How to Sharpen a Drill Bit: Easy Tips and Tricks

Dull drill bits can be a real pain for your projects. It not only slows down the process but also may end up damaging the material you are working on. Keeping your drill bit sharp at all times is very crucial to achieving the ideal results from your drilling projects.

But if you don’t know how to sharpen a drill bit, then it can be another pain for you. That’s why, we have prepared an easy-to-understand guide, that will help you sharpen your drill bit with ease. Let’s not waste any more time and get right into it.

What Equipment do You Need to Sharpen a Drill Bit?

Sharpening your drill bits requires you to use some specific equipment. These are mostly available in a toolbox. But you may need to buy some of them from hardware stores.

These include:

• Protective eyewear and gloves: Shield your eyes and hands from flying metal particles and sharp edges.
• Steel wool or wire brush: Removes rust and debris from the tool before sharpening.
• Flat mill file (8-10 inches): For general sharpening tasks. Round or half-round file (8-10 inches): For shaping and contouring edges.
• Bench vice, clamp, or another bracing system: Securely holds the tool while sharpening.
• Grinding wheel/bench grinder: Offers a faster and more aggressive approach to sharpening.
• Sharpening stones: Provide a fine-grained finish to the sharpened edge.
• Sandpaper: Used for final polishing and refining the edge.
• Oils: Lubricates the sharpening stone and helps remove metal particles.

How do You Sharpen a Drill Bit?

The process of sharpening a drill bit is a bit tricky but quite easy to follow through. Here we will go through all the steps in detail and provide you with an easy way to sharpen a drill bit. We will also leave some essential tips and tricks along the way:

Step 1: Understanding Your Drill Bit

Before starting, carefully inspect the drill bit to determine its specific characteristics. While drill bits have numerous components, three essential features significantly impact their performance: the lip, the land, and the chisel edge.

• The Lip

The lip is the sharp, pointed edge at the tip of the drill bit responsible for removing material. For optimal drilling, the two lips on a twist drill must be symmetrical. An uneven lip leads to unbalanced cutting, causing the drill bit to wander and produce inaccurate holes.

• The Land

The land is the surface area between the lip and the shank. It supports the cutting edge as the drill bit penetrates the material. The land angle is crucial; an insufficient angle can cause the drill bit to chip, while an excessive angle weakens the cutting edge.

• The Chisel Edge

The chisel edge is the point where the two lands meet at the drill bit's centre. Contrary to its name, it does not actively cut material. Instead, it acts as a guide, directing chips into the flutes. A smaller chisel edge is generally preferred to reduce friction and improve drilling efficiency.

Carefully inspect all these parts, and see if there are any signs of wear or damage in the drill bits or not. Then, prepare the drill bit for sharpening.

Step 2: Choose a Drill Bit Sharpener

Selecting the appropriate tool to sharpen a drill bit is crucial for achieving optimal results. The three primary options are:

• Drill Bit Sharpener

This specialised tool is designed specifically for sharpening drill bits. It typically features built-in angle guides and abrasive wheels to ensure consistent and accurate results. Knowing how to use a drill bit sharpener can be pretty handy for beginners and those seeking a quick and efficient sharpening process.

• Bench Grinder

A versatile power tool with an abrasive wheel, a bench grinder offers more control over the sharpening process. However, it requires skill and practice to achieve the desired results. While it can be used for sharpening drill bits, it's often preferred for more complex tasks.

• File

A hand tool with a roughened surface, a file can be used for minor touch-ups or when power tools are unavailable. Sharpening drill bits with a file can be time-consuming, but it’s the perfect choice for finishing.

Factors to consider when choosing sharpening a drill bit method:

• Skill level: Beginners often find drill bit sharpeners easier to use.
• The severity of dullness: For heavily damaged bits, a bench grinder might be necessary.
• Desired level of control: Bench grinders offer more control but require more skill.
• Availability of tools: If power tools are unavailable, a file is the only option.

Step 3: Holding the Drill Bit Tightly

Properly securing the drill bit is essential for safety and accuracy during the sharpening process. A loose bit can lead to accidents and uneven sharpening. You can use a vice or clamp to hold the bit tightly while you work on the sharpening. Some crucial tips you can follow in this step are:

• Ensure the drill bit is securely held without any movement.
• Position the drill bit so the cutting edge is parallel to the face of the grinding wheel, creating an angle of approximately 60 degrees between the drill bit and the wheel.
• Overtightening can damage the drill bit or the clamping device.

Following these tips will help you properly set up the drill bit sharpening and help you work on it without too much difficulty.

Step 4: Remove the Damaged or Dull Part

If your drill bit has sustained significant damage, such as chipping or excessive wear, it's necessary to remove these areas before proceeding with final sharpening. Carefully examine the cutting edges and the overall condition of the drill bit under magnification if possible. These areas will hinder the drill bit's performance and should be removed.

