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Company & General

Who are NIS Tools and what do they do?

NIS Tools is a professional industrial tools and supplies distributor specializing in high-performance products for General Construction, metalworking, Framing, manufacturing industries, and all other areas of Building and Maintenance. We provide extension cords, cutting tools, abrasives, diamond blades, grinding wheels, carbide tools, hand tools, lighting tools, and precision equipment to contractors, fabricators, and industrial facilities nationwide. With decades of combined industry experience, NIS Tools helps professionals find the right tools for demanding applications while offering competitive pricing and expert technical support.

NIS Tools brings over 50 years of combined experience in the industrial tools market, building strong relationships with leading manufacturers and thousands of satisfied customers across multiple industries. Our experience spans Contractors of all trades, metalworking, manufacturing, as well as specialty trades, giving us deep expertise in matching tools to specific applications and working conditions.

We serve any and all in the fields of general construction, metalworking, manufacturing, fabrication and welding, concrete cutting and foundations, stone and tile installers, automotive repair, industrial maintenance departments, landscaping, and specialty trade contractors. Our customers range from small independent shops to large industrial facilities and general contractors requiring high-volume tool supplies and specialty equipment.

NIS Tools is located in the Florida Panhandle with offices in Milton and Pensacola Florida and ships products nationwide throughout the United States. We serve customers from coast to coast, including Alaska and Hawaii  with fast shipping options and free shipping on most products. Our toll-free phone number (1-866-601-8105) makes it easy for customers anywhere in the country to get technical support, place orders, or ask questions about products and applications.

NIS Tools partners with over 100 vendors and carries premium industrial tool brands including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Irwin, Tenryu, Freud, Wood Owl, Continental Abrasives, Tru Cut, Century Wire & Cable, ACT Fasteners, RTC-Russo, Trimaco, ShuBee, Pro Cut, and Blu-mol, just to name a few. We work with manufacturers known for quality, durability, and performance in demanding professional applications. Our selection of products includes both industry-standard brands and specialized manufacturers for specific applications.

Yes, NIS Tools provides volume pricing discounts for contractors, shops, and facilities as well as providing smaller, single orders for smaller outfits and do-it-yourselfers. Customers can contact our sales team at 1-866-601-8105 for single orders, bulk pricing quotes, contractor accounts, and wholesale pricing information. NIS Tools works with all size orders for all types of customers to structure pricing that makes sense for their usage patterns and budget requirements.

NIS Tools combines deep technical expertise with responsive customer service and competitive pricing. We personally help customers select the right tools for specific applications. We sell products online for fast service and easy access but we also understand working conditions, material types, and performance requirements that affect tool selection. NIS Tools focuses on value – getting customers the right tool that performs well and lasts, rather than just the cheapest option. If you know exactly what you need, you can order online. If not, you can call us for help at 1-866-601-8105.

Yes, the NIS Tools team provides technical guidance for tool selection based on specific applications, materials, equipment, and working conditions. Whether our customers are cutting concrete, grinding metal, machining steel, or working with specialty materials, NIS Tools can help you choose the right tool specifications, grit sizes, bond types, and configurations for optimal performance and longevity. Contact us  at 1-866-601-8105 or via email for technical support.

You can contact NIS Tools by phone at 1-866-601-8105, email us at info@nistools.com or through the website contact form at nistools.com. Our knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions about products, pricing, availability, and technical applications. We respond to inquiries promptly and will work to get customers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.

We do not have a showroom, no. But customers can feel free to find whatever they need on our site nistools.com or call us at 1-866-601-8105, Monday through Friday from 6am – 8pm CST

Grinding Wheels

What types of grinding wheels does NIS Tools sell?

We offer a comprehensive selection of grinding wheels for various applications including surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool and cutter grinding, bench grinding, and portable angle grinder operations. Our inventory includes Type 1 straight wheels, Type 27 depressed center wheels, Type 28 depressed center wheels, Type 6 straight cup wheels, flap discs, cut-off wheels, and specialty grinding wheels for specific materials and applications.

Selecting the correct grinding wheel depends on several factors: the material you’re grinding (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, etc.), the type of operation (stock removal, precision grinding, finishing), your equipment specifications, and desired surface finish. Key specifications include abrasive type (aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, zirconia, ceramic), grit size, grade (hardness), bond type, and wheel structure. Our technical team can help you match these specifications to your specific needs.

