aging grinder question

[headdoctor]

I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered a million times. I have a Space Case grinder that I've loved and used for a few years now. Lately it doesn't seem to be doing the job, and I can't tell if it's the material or the grinder. Do grinders wear down and need replacement every so often, or is it more likely that my materials are not dry enough and thus don't get ground up as well?

Thanks.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered a million times. I have a Space Case grinder that I've loved and used for a few years now. Lately it doesn't seem to be doing the job, and I can't tell if it's the material or the grinder. Do grinders wear down and need replacement every so often, or is it more likely that my materials are not dry enough and thus don't get ground up as well?

Thanks.

When was the last time you cleaned it?

Yes the metal on a grinder can wear down over time, but it should take a LONG time with any name brand grinder (cheap off-brand grinders with low quality aluminum might wear out faster). The best way to bring it back to life is to properly clean it.

Here's an awesome video by @Vitolo on how to clean your grinder

 

[howie105]

After years of heavy use it could be showing its age, hard to tell without seeing the grinder. My suggestion dry a load out more then normal and run it through. In the interim get out the trusty pill bottle and coins. Good Luck

 

[max]

Wear? Yes, but not a lot unless you're grinding stems. Need replacement every so often? Not really. I've got a couple of grinders (not even pricey ones) I've been using for almost 10 years, and they both still do a good job.

is it more likely that my materials are not dry enough and thus don't get ground up as well?

A brand new grinder (any brand) won't give you a really fine grind if the herb isn't dry, while even an old cheap one can easily turn dry bud into powder. If your SC is only a few years old then I'd say it still has lots of mileage left. With a grinder you just need edges, not necessarily really sharp ones.

 

[DDave]

I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered a million times. I have a Space Case grinder that I've loved and used for a few years now. Lately it doesn't seem to be doing the job, and I can't tell if it's the material or the grinder. Do grinders wear down and need replacement every so often, or is it more likely that my materials are not dry enough and thus don't get ground up as well?

Thanks.

I've not yet had a grinder wear out, but haven't used any single one as long as you report. I would bet after time, like any other blade, they would wear out a bit or dull.

Before tossing it though, advise a good cleaning... maybe it's just clogged up (even if you can't see a layer of resin on it).

 

[PurpleDazed]

I have 2 space case grinders and i love them one is a 4 piece and the other a 2 piece. I have noticed that it is easier to grind drier herb buds than fresher buds. but that is synonimus with all grinders.
Due to living in a non legal state I get my bud in quantity and need to stretch it out. And have found that storing my bud in CanaVaults keeps the bud from getting bone dry and keeps it nice over the months its stored for. but if you are trying to grind "Fresh Bud" off the stalk that will mess up any grinder, due to the moisture in fresh bud it makes the grinder harder to turn, the moisture will cling to the grinder and get the grinder gummed up and will reguire to be cleaned.
so... as to grinders not being as sharp as new sure with consistent use it might not be as sharp as it was new but if you keep it from getting gummed up it should perform for many more years to come.

 

[stickstones]

a good cleaning should be the first step

 

[headdoctor]

Okay: THANKS. I do try to keep it clean, but I'll begin there and give it a good cleaning. Thanks for the cool video, @Ratchett--it even looks like the same grinder that I've got. And though I've cleaned mine plenty of times, I never knew there is a gasket or ring on it. I'm guessing the cleaning and drier material will do the trick.

As always, thanks to FC for being such a great support!

 

[MinnBobber]

When was the last time you cleaned it?

Like Ratchett and others have said, try cleaning.
My SCS 3 piece was not noticeably dirty/ sticky but ground bud was starting to not fall thru the holes to the bottom. Just for grins I cleaned it and , voila, perfect grind AND it falls thru like it's supposed to.