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The Diamagroove Boxer dog nail grinder promises superiority, but is it worth the hefty price tag? Get the pros and cons of the Diamagroove here…
Should You Buy the Diamagroove Boxer?
Perhaps you have seen the fancy advertisements and promising claims about the Diamagroove Boxer dog nail grinder for cutting dog nails.
You may be asking, “Is the Diamagroove™ worth the money?” or “Is the Diamagroove™ cooler than a normal Dremel bit?”
In this post, you will learn the answers to those questions with my honest review of this product.
I received the Diamagroove Boxer from my sweet husband for Christmas and feel compelled to share with you my initial thoughts about this dog nail grinder.
This is NOT a sponsored review, nor is it meant to answer every question you may have.
It is simply an honest review of my personal experience using this diamond bit, from the first year when this post was originally written, until today in 2022.
As with all of the content here on Big Dog Mom, my goal is to share my thoughts and experiences as a big dog parent to empower, educate and inspire you. And to, on occasion, share a few useful resources along the way.
Cutting Dog Nails Can Be a Struggle
In the spirit of getting your dog’s nails to a healthy length, it really doesn’t matter which tool you use. As long as you are trimming them regularly, that is what matters.
For those that know me, I can be a little dogmatic when it comes to cutting dog nails. I admit it.
Right up there with my hot buttons of taxes and entitlements, are long dog nails.
Let me put it this way, growing long nails on an otherwise gorgeous paw is like painting the Mona Lisa with a milk mustache. Eeeww!
I empathize with those of you for whom cutting your dog’s nails is a real struggle. I get it.
I was there too not that long ago. If you are in this group and would like a more step-by-step “how-to” approach to cutting your dog’s nails, read How to Cut Dog Nails Stress-Free And Have Your Dog Actually Enjoy It and the other posts in my nail cutting series which address signs of stress, dog nail bleeding, consequences of dog nails being too long, and the top 7 myths about cutting dog nails.
Does Your Dog enjoy nail trims?
In my course, Dog Nailpro™, I teach you how to cut your dog’s nails without force, fear, or frustration. Join the waitlist today and get a FREE printable to get you started!
Dog Nail Grinders Win!
In preparation for this post, I reached out to the Big Dog Mom Facebook audience to see what equipment they were using for cutting their dog’s nails.
The overwhelming majority of folks are using a Dremel.
Out of 81 people who voted, 63 are using a Dremel while 18 are using a traditional dog nail clipper.
In addition, several people commented that their use of a Dremel or clipper was completely dependent on specific dogs and based on how well they tolerate the sound of the Dremel.
![Is the Diamagroove Boxer Worth Its Hefty Price Tag? [Review] The Diamagroove Boxer dog nail grinder promises superiority, but is it worth the hefty price tag? Get the pros and cons of the Diamagroove here…](https://bigdogmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Untitled-design-93.png)
Dremel 8220 (Cordless)
This is my Dremel of choice now that the Dremel MICRO is no longer on the market. This one is a little bigger than the MICRO, but still comfortable for trimming dog nails with one hand.
Dremel 4000 (Electric)
This kit includes the electric Dremel 4000 with a flex attachment to make trimming nails a breeze!
Advantages of the Diamagroove™
Diamagroove™ is Significantly Cooler
The first time I put the Diamagroove bit on and used it, it seemed very warm to me.
In fact, by the time I transitioned to my second dog, it was almost too hot for me to hold comfortably. That was even with using a flexible shaft attachment for my Dremel.
Perhaps I didn’t have the bit inserted correctly or something wasn’t quite tight enough.
It makes sense to me that faulty insertion of the bit would increase friction and, as a result, cause it to heat up.
Fortunately, the dogs didn’t seem to mind so my guess is their nails stayed at least as cool as they did with the traditional bit.
Interestingly, since those first few sessions with the Diamagroove, I have not experienced heat anything like this.
In fact, the flexible shaft attachment that I hold on to has been completely cool to the touch the last few times I have cut nails and the bit itself stays cool which translates to less heat on the dog’s nail.
This, for me, has been one of the most significant advantages of the Diamagroove™.
The Diamagroove is Efficient
One thing I love about using a dog nail grinder is my ability to get very close to the quick of the nail without actually nicking it and causing the nail to bleed.
Because the Diamagroove™ stays so much cooler, I have been able to take my time getting Junior’s and Sulley’s nails cut.
I usually keep the speed on my Dremel between 10,000-15,000 RPM due to the increased sound at the faster speeds. I have found that with the Diamagroove I am able to more quickly cut the boys’ nails at the same speed.
And because it stays cooler than my old bit, I am able to take my time to shape and grind the nail close to the quick without hitting it.
Durability of the Diamagroove™
Because I trim nails once per week, my Dremel bits get pretty worn out.
With a traditional Dremel bit, you can see the wear on the sandpaper as you are cutting the nail. And over time these bits need to be replaced.
In the short time, I’ve been using the Diamagroove Boxer I have not seen any wear on it whatsoever.
