an off - line tool for breaking in pad conditioning disks used in a chemical mechanical polishing system . the off - line tool comprises a platen having a first surface for holding a polishing pad and a motor for rotating the polishing pad . the motor is coupled to the platen via a first drive shaft . the off - line tool further comprises a mechanical drive assembly for holding a second drive shaft in a position proximate the first surface of the platen and a first break - in head removably attached to the second drive shaft . the first break - in head receives a first pad conditioning disk and the second drive shaft moves the first break - in head toward the platen , thereby pressing the first pad conditioning disk against the polishing pad on the platen .