An off-line tool for breaking in pad conditioning disks used in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) 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.