Testimonials from fellow big dog friends who have been using the Diamagroove for over a year have supported the company’s claim that it will outlast other rotary tools or dog nail grinders. I am excited to test out this claim myself over the next few years!
2023 Update
After using the Diamagroove™ for over 6 years, with regular cleaning, it has remained in LIKE-NEW condition with no visible wear that I can see. I could NOT be more impressed and happy with this investment!
Diamagroove™ Boxer Model
This model has a concave design and grit all the way to the tip.
It is specially designed to polish/grind the topside of the dog nail as well as grind the end of the nail making it a terrific option for dog groomers, dog breeders, and anyone who wants healthy short nails and gorgeous paws.
The combination of the Diamagroove and the flexible shaft attachment has made the entire experience of cutting big dogs’ nails easy and efficient.
Made In the USA!
The Diamagroove™ is manufactured by Whitman Sharpening located in Michigan. I seek to support USA-made products whenever I can, so for me, this is an enormous plus!
Disadvantages of the Diamagroove™
Cost is Very High
The cost of the Diamagroove™ is $150.
You heard me right, $150, for a dog nail grinder bit.
You may be tempted to hit the back button right now, but let me explain why I feel this bit is worth the investment.
First, dog nails should be a priority.
Keeping your dog’s nails at a healthy length not only looks better, but it’s also better for them.
Long dog nails can cause pain both from compensated movement and from the nail being pushed up into the nail bed.
These are HUGE issues, especially for large and giant breed dogs.
Second, for those fellow left brains out there, here’s how I like to think about this type of investment:
The total cost is $150.
If you divide that by 12 months in a year, the Diamagroove Boxer would cost you $12.50 per month.
I grind dog nails at least once per week.
So if I take that $12.50 and divide it by, say, 4 weeks per month, that equals $3.13.
With that number in mind, think about what else you spend $3.13 on each week; Starbucks, fast food, or even random toys or treats for your dog.
Perhaps there is room in your budget to eliminate one small item per week in order to start your Diamagroove™ fund?
Is the Diamagroove Boxer Worth the Money?
I wanted the Diamagroove™ for several years before I got one and so far I am really happy with it.
Junior and Sulley seem to enjoy the cooler bit and more efficient nail grinding which are the most important metrics for me.
But given the substantial financial investment, I am interested to see how well it holds up over time and how that compares with the traditional bits that come with the Dremel.
Updated 2023
I remain extraordinarily impressed with the quality and performance of the Diamagroove Dremel bit!
With regular cleaning, it has withstood over five years of weekly grinding on two giant breed dogs. And, as the founder of the Dog Nailpro™ Method, and someone very particular about the health of my dog’s nails and the process of grinding dog nails, this is not an easy standard to meet.
Add to that, my frugal nature and desire to save money where I can, investing $150 on a dog nail grinder was not an easy decision for our family.
Thankfully, the hefty price tag of the Diamagroove Boxer has been well worth the investment!
Stephanie – big dog mom
Summary
Do you have a Diamagroove™ Rotary Tool?
If so, I would love to know how my experience compares with your own. If you don’t have one, would you consider getting one? Why or why not? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below.
![Mastiff 101: What is an English Mastiff? [And Why It Matters]](https://bigdogmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/English-Mastiff-8.jpg)
That’s a serious dremel. Makes mine look like a child’s toy. I’ll definitely have to check that out!
Haha! Thank you, Hannah! It’s a powerful Dremel for a couple of huge dogs. 🙂
The thought of clipping my dog’s nails terrifies me! We have a fabulous groomer that does them for me. She’s further away now that we’ve moved. I might have to look into this option.
You are not alone, Sadie. Many people get anxious over the thought of cutting their dog’s nails. I’m sure with a little practice you would be able to do them just as well, if not better, than your groomer.
Just last week I shadowed our dog trainer on a therapy dog visit. While we were waiting for the session to begin, she showed me her dog’s nails. I was touching Wrigley’s paws in awe! They were so smooth, which is important for a therapy visit. She clips and hones all of her dogs’ nails!
I just don’t think I can do it. I’m too nervous right now. Maybe some day when Bernie and Lizzie aren’t as energetic, and I’ve had one-on-one tutoring. I will be saving this post, though, for that future reference.
Paying “more” for the Diamagroove makes sense to me. You’re someone who’s going to use it regularly, and you expect quality results. Sometimes I scratch my head when I hear people expecting things for free and then balking at the quality.
I couldn’t agree more, Irene! I am sure your trainer would be more than happy to provide you with some one-on-one tutoring so you can learn how to cut them without fear or anxiety. If she won’t, I’m happy to help as well. 🙂
I clip my cats’ nails on a regular basis, but they are small and white, so I can see the quick. I’m afraid to trim my mom’s dog’s nails because his nails are black. He would never stay still for the diamagroove.
That’s great that you are cutting your cats’ nails. I would love to see a video of that. Are they pretty tolerant of being held and clipped?
It seems like a big expense up front, but if it works well, I think it is a great investment! Your dogs’ nails look great.
Thank you so much, Beth! Yes, so far I do believe the quality is there to justify the investment.
