Drill bits wear and dull away – that’s expected. If you have ever had to throw one away, it must have hurt your pocket. Thankfully, you don’t have to dispose of your drill bit next time it gets dull. Instead, one can extend its lifespan using a drill bit sharpener. Here is a complete guide on the best drill sharpeners and the burning issues you would like to know.
1. Drill Doctor 350X Drill Bit Sharpener
The first one on the list is the DD350X guy. It is electronic and comes as a complete set, which means you won’t require any extra power tools to make it work. The sharpener is very light, so much such that you can carry it. Considering its compactness, you will not have a problem finding some space for it to fit in the basement or tool shed. There is another review by Bill Allen on another Drill Doctor model called the 750X. You can follow this link for the article: https://occupythefarm.org/
Let’s get to where the meat is – the sharpening power. The drill uses an industrial-strength sharpening diamond wheel. This means that you can expect a perfectly shaven drill with precise precision and excellent results. Even better, you can sharpen any bit, including cobalt, split-point, high-speed steel, carbide, and TiN-coated masonry.
As for sizing, it’s possible to work with most standard twist bit or split-point so long as it is not more than a quarter an inch or less than 3/32 of an inch. If you are not well conversant with using drills and fear that this could be an issue, you will be glad to know that this sharpener comes with a guide. Besides offering great adjustability, it also offers adjustable point angles between 1150 and 1400.
2. Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener
If you want high-performance tools at a low price, this should be at the top of your list. It is very popular among the average budget margin. One of its best selling points is that you have an array of grinding stones options to select from, rather than sticking to the one fixed by the manufacturer. This means that you can attach a grinding wheel of choice from the various grits and use the one that works best for you.
The D4144 Drill Sharpener allows you to sharpen your bit at different bits and angle points too. With regards to convenience, the tool on its own, without the bench wheel is compact and lightweight, to the extent of fitting on your palms. The downside would have to be that the sharpener is not a one-stop tool since one has to use it by combining it with a wheel bench grinder.
It’s excellent for bits within the 1/8 of an inch and ¾ of an inch range. If you sharpen bits within this dimension, you are assured of smoothness and tremendous speed.
3. Neiko 10170A Electric Drill Bit Sharpener
If you are into the electric drill sharpener types, then this will be a top pick for you. Being electronic, it means that you will not require attaching a drilling machine for you to sharpen your tool. The 10170A bit Sharpener is independent. Therefore, all you have to do is to plug it in and switch on the electricity supply. However, the best part is that the drill comes with two extra sharpening heads.
The versatility that you are bound to receive from this budget-friendly tool is out of this world. You can sharpen high-speed steel and carbon steel. You can also switch between split-point bits and twist bits. Can it get more flexible than this?
It comes with two sharpening heads; one for the small bits and the other for the huge bits. This seems like a great perk, right? The small head sharpens bits that are between 1/8 inch and 3/8 of an inch. The more massive head accommodates bits in the range of 5/16 inch and 5/8 inch. Additionally, there are distinct speeds for the smaller and larger heads. The smaller heads run at 1420 rpm, and the larger heads can operate at 1720 rpm. Various drill bits run at varying speeds, and it can’t get better than this minor yet essential detail.
4. Drill Master Hand Drill Bit Sharpener
If you are cash-strapped and need a drill sharpener, here is a great deal to opt for. The hand drill is the most basic and comfortable to user bit sharpener in the market. For starters, you will require a drilling machine to use it. This isn’t a stand-alone tool. You can use it alongside your drilling machine to exfoliate or shave the dull tips of your bit. The first step is to attach it to your drill’s sharpener.
The Hand Drill Bit Sharpener utilizes a 100 gritstone at the grinding power, which gives a smooth and sharp outcome. Note that the drill must operate at a speed of 2000 to 3500 rotations per minute to provide you with the desired results. The torque and rotation of the machine are responsible for the spinning of the sharp abrasive grinding stole of the equipment tool where you file the bits. It is easy to use and set up, as all you’ve got to do is to power the machine, insert the drill and shave it to perfection!
It accommodates drill bits from 5/64 of an inch with an angle of 600 to the left. The drill bit has built-in guides to ensure first-time users do not have a hard time sharpening their bits. Where else can you find such simplicity and perfection on a budget?
5. General Tools 825 Drill Grinding Attachment
The 5th tool on our list is this sharpener from General Tools. The sharpener is among the most recognized tools in the market. It is among the equipment that one must affix to a surface grinder or electric bench grinder. The tool is quite compact and weighs only a few ounces. Regardless of the small size, it works brilliantly and features an adjustable gauge to enable you to copy the angle point of various drill bits.
One of the outstanding features of this sharpener is the pivoting neck. The neck allows you to shave, grind and sharpen both sides of the drilling equipment without removing it from the insert. This eliminates the hassle of detaching the parts, and you can’t be happier than this.
The General Tools 825 attachment works for bits with diameters not exceeding ½ an inch. It also works on countersink bits. This is an attractive feature since counter bits are challenging to work with, and finding a tool that accommodates them is a plus.
How to ensure the longevity of your drill bits
- Use the right tool for the right job – if you do not use the suitable drill when performing a task, you will be reducing the span of the drill.
- Set the right drill speed – use the correct drill speed by the work you are performing. Harder materials like steel require a fast pace while wood requires a low speed.
- Use lubricant for all drill operations – water may work in some instances, but the best is usually a special lubricant that is solely for that purpose.
Benefits of using a drill bits sharpener
· Extends the life cycle of old drill tools
Throwing the old, dull drilling equipment is such a loss. Luckily, it will not be the case once you invest in a good bits sharpener. The device has an abrasive and textural feature, which scrapes off the tips of the drill bits, leaving the outer layers with a smoother finishing.
· It is cost effective
Considering the variety of bit sharpener options available, you will not lack one that matches your budget and preference.
· It can be multifunctional
Some drill bits can function as other tools like planers, chisel, and knives. However, such sharpeners come at an additional cost that is generally worthwhile. They may also cost a little more and have a bulky body.
· It works like a charm for DIY projects
Drill sharpeners work like a charm for DIY projects, including building your own patio, outdoor bench, chair, bed, and more.
Tips for caring and maintaining your drill sharpener
- Make sure you pull out the plug of the sharpener after use. You will realize that the tool gets warm when plugged in even when you aren’t using it.
- In case it gets very hot, allow it to cool and wipe using a damp piece of cloth or rag.
- Get a storage bag for the sharpener. Doing so will help protect it from external damage.
- If the sharpener wobbles, try placing a damp cloth beneath it to stabilize the tool. You can also affix adhesive pads under it, which you can purchase from Amazon.
- Avoid inserting your fingers through the drill holes or attempt to adjust the internal parts while the sharpener is connected to a power source.
Drill bit sharpeners bring your drill back to life, in that you do not have to replace it regularly. The products we have reviewed above are highly efficient and budget-friendly. If you want to know about router tables, check out this previous review http://www.thetoolsy.com/best-router-tables-reviews Hope you find a sharper that works for you in the guide above.