How to use a Drill Bit Sharpener?

The question of how to sharpen the drill bits.

The older professionals could present the easier way as the wrong way, but that isn’t always the case. Another way to put it is that there is the right tool for every job, and the same applies to sharpening drill bits. There is a right way to do it, and there is the best way to do it. Yes, you can absolutely sharpen drill bits using a bench grinder or small belt sander, but that method, while fairly simple, is not easy. You can absolutely destroy the cutting edge of your drill bit trying to figure out how to get the right angle. Why waste your precious time when there is a tool that can sharpen drill bits in less than 30 seconds each? With perfect results, every time, the Drill Doctor is your best bet.

As discussed in forums and reviews, the most common bits use either a 118- or 135-degree angle. The model of Drill Doctor 500X is capable of handling both, with a simple adjustment. The machine can handle bits from 3/32”, on up 1/2”, up to 3/4” with an optional large bit chuck. It can also split points for self-centering. This tool is real time saver, especially when you have a bit that goes dull in the middle of project.

The use of Drill Doctor is imperative?

Sharp drill bits are safe drill bits. The act of drilling is quite literally a process in which material is ripped away from the main body. Dull bits cut slowly, require more pressure to cut, and increase heat put into the part. Those features direct to off-center holes, ruined parts, and broken bits. Breaking a drill bit while drilling is very dangerous, often ending in a bloody mess on the bench because you impaled yourself. Sharp drill bit, just like a knife, cut the material quickly and efficiently, so that there is less trauma on the material, and less trauma on your human body.

Using a Drill Doctor is simple, we have put together a guide to using this tool to make sure your drill bits are sharp and safe. Begin by selecting your bits. Inspect the tip of each bit. If there are any chips or jagged edges, the bit needs to be sharpened. Give special need to the careful feeling of the edge; it should be sharp and not rounded. If one side of the bit is smaller than the other, the bit has been favoring one side; this is to be rectified by sharpening.

The drilling angle plays an important role in sharpening.

Next, you need to decide what angle you want on the bit. Most hobby-grade bits use a 118-degree angle, and this is the standard angle setting on the Drill Doctor. You can change the angle of the bit, you just end up sharpening it a bit more to get a complete change. See our article on drill bits for more details on the differences between the two. A 118-degree bit has a sharper point, whereas 135-degree bits are more flat at the tip. With the Drill Doctor plugged in, but turned off, place the chuck into the alignment guide with the notch on the chuck in the 118-degree mark (straight up). If you are sharpening a 135-bit, adjust the chuck one notch to the right.

Considerations before you proceed with the purchase of a drill bit sharpener.

Do you need a drill bit sharpener?

That depends on how often you use your drill more often than not. If you only pull it out to occasionally drill a pilot hole for a screw, you may still need a sharpener, just not necessarily a high-end model.

Considering the cost of bits, a good sharpener will pay for itself in no time if you deal with construction, woodworking or even DIY projects. It can bring new life into a dull tip, and some models can even put an interesting twist on things.

What types of drill bits do you use?

If you pick up your drill bits off the rack for a few bucks at the hardware store, almost any drill bit sharpener will do.

We don’t mean that in a negative sense, you just won’t require any special stone to sharpen your bits unless they are made from exotic alloys. Those bits are also available at hardware stores around the globe, but generally cost more than just a few bucks.

If you’re in an industrial trade or have a lot of bits to sharpen, you will want to look for a professional sharpener. The stones will last longer, and they will sharpen a wider array of bits.

Conclusion.

You don’t need an overly complicated machine to put a new edge on your bits, you just need something that’s easy to use and will hold up well over time.

That’s where Drill Doctor stands out from the rest with machines that are simple to use and an outstanding 3-year warranty. It’s one of those rare occasions where a brand lives up the hype, and we feel confident recommending their sharpening systems.

You still need to think about the sizes of the bits you use and what they are made from first and foremost, but your decision should be simple now that you have some knowledge and know where to turn for a quality machine.