Aluminum oxide grinding wheels are versatile and work well on steel, steel alloys, wrought iron, and tough bronzes. They’re the most common choice for general-purpose grinding. Silicon carbide wheels are harder and sharper but more brittle, making them ideal for grinding hard, brittle materials like cast iron, nonferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass), stone, rubber, and plastics. Silicon carbide also works well on materials with low tensile strength.

Grit size determines the finish and material removal rate. Coarse grits (16-24) remove material quickly but leave a rough finish – used for heavy stock removal and rough grinding. Medium grits (30-60) balance material removal and surface finish – used for general-purpose grinding. Fine grits (70-180) produce smooth finishes with slower material removal – used for precision work and finishing operations. Very fine grits (200+) are for very fine finishes and precision grinding.

Grade refers to the grinding wheel’s hardness – how strongly the bond holds the abrasive grains. Soft wheels (grades A-H) release grains more easily and are used for hard materials and large contact areas. Medium wheels (grades I-P) are general purpose. Hard wheels (grades Q-Z) hold grains longer and are used for soft materials, small contact areas, and where wheel life is important. Contrary to intuition, use softer wheels for harder materials.

It’s not recommended. Using the same wheel on different metals, especially switching between ferrous and non-ferrous materials, can cause contamination and poor results. Steel particles embedded in an aluminum surface can cause corrosion. Dedicated wheels for specific materials ensure better performance and avoid cross-contamination issues. If you work with multiple materials, maintain separate wheels for each.

It’s not recommended. Using the same wheel on different metals, especially switching between ferrous and non-ferrous materials, can cause contamination and poor results. Steel particles embedded in an aluminum surface can cause corrosion. Dedicated wheels for specific materials ensure better performance and avoid cross-contamination issues. If you work with multiple materials, maintain separate wheels for each.

Always inspect wheels for cracks or damage before use. Never exceed the maximum RPM marked on the wheel. Ensure the wheel is properly mounted with matching flanges. Use appropriate guards and personal protective equipment including safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, and dust mask. Allow new wheels to run at operating speed for one minute before grinding. Keep proper wheel-to-work rest distance (1/8″ or less). Never use side pressure on straight wheels.

Grinding wheel life depends on material being ground, wheel specifications, operating conditions, and application technique. Proper wheel selection extends life significantly. Wheels wear as abrasive grains dull and break away, exposing fresh grains. When a wheel stops cutting efficiently, loads up, or generates excessive heat, it needs dressing or replacement. Proper dressing can restore performance before complete replacement is necessary.

Type 27 depressed center wheels have a flat grinding face and are designed for grinding applications at a 25-35 degree angle. Type 28 depressed center wheels have a saucer-shaped grinding face and are designed for grinding at a 10-15 degree angle. Both mount on angle grinders, but the different shapes affect how you position the grinder and the type of contact with the workpiece.

Yes, we carry grinding wheels optimized for specific materials. Stainless steel requires wheels that resist heat and loading, typically using zirconia or ceramic aluminum oxide abrasives. Aluminum and other non-ferrous metals need silicon carbide wheels that stay sharp and resist loading. We can recommend the correct wheel specifications based on your specific material and application requirements.

Diamond Blades

What types of diamond blades does NIS Tools offer?

We carry diamond blades for cutting concrete, asphalt, masonry, stone, tile, and other hard materials. Our selection includes segmented blades for dry cutting, continuous rim blades for wet cutting, turbo blades for fast cutting with acceptable finishes, and specialty blades for specific materials like granite, porcelain, or reinforced concrete. Sizes range from 4″ handheld blades to 14″ and larger for walk-behind saws and large equipment.

Wet cutting diamond blades are designed for use with water, which cools the blade, reduces dust, and extends blade life. They typically have continuous rims or closely-spaced segments. Dry cutting blades have wider segments with larger gullets to dissipate heat through air cooling. While dry blades can be used wet (which extends their life), wet blades should never be used dry as they’ll overheat and fail quickly.

Concrete hardness determines blade selection. Green/fresh concrete (under 30 days old) is harder and more abrasive, requiring softer bond blades with harder diamonds. Cured concrete is easier to cut with harder bond blades. Consider whether you’re cutting reinforced concrete (requires undercut segments or special designs) or plain concrete. For general concrete work, a segmented blade with 10-12mm segments works well for most applications.

