Sharpening a drill bit is hardly a second thought for most DIYers. It’s straight out of the case, in the chuck and start drilling. But drill bits are not indestructible and are prone to wear and tear like every other tool. Ultimately, the crisp and clean drill holes you once admired are a no-brainer.
You have to work harder, no matter what Type of drill bit you have So it makes sense to give your drill bit a quick sharpening when needed to bring it back to life. Plus, it will save you the cost of replacing your bits regularly. Here you will find what tools you will need and how to do it yourself.
Leigh Start joined Metal Store in 2015 and was appointed Managing Director in 2023. With nearly a decade of experience in the metal supply industry, Leigh has played a key role in growing the company and expanding its service offering.
Paul began his career over 35 years ago working for Delta Metals plc for many years. At the same time he got an opportunity to develop and build metals4U as a powerhouse for online supply of metals, so he grabbed the opportunity and never looked back.
Why you need to sharpen a drill bit
A new drill bit works better than a used bit, so sharpening it will bring it back to its best. Leigh Start, MD of Metal Storesays, “A sharp drill bit cuts cleanly and efficiently, while a dull bit forces you to apply more pressure, generates too much heat and is much more likely to miss your mark.”
Article continues below
Paul McFadyen, MD Metals4Usuggests that regular sharpening is key: “Sharpening the drill bit is an essential part of drill maintenance, and improves both tool safety and performance.” “Blunt drill bits are less effective for drilling into materials, especially when drilling into metal and masonry, taking longer to drill to the required depth,” he adds.
Leigh Start explains what can happen with a blunt drill bit. “When drilling especially in metal, a blunt bit can also harden the surface, making it more difficult to cut. Regular sharpening helps protect both your drill bits and the workpiece.”
“A dull bit also increases the risk of seizing or breaking, especially with smaller diameters, which can damage both the drill and the material being drilled,” he adds.
Purchase these tools to sharpen the drill bit
Draper 150mm Bench Grinder
Invest in this bench grinder if you want to sharpen your own drill bits. Features coarse and fine grinding wheels, eye protection shield, spark deflector, wheel guard and adjustable tool rest.
High-spec metal hand file set
This set of full-length files is designed for de-burring, shaping, trimming and smoothing metal, wood and plastic.
Mustbau clear safety glasses
These wrap-around safety glasses with transparent lenses provide direct and peripheral visibility. The lens is impact and scratch-resistant and offers UV protection. Available in boxes of 3 or 12.
Tools required for sharpening a drill bit
There are a few options when sharpening a drill bit, McFadyen explains, “You can choose to sharpen the drill bit by hand or using an angle grinder or bench grinder.”
Sharpening by hand
Manually sharpening a drill bit requires only a few tools, as McFadyen shares, “When sharpening by hand, you’ll need a diamond hand file for most drill bits, especially those made for masonry or metal drilling, which are usually made from harder materials.
“A fine file is also useful for soft drill bits or small finishing touches,” he adds.
Use of sharpening tools
“If you’re confident and have the tools, a bench or angle grinder can be used,” shares McFadyen. “A bench grinder with a fine-grit wheel is the most common workshop tool for sharpening HSS twist bits,” adds Start.
Start offers an alternative for DIYers: “For more consistent results – and a more accessible option for most DIYers – a drill-mounted sharpening jig or dedicated drill bit sharpener can help maintain the correct angle and keep both cutting edges symmetrical.”
PPE protection
Whether you’re sharpening the drill by hand or using machinery, you need to wear protective gear, McFadyen says. “Eye protection is especially key, gloves can also be worn when sharpening using power tools. A well-ventilated area and dust mask are also recommended to avoid dust inhalation.”
Sharpening a drill bit
There are two common methods of sharpening a drill: by hand or with a power tool. “There are major differences between the processes, but many techniques remain the same for both,” McFadyen points out.
“Wood bits are usually easier to sharpen with a file or small stone, while masonry bits with carbide tips usually require a diamond wheel and are often replaced rather than sharpened in a home workshop,” adds Start.