Step 5: Sharpen the First Side of the Drill Bit Effectively

This is where precision and patience are key. The goal is to recreate a sharp, symmetrical cutting edge on one side of the drill bit. Here’s how you have to do it:

• Determine the angle: Use an angle gauge or protractor to set the desired angle on your sharpening tool. The standard angle for most drill bits is 118 degrees.
• Start grinding or filing: Apply steady, even pressure to the cutting edge while maintaining the desired angle. Remove the material gradually to avoid overheating and damaging the drill bit.
• Maintain consistent angle: Ensure the angle remains consistent throughout the sharpening process. Use a guide or template if available.
• Check for even wear: Monitor the grinding wheel or file for even material removal. An uneven grind will result in a poor cutting edge.

Step 6: Cooling and Solidification of Metal Bit

Overheating a drill bit during the sharpening process can significantly reduce its hardness and durability. To prevent this, it's essential to cool the metal as it heats up. You can use any of the following cooling methods:

• Water: The most common cooling method. Dip the hot drill bit into a container of water to rapidly reduce its temperature.
• Coolant: Some specialized coolants are designed for metalworking and can be more effective than water.
• Compressed air: Blowing compressed air on the drill bit can help dissipate heat.

It's recommended to cool the drill bit every few seconds of grinding or filing to prevent excessive heat buildup. With this cooling, the metal will also start hardening which helps it prevent losing its temper.

Step 7: Turn the Drill Bit Over and Sharpen the Other Side

Once you've successfully sharpened one side of the drill bit, it's time to focus on the other. The goal is to create symmetry between the two cutting edges. There are some things you need to consider while doing that:

• Carefully flip the drill bit over to expose the opposite cutting edge.
• Ensure that the angle of the second cutting edge matches the angle of the first. Use the same reference point on the grinding wheel or file.
• Follow the same steps as before, applying even pressure, cooling the bit regularly, and observing the chip formation.

Step 8: Shape the Chisel and Landing

This step is optional and requires more skill. It involves refining the chisel edge the part where the two cutting edges meet and the landing the area between the cutting edges and the shank for improved performance. Use a fine-grit abrasive to carefully shape the chisel edge into a narrow, pointed shape. The landing should have a slight clearance angle to prevent binding. But make sure you are not overdoing it, as it can weaken the drill bit a lot.

Step 9: Test the Drill Bit and Make Adjustments

Drill into a scrap piece of material to assess the sharpened bit's performance. Check for smooth cutting, lack of chatter, and proper chip removal. Make adjustments as needed.

How do You Know When to Sharpen Your Drill Bit?

Recognizing the signs of a dull drill bit is crucial for maintaining efficient and accurate drilling. A worn-out drill bit can lead to increased effort, reduced performance, and even damage to your workpiece.

6 Common Indicators of a Dull Drill Bit

1. If you notice a significant increase in the force required to penetrate the material, it's a clear sign of a dull drill bit. The bit should cut through the material relatively effortlessly.

2. A dull drill bit generates more friction, leading to excessive heat. Overheating can damage both the drill bit and the workpiece.

3. Chips, cracks, or excessive wear on the cutting edges are obvious indicators that the drill bit needs sharpening.

4. When a drill bit can produce holes that are off-centre, oversized, or have rough edges.

5. A noticeable decrease in drilling speed compared to previous performance is a strong indication of a dull bit.

6. The appearance of short, chunky metal shavings instead of long, continuous spirals is a sign of reduced cutting efficiency.

FAQs about Sharpening a Drill Bit

Still wondering about sharpening a drill bit? Well, then you should check out some of the most common questions regarding sharpening drill bits they should clear all your confusions.

Can drill bits be sharpened when they become dull?

Yes, most drill bits can be sharpened multiple times before they need to be replaced. Sharpening restores the cutting edge, improving the drill bit's performance.

How often should you sharpen drill bits?

The frequency of sharpening depends on several factors, including the type of material being drilled, the drill bit's material, and the intensity of use. Generally, you should sharpen a drill bit when you notice a significant decrease in performance or when the cutting edges show signs of wear.

Can you sharpen a drill bit by hand?

Yes, you can sharpen a drill bit by hand using a file. However, it's a time-consuming process that requires skill and patience. Power tools like bench grinders or dedicated drill bit sharpeners are generally more efficient and produce better results.

What is the correct angle to sharpen drill bits?

The standard angle for sharpening drill bits is 118 degrees. However, this angle can vary depending on the drill bit's intended use and the material being drilled. It's essential to maintain the original angle during sharpening to ensure optimal performance.

Can you sharpen drill bits with a file?

Yes, you can sharpen drill bits with a file, but it's a challenging and time-consuming process. A file is best suited for minor touch-ups rather than extensive sharpening.

Why do drill bits dull so fast?

Several factors contribute to drill bit dulling, including the type of material being drilled, the drilling speed, the use of coolant, and the quality of the drill bit itself. Hard materials, high drilling speeds, and a lack of coolant can accelerate wear on the cutting edges.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing how to sharpen a drill bit can give you plenty of benefits in the long run. Instead of replacing a drill bit after getting dull, you can simply sharpen it and reuse it to save money.

With our guide, the job gets even easier than before. Make sure to try it out, and follow the tips for better results.