Using a Drill Bit Sharpening Jig

Dull drill bits can lead to frustration when trying to drill holes, whether in metal, plastic or wood. A dull drill bit can cause the hole to be irregular. Dull drill bits also tend to break more easily than sharpened drill bits. With a drill bit sharpening jib and a wheel grinder, dull drill bits can be sharpened to make drilling holes easy again. Only a few simple items are needed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grinding Wheel
• Sharpening Jig
• Drill Bit
• Safety Goggles
• C Clamp
• Work Gloves

1. Mount the drill bit sharpening jig to the wheel grinder's tool rest by tightening a C clamp with the jig and tool rest between the clamp. Make sure the leading edge of the drill bit sharpening jig is parallel to the tool rest.

2. Put on safety glasses and work gloves. Position the drill bit in the sharpening jig channel that fits the width of the bit best. The cutting lip on the drill bit must be horizontal to the ground for proper sharpening. The cutting lip should be near, but not touching, the grinding wheel.

3. Turn the grinder on and wait until it reaches full speed. Holding the drill bit's shank, slightly elevate the point of the drill and slowly push the bit forward until the lip touches the grinding wheel. The end of the bit should be elevated to a height of the diameter of the bit above the jig. Make sure the side of the drill bit is firm against the channel wall on the sharpening jig.

4. Pull the drill bit back and out of the sharpening jig. Twist the drill bit to expose the opposite lip of the bit to the grinding wheel. Repeat the sharpening process on the opposite edge at the end of the bit. Do not turn or twist the bit while it is in contact with the grinding wheel.

5. Remove the drill bit and check that the two lips are of equal length. If one is longer than the other, repeat the grinding process to shorten it until both lips are of equal length.

6. Turn off the grinder. Remove the C clamp and sharpening jig.

Tips & Warnings

• Sharper or duller angles to the end of the drill bit can be obtained by changing the angle of the leading edge of the jig in relation to the grinder's tool rest.
• Wear appropriate eye protection.

Resources

• Eye And Face Protection Guidelines