What Is an Entry Blade and What Is It Used For?

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When you’re getting ready for your next project, having the right tools is crucial. They can mean the difference between quicker, more efficient work or a costly, headache-inducing experience. At Cost Cutting Blades, we help our customers find the quality blades that are right for the job. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “What is an early entry blade?” we’re here to explain the details of what they are and what they can do. Learn how the diamond entry blades at Cost Cutting Blades can give you an advantage.

What Is an Early Entry Blade?

An early entry blade is primarily used to saw contraction joints. These joints are used in concrete to weaken the vertical plane, which, in turn, can determine where cracks appear. This is an important part of concrete formation because unregulated cracks can allow water to seep in where it shouldn’t. And the result can lead to a rougher concrete surface and decreased durability. So, cutting contraction joints properly with the right blades can lead to even cracks showing up where they should in the concrete.

How Do Early Entry Blades Help With the Concrete Pouring Process?

By cutting contraction joints properly, early entry blades take some of the pressure off of concrete slabs as they set. Once a slab is poured and begins to harden, internal stress points begin to form that can cause unregulated cracks. This happens quickly as the concrete sets, and it can cause permanent problems for the surface. But cutting the joints and regulating where the cracks will appear reduces the stress on the slab as it dries. This can lead to smoother surfaces and eliminate the appearance of stair-step cracking.

What Are Early Entry Blade Aggregate Zones?

Did you know that regions across the U.S. use different aggregates, and certain types of early entry blades work best for these regions? Cost Cutting Blades offers a convenient map showing different locations in the U.S. and the aggregates used in each. Zones are color-coded from purple to green, orange, and yellow with each representing a different level of aggregate hardness for the region.

  • Purple – Hard Aggregate: Purple zone blades work best for cutting hard aggregates. These types of blades are best for cutting flint and river rock aggregates.
  • Green – Medium/Hard Aggregate: Green zone blades cut medium-hard aggregates. They work best for cutting chert and river rock aggregates.
  • Orange – Medium Aggregate: Orange zone blades perform best on medium aggregate. These blades work best for trap rock, quartz, and hard granite aggregates.
  • Yellow – Medium/Soft Aggregate: Yellow zone blades work for both medium-soft and soft aggregate. Blades rated for this zone work well for cutting stones like granite, hard limestone, limestone aggregates, and quartz.

So, when you know which zone you will be working in, you can choose the right early entry blade for that location.

Find Quality Early Entry Blades at Cost Cutting Blades

When you want it done right the first time, trust Cost Cutting Blades to give you the tools to make it happen. We stand behind our products with a 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can buy with confidence. And, if you have any questions about our products, give us a call at 504-581-8573 or contact us online. Let us help you find the right equipment for your next project.

Early Entry Blades: Everything You Need to Know

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Early entry blades are a contractor’s best friend for cutting concrete and aggregate. The right blade makes a huge difference. However, the wrong blade can cost you time and money—and even create problems down the line. Find out why early entry blades are so commonly used and how they help prevent concrete from cracking after pouring.

What Are Early Entry Blades?

Diamond early entry blades are designed for early sawing of contraction joints. This usually happens right after pouring concrete slabs. However, these blades also help reduce the risk of cracking in the poured concrete. Cracking concrete slabs can be a huge pain point for contractors. Early entry cuts can help reduce or eliminate these problems. The use of early entry blades allows contractors to pour concrete and cut in the same day.

Why Does Concrete Crack As It Sets?

Concrete begins to hydrate after pouring and then begins to set. As the concrete sets, it starts developing internal stress points. But it’s important to note that if these internal stress points are not addressed quickly, the concrete starts to crack. It does this on its own to relieve the stress. Unfortunately, these cracks are very random and lead to frustrating situations for contractors. However, using early entry cuts prevents this from happening by controlling where the cracks occur.

Here’s a quick idea of how this works:

  1. Contractors use an early entry blade to create control joints within a few hours of finishing.
  2. The concrete begins to set, and internal stress builds up.
  3. Uncut concrete begins to randomly crack to relieve stress.
  4. Cut concrete avoids random cracking and stress is relieved underneath the cuts.

By using early entry blades, contractors can cut joints in the green zone.  Usually, within the first few hours after finishing. Quickly making cuts prevents chipping and to control shrinkage cracking. With this, contractors create a stronger interlock and slab by providing a controlled area for cracking.

Early Entry Blade Aggregate Regions

There are different types of early entry blades for cutting various aggregates. The type of blade you choose depends on the material you’re cutting. There are region charts available that make it incredibly simple to select the type of blade you need.

  • Purple – Hard Aggregate: Purple zone blades work best for cutting hard aggregates. These types of blades are best for cutting flint and river rock aggregates.
  • Green – Medium/Hard Aggregate: Green zone blades cut medium-hard aggregates. They work best for cutting chert and river rock aggregates.
  • Orange – Medium Aggregate: Orange zone blades perform best on medium aggregate. These blades work best for trap rock, quartz, and hard granite aggregates.
  • Yellow – Medium/Soft Aggregate: Yellow zone blades work for both medium-soft and soft aggregate. Blades rated for this zone work well for cutting stones like granite, hard limestone, limestone aggregates, and quartz.

Need the Best Quality Diamond Blades? Choose CCB

When it comes to buying diamond blades online, you want the best quality possible. That’s why Cost Cutting Blades sells only the best quality blades at the best possible prices. We stand by all of our products and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for a reason. Additionally, we only sell blades that we’ve tested ourselves. If we wouldn’t use the blades ourselves, we won’t sell them.