Bond refers to the metal matrix holding the diamonds. Soft bonds release diamonds faster and are used for hard, abrasive materials like granite or cured concrete. Hard bonds hold diamonds longer and are used for soft, abrasive materials like asphalt or green concrete. Medium bonds are general purpose. Using the wrong bond causes either premature diamond loss (bond too soft) or glazing where diamonds don’t cut (bond too hard).

Common causes include: blade glazing (diamonds covered by metal from hard bond), wrong blade for the material (bond too hard or soft), insufficient RPM for blade size, applying too much pressure, or worn-out diamonds. Try dressing the blade by making cuts in abrasive material to re-expose diamonds. Check that your saw RPM matches blade specifications. Reduce pressure and let the blade do the work. If diamonds are worn flush with the bond, the blade needs replacement.

Blade life varies significantly based on material hardness, reinforcement, blade quality, operating conditions, and technique. A quality 14″ blade might cut 50-100 feet of reinforced concrete or several thousand feet of asphalt. Proper technique extends life: maintain correct RPM, avoid excessive pressure, use water when specified, and avoid cutting rebar when possible. Lower-cost blades may cut 25-50% of what premium blades cut.

Asphalt is soft and sticky compared to concrete, so it requires blades with harder bonds specifically designed for asphalt. Using a concrete blade on asphalt causes rapid diamond wear and blade loading. Asphalt blades often have wider segments and more aggressive cutting action. If you cut both materials regularly, maintain separate blades for optimal performance and blade life.

Blade size must match your saw’s specifications. Common sizes include 4″ and 4.5″ for angle grinders, 7″ for handheld circular saws, 10″ and 12″ for masonry saws, 14″ for walk-behind saws, and larger sizes for road saws. Check your saw’s arbor size (center hole), maximum blade diameter, and required blade thickness. Never use a blade larger than your saw is rated for, as this is extremely dangerous.

Segmented blades have separate cutting segments with large gullets between them, ideal for dry cutting with good cooling and debris removal. Turbo blades have serrated rims that provide faster cutting than continuous rims with better finish than segmented blades. Continuous rim blades have no segments, producing the smoothest cuts but requiring water cooling. Choose based on whether you need speed, finish quality, or wet vs. dry cutting.

Yes, we carry diamond blades specifically for tile and porcelain. Porcelain tile is extremely hard and requires blades with continuous rims and fine diamond concentration for chip-free cuts. These blades must be used wet. We offer blades for both handheld grinders (4″, 4.5″, 5″) and tile saws (7″, 10″). Premium tile blades provide cleaner cuts and longer life on hard porcelain and natural stone.

Carbide Tools

What carbide cutting tools does NIS Tools sell?

We offer carbide end mills, carbide burrs (rotary files), carbide drill bits, carbide inserts for turning operations, carbide saw blades, carbide router bits, and solid carbide cutting tools for CNC and manual machining operations. Our carbide tools are used for metalworking, woodworking, plastics, composites, and other materials requiring durability and precision. We carry both standard sizes and specialty configurations for specific applications.

Carbide tools maintain hardness at much higher temperatures than high-speed steel, allowing faster cutting speeds and feeds. Carbide wears much slower, especially in abrasive materials, providing longer tool life – often 10-50 times longer than HSS in the right applications. Carbide maintains sharp cutting edges longer and holds tighter tolerances. However, carbide is more brittle and more expensive than HSS, making material selection important based on application requirements.

Solid carbide tools like end mills and drill bits can be professionally sharpened, though this requires specialized grinding equipment with diamond wheels. Many shops replace smaller carbide tools rather than sharpen them due to sharpening costs. Indexable carbide inserts are replaced when dull, not sharpened. Carbide router bits and some carbide saw blades can be sharpened by specialized services. Weigh replacement cost against sharpening cost to determine the economical approach.

Solid carbide tools are made entirely from carbide material, offering maximum wear resistance and performance but at higher cost. They’re used for precision work, high-speed machining, and abrasive materials. Carbide-tipped tools have carbide cutting edges brazed to a steel body, providing carbide performance at lower cost. They’re common for saw blades, router bits, and some drill bits where the entire tool doesn’t need to be carbide.

