A GRS wheel is a high quality long lasting diamond plated wheel manufactured in the United States using brand name commercial industrial diamonds in an EPA approved plating facility. With proper care, these wheels will provide years of sharpening use. The number one killer of a plated wheel is abuse. Damage can occur to the plated surface in a variety of ways, some helpful hints are suggested below.

• Always use your diamond wheel on a machine made for this type of technology. The PowerHone runs at 400 rpm by design, as this keeps the tool cool when sharpening and lessens the chance of premature wear to the diamond itself.
• When sharpening a tool on the wheel, always grind in the direction of rotation, not against it, especially when cutting a high face or clearance angle on the tool. This prevents the tool from "kicking" into the wheel surface which can cause damage to the wheel and yourself.
• Periodically wash your wheels to keep the grinding debris from filling the areas around the diamond crystals. When swarf (debris) builds up enough to match the same height as the surrounding crystals, the wheel no longer performs correctly because it is basically smooth.
Fill a bucket or tub with hot, soapy water, just enough to cover the entire wheel ( a good quality grease-cutting dish detergent is suggested). Allow them to soak for 5 minutes, then gently scrub with a bristle brush. If lap is excessively dirty, use a Comet type cleanser and lightly sprinkle on the wet lap. Give the cleanser about 5 minutes to allow the bleach to work, then lightly scrub it with the bristle brush. (Note: Do not use a wire brush of any kind as this may damage or load the wheel back up with swarf) Rinse well with hot water and allow to air dry. If done on a regular basis, the debris will be easier to remove. NOTE: Do not use high flash point solvents or chemicals to clean the wheel surface.
• Never "crowd" the wheel when sharpening. Pressing down against the wheel to make it sharpen faster will also wear the diamond faster. Another reason not to press down so hard is graver deflection can occur, which changes the angles you are trying to cut. A gentle hand is always an accurate hand.
• Diamond spray should never be used on diamond wheels as it forces the loose spray diamond crystals against bonded wheel crystals and will accelerate wear to the wheel. It will also cause debris build up which will slow the wheel's ability to remove material.