Can drill bits be sharpened? How should they be sharpened? Are drill bits difficult to sharpen?
Actually, sharpening drill bits is simpler than it seems. With the right approach, you can quickly learn to sharpen a drill bit in just three minutes!

Can solid drill bits be sharpened? ▼

Solid drill bits can be sharpened using a bench grinder or a belt sander manually.
When manually sharpening, it is crucial to maintain the correct drill angle and ensure that the flutes retain the same length.

Additionally, dedicated drill bit sharpeners can be used, which eliminate the need to manually control the drill tip angle. After sharpening, a whetstone or fine sandpaper can be used to remove any burrs.

Can carbide and high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits be sharpened? ▼

Both HSS and carbide drill bits can be resharpened; the grinding process is essentially the same for both materials.
When considering whether to manually sharpen HSS drill bits, it’s worth evaluating the cost-effectiveness. Since HSS is relatively inexpensive, sometimes buying a new HSS drill bit is cheaper.

Carbide drill bits are more costly, so resharpening them is an economical and effective choice. The only drawback is that any coating on the bit will be removed during sharpening, which may reduce tool life if not recoated afterward.

How do you know when a drill bit needs sharpening? ▼

The frequency of sharpening depends on several factors:

• Dullness or reduced performance – If you notice that the drill’s cutting efficiency has decreased or it generates more heat than usual, this may indicate that the bit is dull and needs sharpening.

• Visible wear – Inspect the cutting edges. If there is visible wear, chipping, or the edges are no longer sharp, it’s time to sharpen the drill bit.

• Poor hole quality – Uneven holes or reduced surface finish may indicate that the cutting edge is no longer sharp.

• Increased drilling force – If using a manual drill requires more force than usual to cut through material, the bit may need sharpening.

• Material hardness – Harder materials like metals and alloys wear drill bits faster than softer materials such as wood or plastic, requiring more frequent sharpening.

• Coolant issues – If you are using coolant but notice poor heat dissipation, excessive friction caused by a dull bit rather than proper cutting may be the reason.

How to use a drill bit sharpener? ▼

Using a drill bit sharpener involves several steps to ensure proper sharpening. Note that specific instructions may vary depending on the model and type of sharpener, so always refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

1. Prepare the sharpener
   Place the drill bit sharpener on a stable, flat surface.

2. Select the appropriate grinding wheel
   Choose a grinding wheel suitable for the type of drill bit being sharpened. Different materials and drill bit types may require different wheels.

3. Adjust the sharpener settings
   Set the drill angle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or the specifications of the drill bit. This is usually done by adjusting the angle on the machine.

4. Secure the drill bit
   Use the machine’s chuck or clamp to hold the drill bit firmly in place. Ensure it is centered and stable.

5. Adjust the grinding depth
   Set the grinding depth on the machine to control how much material will be removed during sharpening.

6. Sharpen the drill bit
   Gently contact the drill bit with the grinding wheel. Move the bit along the wheel while maintaining a consistent angle, ensuring both cutting edges are even and sharp.

7. Inspect and test
   After sharpening, check that the cutting edges are sharp and uniform. Test the sharpened drill bit on scrap material to ensure it performs correctly.

Summary ▼

In the long run, resharpening drill bits rather than buying new ones is cost-effective. By maintaining and sharpening existing drill bits, engineers can significantly reduce the frequency of replacing worn tools, lowering costs.

High-quality drill bits can be expensive, and resharpening extends their service life, maximizing the value of the initial investment. Regular resharpening also ensures that drill bits consistently deliver optimal cutting performance.