Learn About Sharpening Drill Bits Manually

Although electric drill bit sharpeners can provide you with a perfect end result, there is no reason why sharpening drill bits manually cannot be contemplated. Over the years I have been sharpening my steel and wood drill bits quite successfully on a bench grinder. It also makes a lot of sense to practise on old or broken bits. A bench grinder fitted with a diamond-grinding wheel is the best tool for sharpening drill bits

If you have a fairly good eye for angles, you should not have too much of a problem. The most important aspect is that the cutting edges be at the same angle with the corners at the same level horizontally. Also, it is important to note that the shoulders are rounded and slope gently down, backwards from the cutting edge.

The bigger the drill bit, the easier the task. With smaller bits it becomes trickier. A snapped bit is even more challenging as you have to start from scratch. A good starting point here is to flatten the break first before starting to shape the angles.

I find that “displaying” my largest bit, gives me a good guideline for sharpening other bits. You can even use this bit to practice the required motions on the edge of your workbench.

Most manual drill bit sharpening guidelines neglect to tell you on which side of the grinding wheel you are operating. For this exercise we are operating on the right hand side if the grinding wheel, which in my opinion is natural for a right-hander. If you are left handed, just reverse the order.

Stand slightly to the right of the grinding wheel, feet apart. Hold the drill about a quarter of the way along from the point, using the left thumb and forefinger. Rest these fingers on the grinder’s tool rest. Use the right hand to hold the drill at its shank.

Hold the bit with the shank angled off to the right at about 60 degrees. Use the right hand to swing the shank of the drill out to the right. These movements are only slight. Remember to keep the left hand supported by the tool rest. As you move your right hand, use your left hand fingers to roll the drill anti-clockwise about a quarter-turn and simultaneously feed the drill forward against the grinding wheel.

Repeat this action as required and then repeat the whole process for the opposite cutting edge.

The video below visually demonstrates the hand action as described above.

If still not convinced, you may want to take a look at what electric drill bit sharpeners are available.

Related posts:

1. Drill Bit Sharpeners
2. Abrasive Grinding Wheels