Product Description
The ARO® Manual WDT v2 is an ultra-premium, magnetically dockable distribution tool engineered for baristas who want full control over puck prep without the clutter and compromises of typical WDT tools. Built from contoured anodized aluminum with a redesigned, tool-free pin system, v2 delivers cleaner storage, easier pin changes, dual pin diameters, and a fully customizable pin pattern so you can tune feel, coverage, and workflow.
WDT is about breaking clumps and redistributing density before tamping. The ARO Manual WDT v2 lets you choose a narrower or wider, more splayed pin layout and experiment with pin count and diameter/stiffness to match your grinder, basket size, and preferred technique. The result is a more uniform puck that supports more consistent water flow during extraction.
Key Features
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Upgraded Storage (Stand or Mount): Choose heavy formed-steel stand or a magnetic wall mount for secure, suspended storage. The handle includes an embedded magnet so the tool docks magnetically to either option.
- Steel Stand Option: Thick, durable formed steel with a satin black powder coat and a thick silicone base pad for scratch protection and grip.
- Magnetic Wall Mount Option: Durable additively manufactured plastic mount designed to be non-scratch when used on or near your machine.
- Contoured Anodized Aluminum Handle: Ergonomic handle shape designed to match ARO's signature aesthetics while remaining easy to grip and manipulate. Features a durable, scratch-resistant anodized finish.
- Flexible Press-In Pin Holder (No Tools Required): Pins press in and pull out by hand. Tweezers are included to assist with insertion and removal.
- Dual Pin Patterns (Wide or Narrow): The flexible pin holder supports both wide and narrow pin layouts using a two-ring pattern plus center hole. Choose a tighter pattern for smaller baskets or a wider splay for larger baskets, then fine-tune feel and coverage by mixing pin count and location.
- Dual Pin Diameters Included (Mix and Match): Includes 10x 0.25mm pins and 10x 0.35mm pins. Mix diameters to tune stiffness and feel, or alternate pin sizes for a balance of gentle slicing and effective clump breaking.
- Extended-Length, Flared Pin Geometry: Extra-long pins with intentional outward flare reach fully into deep baskets and dosing cups to promote faster, more efficient distribution with fewer passes.
- Flat-Tipped Stainless Steel Pins: Custom flat-tipped pins reduce basket scratching and snagging compared to sharp needle ends. Safer for portafilter baskets and hands.
- Premium Materials and Finishes: Precision machined aluminum handle with a durable, scratch-resistant anodized satin finish, paired with high-quality powder-coated steel stand. Stainless steel pins resist corrosion, while engineered polymers are used where flexibility, durability, and non-marring contact are required.
Set-Up and Usage Instructions
Insert Pins: It is recommended to start with 9 pins using the center hole plus either the outer ring for wider 57mm to 58mm baskets or the inner ring for narrower 49mm to 55mm baskets. From there, adjust pin count, placement, and diameter to tune feel and control. Press pins into the flexible holder by hand, or use the included tweezers for more precise insertion and removal.
Distribute: After dosing, stir and distribute grounds to break up clumps and even out density across the puck. Use consistent motion and let the pins do the work. Start with deeper passes near the bottom of the basket, then finish by lightly raking only the top few millimeters to level the surface.
Storage: Dock the tool magnetically under the steel stand or onto the wall mount’s magnetic target to keep pins protected and your espresso station tidy between shots.
Wall Mount Installation: The magnetic wall mount ships without either pad pre-installed so you can choose the mounting method that best fits your setup.
- High-Strength Magnet + Silicone Pad: A smooth, polished silicone pad can be applied to the back of the mount to add grip on metal surfaces. When paired with the high-strength magnet embedded in the mount, it creates a secure, non-marring storage solution.
- No-Residue Double-Stick Pad: Use the included transparent gel-style adhesive pad to mount the holder on non-magnetic surfaces. It provides a secure hold while remaining removable and leaving no residue behind.
Compatibility
The ARO Manual WDT v2 can be used with any size portafilter basket. It is recommended for baristas who use a range of basket sizes and want one adjustable tool rather than multiple fixed-pattern WDT tools.
What’s in the Box?
- ARO Manual WDT v2 handle with flexible press-in pin holder
- 10x 0.25mm stainless steel pins (87mm long) in labeled storage tube
- 10x 0.35mm stainless steel pins (87mm long) in labeled storage tube
- Pin insertion tweezers
Storage option (choose one):
- Formed-steel stand with satin black powder coat and silicone base pad
or - Magnetic wall mount + silicone pad & double-stick pad
Care and Maintenance
Brush off loose grounds after use or wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. When needed, pins can be removed and components hand washed with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembly or storage. Not dishwasher safe.
What’s New in Manual WDT v2?
- Refined profile: Updated shape to match ARO’s signature aesthetics and PortaStack design philosophy.
- Tool-free pin system: Pins press in and pull out by hand. No tools required.
- Dual pin patterns: Wide or narrow layouts using a two-ring pattern plus center hole.
- Dual pin diameters: Includes both 0.25mm and 0.35mm pins to tune stiffness and feel.
- Magnetic docking storage: Embedded handle magnet with your choice of a steel stand or wall mount.
- Upgraded materials: CNC-machined aluminum handle, powder-coated steel stand, and engineered polymers for durability and non-marring contact.