Common carbide tool coatings include TiN (titanium nitride, gold color) for general purpose and increased hardness, TiCN (titanium carbonitride, blue-gray) for increased hardness and lower friction, TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride, purple-gray) for high-temperature applications and increased oxidation resistance, and AlTiN (aluminum titanium nitride) for very high-speed machining. Coatings extend tool life 200-500% in many applications and allow increased cutting parameters.

Carbide’s brittleness makes it prone to chipping or breaking under impact, vibration, or improper use. Prevent breakage by: using rigid setups with minimal overhang, maintaining sharp tools, using proper speeds and feeds, avoiding interrupted cuts when possible, using climb milling instead of conventional milling, ensuring adequate coolant or lubrication, programming smooth tool paths without sudden direction changes, and choosing appropriate geometries for your application.

Carbide tools run at much higher speeds than HSS – typically 2-3 times faster for steel and even higher for softer materials. Exact parameters depend on tool diameter, material being cut, depth of cut, and desired finish. General starting points: Steel (200-600 SFM), Stainless (150-400 SFM), Aluminum (800-2000 SFM), but verify with tool manufacturer recommendations. Feeds depend on chip load per tooth and number of flutes. Start conservative and increase based on results and tool wear.

Carbide benefits from proper cooling and lubrication, though requirements vary by application. Flood coolant works well for most machining operations. Mist cooling or air blast cooling can work for some applications. Harder materials like stainless steel or titanium require good cooling. Some coated carbide tools can run dry in appropriate applications. Avoid coolant thermal shock of hot carbide tools, as this can cause cracking. Cutting oils work well for threading and broaching operations.

Carbide tools cut virtually all metals including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, titanium, and nickel alloys. They also cut wood, MDF, plywood, plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composites. Carbide is especially advantageous for abrasive materials, high-production runs, and applications requiring long tool life or high removal rates. Tool geometry and grade must match material characteristics for optimal performance.

Store carbide tools in protective cases, dividers, or foam inserts to prevent tools from contacting each other. Keep tools clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion. Avoid dropping tools or subjecting them to impact. Store in a consistent temperature environment to avoid thermal stress. For precision tools, store in climate-controlled areas. Inspect tools before use for chips or damage. Proper storage significantly extends carbide tool life and maintains cutting edge integrity.

Abrasives & Sandpaper

What types of abrasive products does NIS Tools carry?

We carry abrasive belts, sanding discs, flap discs, flap wheels, rolls and sheets, wire brushes, non-woven abrasives (Scotch-Brite type), polishing compounds, and specialty abrasives for specific applications. Our selection includes aluminum oxide, zirconia, ceramic, and silicon carbide abrasives in grits from very coarse (24-40) to very fine (320+). Products fit standard hand tools, bench equipment, and industrial machinery.

Aluminum oxide is economical and works well for wood, metal, and general purpose applications. Zirconia alumina is more aggressive and lasts longer on metal, ideal for carbon steel and stainless steel grinding with higher pressure. Ceramic alumina (including engineered ceramics) is premium, self-sharpening, runs cooler, and lasts longest – best for production grinding and demanding applications. Cost increases with performance: aluminum oxide < zirconia < ceramic.

Very coarse (24-40 grit) for heavy material removal and rough grinding. Coarse (50-60 grit) for moderate stock removal and rough sanding. Medium (80-100 grit) for general sanding and light stock removal. Fine (120-180 grit) for finishing, sanding and smoothing. Very fine (220-320 grit) for final finish and between coats. Extra fine (400+ grit) for wet sanding and polishing. Progress through grits – don’t skip more than one grit level for best results.

Life depends on abrasive type, material being worked, pressure applied, and belt/disc speed. Quality ceramic abrasives last 3-10 times longer than aluminum oxide. Harder materials wear abrasives faster. Excessive pressure actually reduces life by loading and dulling abrasives. Proper speed is critical – too slow or too fast reduces life. Watch for glazing (shiny appearance) or loading (material buildup) as signs to change abrasives even if backing isn’t worn through.

Closed coat abrasives have abrasive grains covering the entire backing surface (100% coverage), providing aggressive cutting action and longer life on hard materials. Open coat abrasives have 40-70% grain coverage with space between grains, preventing loading (clogging) when sanding soft materials, painted surfaces, or sticky materials like wood with high resin content. Choose based on material: closed coat for metal and hard materials, open coat for wood and soft materials.

