfaces, leading to clogging and reduced effectiveness.
- Using low-tooth-count plates on sensitive or decorative applications, resulting in overly rough finishes.
- Ignoring wet vs. dry operation requirements—wet use helps high-tooth-count plates perform better and last longer.
- Not checking machine RPM compatibility, which can lead to chatter or inconsistent texture.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Low tooth count = aggressive removal (but rough finish)
- High tooth count = fine finish (but slower pace)
- Tooth distribution impacts tool life
- Match plate type to machine size and job type
For more insights and updates on surface preparation tools, visit our Product Knowledge Library.
Need Help Choosing?
Still unsure which configuration fits your task? Our support team at BrolangtTools is here to help. Or explore our Silent Core Milling Series to find the right bush hammer plates and accessories for your machine.
