The 9 Best Rock Tumbler Grits

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in October of 2018. It's not often that a hobby is educational, fun for all ages, and not terribly expensive to get into, but collecting and polishing stones definitely ticks all these boxes. After you invest in your machine, you'll need rock tumbler grits, which are the media that help grind, shape, and shine those items to perfection. We've got a variety for you here, including all-inclusive kits. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. National Geographic Refill Kit

You can't ask for something much easier to use or store than the National Geographic Refill Kit (about $23), which offers four courses in well-labeled, reclosable jars. And as a bonus, they are priced appropriately for the packaging and quality, making them a great value.

Enough for 8 to 10 pounds of rocks
Works with any tumbler brand
Around 3 pounds of product in total

2. Polly Plastics Media

If you'll be working with delicate stones that can bruise, the Polly Plastics Media (about $30) pack is a fine choice, since it not only comes with a complete range of grit but also plastic filler that will cushion your more fragile items.

Made in the usa
Resealable plastic bags
Clear instructions for beginners

3. The Original Thumler's Accessories Pack

Your budget shouldn't hold you back from enjoying this fascinating hobby, and thanks to The Original Thumler's Accessories Pack (about $13), it won't. It comes with 4 ounces each of coarse and fine as well as 2 ounces each of pre-polish and polish.

12 ounces of product in total
From a respected brand
Good for about 3 pounds of rocks

4. Lortone Abrasive Kit

Any experienced rock hounds will probably recognize the name, and don't worry, the Lortone Abrasive Kit (around $48) lives up to the company's reputation for excellence. You'll get four stages, including both coarse and fine silicon carbide abrasives.

Can handle up to 14 pounds of stones
Sealed in durable containers
A somewhat expensive option

5. RTumbler LLC Professional Grade

With your 3-pound tumbler and this RTumbler LLC Professional Grade (about $13), you'll have everything you need for one full four-course round of tumbling — well, everything except the stones, that is. Each course is premeasured for your convenience.

Good for beginners
Stages are labelled clearly
Very small amount of product

6. Polly Plastics Pellets

You won't always need filler beads, but for when you're working with more fragile items, this 2-pound bag of Polly Plastics Pellets (about $18) should do the trick. They're made from virgin polypropylene, are completely nontoxic, and won't leave a residue.

Ships in tough reclosable bag
Also dampens tumbling noise
Seems overpriced to some

7. Fundamental Rockhound Very Fine

Although a set can be helpful, you may find that sometimes you need more time in one stage or another, which is where the Fundamental Rockhound Very Fine (around $9) comes in. This 1-pound bag gives you the option of running extra-fine cycles on your more stubborn stones.

Made from a size 500 silicon carbide
Other grit choices available
Graded aaa quality

8. Rock Shed Products Grit Pack

The creators of the Rock Shed Products Grit Pack (about $22) have tried to make your hobby time as stress-free as possible by including both helpful instructions and a tip sheet, welcome touches for true beginners. You'll also get all four stages plus 1 pound of plastic pellets.

Aluminum oxide polish
A bargain for the amount
Bags have no sealing mechanism

9. Tru-Square No. 304

Sometimes simple is your best bet, and the Tru-Square No. 304 (about $32) is a fine option for anyone seeking a straightforward four-grit kit. Unfortunately, the bags cannot be closed up again once they've been opened, so you might need to find some empty jars.

From coarse to polish consistencies
Includes 3 pounds total
Product weight is off occasionally

Last updated by Melissa Harr

Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.

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