Get the right angle
McFadyen shares how to begin the sharpening process: “Start by cleaning the drill bit and inspecting it to see exactly where it needs sharpening.” “When sharpening, take your time and check it often to make sure you’re sharpening it at the right angle,” he adds.
It’s important to make sure you have the right angle. “For standard HSS twist bits used on metal, sharpening on a bench grinder is usually done by restoring the original 118° point angle while ensuring that both cutting lips remain the same length,” Start says.
Start explains how, “the bit is lightly touched against the wheel and rotated to recreate the relief behind the cutting edge.” To help get the angle right, try an inexpensive tool like this one Drill Bit Grinder Tool Manual from Amazon.
Alternatively, if you need to sharpen drill bits regularly, invest in a suitable machine, such as this one. Drill Doctor DD500X Twist Drill Bit Sharpener from Amazon.
Tips and techniques
If sharpening by hand, McFadyen says, “For cutting edges, follow the curve with your file, moving it away from the edge in short controlled motions.” He continues, “Start at one edge and then move to the other when you’re satisfied.”
Finally, “For chisels, just make sure the tip is standard and clean. Don’t sharpen the point aggressively, as this can shorten the life of the bit.”
If using a powered sharpener like a bench grinder, McFadyen shares this process: “The same principles apply to using a powered grinder. Take things slowly and maintain a firm grip on the drill bit. Make sure the angle is correct and check the bit every few seconds.”
He adds, “Importantly, when using a powered tool, you’ll need to control the heat generated from the grinding process. Keep a cup of water handy and dip some in it every time you inspect it.”
Once sharpened, be sure to check your handpiece, McFadyen shares, “Before using the drill, visually inspect it to make sure the edges are sharp and of the same length.” “Following this, gently test it in some soft scrap material and watch for signs that it’s not drilling properly, such as screeching, wandering or refusal to bite,” he adds.
FAQs
How often should I sharpen a drill bit?
“There’s no hard and fast rule, but it’s good practice to inspect your bits before use and after any rough work,” Start says. He continues, “Common signs that some sharpening is needed include squealing during use, applying too much pressure, heat discoloration, and ragged or imprecise holes.”
“How often you use your drill, what you use it for, and the quality of the drill bit will depend on that,” shares McFadyen. He adds, “For example, drilling into wood will require less frequent sharpening than drilling. Stainless steel or Masonry.”
How much does a professional charge for sharpening a drill bit?
If you are not confident in sharpening the drill bit, you can take it to a professional. This is cheaper for single drill bits, as McFadyen shares, “This can vary, but usually the cost per drill bit will be under £5.”
And it can be a quick job, McFadyen continues, “Depending on availability and demand, professional sharpening can be done fairly quickly, and you’ll often be able to pick up your sharpened tools the same day.” Search local services to see what’s available nearby.
How many times can a drill bit realistically be sharpened?
This can vary by type and use, but as a general rule, McFadyen says, “Drill bits can be sharpened frequently, but after a while it’s advisable to replace them rather than repair them.”
He adds, “The main restriction is the condition of the chisel head. If it is broken or damaged, or filed too thin, the bit will need to be replaced.” Start explains what happens each time a bit is sharpened: “Each sharpening removes a small amount of material, so the limiting factor is usually the overall length rather than the condition of the steel.”
He adds that quality also affects sharpening: “Cheap bits don’t respond to resharpening as often, which is another reason investing in high-quality drill bits can pay off over time.”
Try these drill bit sets to replace your old ones: DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated, 21-Piece Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set, Fisher 561649 DU Hex Universal Drill Bit Set And this DEWALT Masonry Drill Bit Set (All available from Amazon).
Drill bits come in many forms and can handle many DIY tasks, including Drilling into walls And Drilling in metal. If you are facing any of these tasks or a Home renovation project, make sure your drill bits are sharp and fit for purpose.