The Diamagroove sounds like a great tool! I’ll admit that I’ve never once trimmed our dog’s nails at home. We take him regularly to the vet and/or groomer to have it done. But if we ever wanted to do it at home, this sounds like a good tool.
Thank you, Rachel!
At 3.5 pounds I fear something like this would just shred through the tiny little white nail! I do totally agree 100% with your stance on keeping nails good and short. It’s funny but every dog has their “thing”. I can do everything for Montecristo: brush, bathe, ears, teeth brushing … everything. But cut his nails? He is SUCH a Divo! He goes every 3 weeks to a groomer – it takes literally 5 minutes or less but … for some reason when they do it there is no drama. Ah well … win some loose some. And no … there has never ever ever been any incident 9wick cut or anything like that). No idea where this “throw the head back and howl to the moon” reaction came from. LOL
Haha! Well, at least you know his reaction is through no fault of yours. I’m happy he’s getting them done regularly at the groomers and that it’s a non-event for him.
Here you show some of the details of how to use a Dremel to grind a dog’s nails. I did not know how to use it. But through this blog, I got to know about it. Thanks for sharing one of the best blogs on this.
Thank you so much, AnneMarie. I’m so happy this was helpful for you.
It’s October now, how has your Diamagroove held up? I have wanted one for a while for our two Great Danes but didn’t want to spend the money.
I haven’t noticed it change much since I bought it. I love it! I haven’t taken it off of my Dremel and that’s the only bit I use for my once weekly trims. I definitely still recommend it. 🙂
Hi! I love the Diamagroove. I am using mine on 5 pound toy poodles with black and dark brown nails. Blowing the residue off the Diamagroove. You really do need to clean it properly. The brass brush and Diamakleen really do make a difference.
Dremel, Dremel, Dremel and everything is working fine. Then you clean the Diamagroove and Dremel and OMG! what a difference! Yes, it’s another cost, but it really makes a difference.
Diamakleen is a Whitman’s product and it’s possible that you must buy it from them.
Mine is almost 2 years old and there is no sign of wear. I really love this tool!
Karen
Thank you, Karen! I couldn’t agree more! I love my Diamagroove Dremel bit and believe it is well worth the added cost compared to the traditional Dremel bits that come standard with the tool I have to admit that I didn’t order any cleaner with mine as it was a gift. I will definitely check this out. Thank you!
I’m very interested in buying one, not sure which attachment would be best though for Great Danes and a dalmatian – Pinnacle or Boxer? Fine, Medium or Standard?
Hi Gill! I use the Medium grit Boxer version because that is all that was available when I got mine. If your dog’s nails are very long and overgrown, I would probably opt for a coarser grit because that will be better for taking the length down. The more fine grit is just for smoothing out, not actually taking length off. I have found the medium grit to be perfectly suitable for both of those objectives. Hope this helps!
Sounds like a wonderful investment for a groomer, especially! I’m considering gifting one to our groomer for the upcoming holiday. Is there a way you can update your experience? Has it lasted through 2020? I’m so ready to click “Buy”, but want this to be a special gift. Not something she throws in a drawer.
Thank you, Melissa! Yes, I haven’t looked back since the day I got it. I love it and can’t imagine not having it. 🙂 I hope that helps.
I just ordered my diamagroove boxer standard. I also ordered the dremel 8050 micro just to fit the tip. I have a Pyredoodle and one reason I decided on the diamagroove is because of her long hair, even on her feet and this will not tangle in the hair, which is very important to me. I only shave the bottom of her pads and trim around the top of the paw. I’ve had 2 bad experiences with groomers and she is very sensitive, so I’ll do it myself. I’m looking forward to seeing how well this works for her. I’ll let you know. I know the price is high but then again I pay 30.00 a month to have someone else do just her nails and she leaves shaking.
Which bit size would you recommend for a small Sheltie?
Hi! I have a question. I just bought the Boxer Standard for my Ridgeback. I was surprised when it arrived because it felt rather smooth. When I used it the first time, I was disappointed that it was actually less effective than my old sandpaper bits. I called Whitman’s and they said it may be possible that I need the “coarse” which they don’t advertise on the Boxer because it is rather aggressive. I was wondering if anybody has had a problem like this, and if you have changed to the coarse. They did offer to exchange the Standard for the Coarse with me only paying for shipping, so I’m trying to decide whether or not to exchange. As it is, it surely isn’t doing the job to make it worth $170
I’m very interested in how you are able to keep your dogs so relaxed during nail trims. Our female mastiff absolutely hates getting her nails trimmed. It takes both my husband and I to get the job done. We’ve tried doing 2 nails a day or all of them every other week. She will pull her paw back just as I’m going to clip. I’ve hit the quick so many times I’ve lost track. Now, we take her to our kennel’s groomer to trim them every 2 weeks but they never seem to get any shorter. I would cut them myself if I could get her to relax. We didn’t get her until she was 4 1/2 months and although she will let me handle her paws and nails, bring out the clipper and she looks for a place to hide. Looking forward to your class.