Ordering & Shipping

How do I place an order with NIS Tools?

You can order online through our website at nistools.com, call us at 1-866-601-8105, or email us at info@nistools.com For online orders, browse products, add items to cart, and proceed to checkout. For phone orders, our staff can help you find products, verify specifications, check availability, and place your order. For regular customers, we can set up accounts with invoicing and purchase order options.

We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank wire transfers, and company checks. For established business customers, we offer net-15 payment terms with approved credit applications. Purchase orders are accepted from qualified business accounts. All online orders require payment at time of order unless you have an established account with approved terms.

Most in-stock orders ship within 1-2 business days. Orders placed before noon typically ship the same day. Shipping time depends on your location and selected shipping method. Standard ground shipping typically delivers in 3-7 business days. Expedited options (2-day, overnight) are available for urgent orders. Special order items or out-of-stock products may require additional lead time – we’ll notify you of expected shipping dates. Your best bet is to call us with any special shipping requests at 1-866-601-8105.

We offer free shipping on all orders in the lower 8 states! If you are in Alaska or Hawaii, call us at 1-866-601-8105 to see if your order is valid for free freight or, if not, what the best freight methods and costs might be.

We ship to Canada and select international destinations. International shipping costs, taxes, delivery times, and import duties vary by country. Contact us at 1-866-601-8105 for international shipping quotes and requirements. Note that some products may have shipping restrictions to certain countries.

Products can be returned within 30 days of purchase with prior authorization. Contact us for return authorization before shipping items back. Defective products will be replaced or refunded. Custom orders, cut materials, and certain products may not be returnable. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless the return is due to our error or defective product.

Yes, we offer 2-day and overnight shipping options for time-sensitive orders. Additional shipping charges apply for expedited services. For critical needs, contact us directly and we’ll do our best to accommodate your timeline requirements.

Yes, once your order ships, you’ll receive a paid invoice for your records followed by a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order ships. Use this number to track your package through the carrier’s website. If you don’t receive tracking information within 3 business days of ordering, please contact us.

Inspect packages upon delivery. If shipping damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt and photograph the damage. Contact us immediately about damaged shipments. We’ll file carrier claims and arrange replacement or refund. Do not discard damaged items or packaging until we’ve documented the damage. We stand behind our products and will make things right if items arrive damaged.

We sell most items by the box or by the case. For smaller orders, or combined item orders, feel free to call us at 1-866-601-8105 and we will put your order together for you!

Technical & Applications

Can you help me select the right tool for my specific application?

Yes, our technical team can help you select tools based on your material, equipment, desired finish, production requirements, and working conditions. Call us at 1-866-601-8105 or email us at info@nistools.com with details about your application: what material you’re cutting/grinding, your equipment specifications, current problems you’re experiencing, and what results you need. We’ll recommend appropriate products and specifications for your needs.

For best assistance, provide: material you’re working with, current tool or product you’re using, specific problem you’re experiencing, your equipment model and specifications, desired outcome or finish, and any photos that show the issue. The more details you provide, the better we can diagnose issues and recommend solutions. Don’t worry if you don’t know all technical terms – describe what you’re trying to do and we’ll figure it out.

Yes, Safety Data Sheets are available for products that require them. Access SDS documents through our website product pages, or contact us to request specific SDS documents. We maintain current SDS for all products requiring safety documentation. For workplace safety compliance, we can provide SDS documentation for all chemicals and materials as required by OSHA regulations.

Our grinding wheels fit standard bench grinders, angle grinders, surface grinders, and cylindrical grinders from all major manufacturers including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Metabo, and others. Diamond blades fit saws from Husqvarna, Stihl, Norton, MK Diamond, and more. Carbide tools work in CNC machines, mills, lathes, and routers from Haas, Bridgeport, Mazak, and other equipment manufacturers. If you need to verify compatibility, provide your equipment model and we’ll confirm fit.

We provide application guidance and best practices recommendations for the products we sell. Our staff can advise on proper speeds, feeds, techniques, and safety procedures. We don’t provide formal training courses, but we’re happy to discuss proper usage and answer questions. Many of our product manufacturers also provide technical documentation and videos that we can direct you to. Safety should always be your first priority – follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.