Grinders & Scales

Distribution Tool

Levels the bed before the tamper goes in

Grind stage

Distribution Tool — illustrated reference plate

Specification
What it does	Levels the top of the dose and compresses it very lightly, so the tamper starts from a flat surface.
Depth setting	Adjustable, and it needs to be set for the basket. Too deep and it compacts the bed; too shallow and it does nothing.
Where it fits in the order	Grind → WDT → distribution tool → tamper. Used in place of the WDT it leaves clumps at the bottom of the basket.
Blade or flat	Flat discs level; bladed or curved profiles move coffee around. Flat is the safer default.
Not a replacement for levelling	A distribution tool set too deep will compress an uneven bed rather than fix it.
Material	Stainless with a ridged or knurled grip so it can be spun without slipping.

Overview

A flat disc on a depth-set shaft, spun across the basket to level the dose and set a consistent bed depth before tamping.

Espresso

Safety

Set the depth with the basket empty first. A tool set too deep pushes the basket base and can bend a thin basket.

Technical parameters

At a glance
Diameter	Matched to basket — 51 / 54 / 58 mm
Depth	Adjustable, set per basket
Face	Flat disc (default)
Order	After WDT, before tamper
Material	Stainless steel

What actually goes wrong

Set the depth so the disc just kisses the top of the dose.
Spin it once, evenly — repeated spinning with a deep setting over-compacts.
If shots got worse after you bought one, it is set too deep.

What it has to match up with

58 mm basket (or matching size)
WDT tool
Tamper

This guide is an independent educational reference. It is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your own equipment, and nothing here is sold, sponsored or endorsed by any brand.