How to Sharpen an Industrial Drill Bit

If you use your industrial drill bits on a regular basis, you know all too well that they will get dull. Dull drill bits are very dangerous. They can break easier than sharp ones because it takes more to make them work, and there is a lot of heat and friction added with a dull drill bit. It is important to keep your drill bits sharpened. You do not have to go buy a new drill bit to replace every dull one; you can sharpen them yourself using this article as a guide.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dull drill bits
• Drill bit sharpening tool
• Safety glasses
• gloves

1. Lay all of your dull drill bits to one side of a table.

2. Put on your safety goggles to prevent metal shavings from getting in your eyes.

3. Open the chuck drill holder of your sharpening tool by turning it to your left. Put your dull bit into the open chuck and turn it to your right to close it around the bit. Make sure the chuck is just loose enough to allow some movement of the drill bit.

4. Use the button or knob on your sharpening tool to push the bit into the tube that aligns your drill bit. Your chuck and the tube should be lined up.

5. Slowly push the drill bit towards the stopper inside the machine. Some sharpening tools have see-through windows where you can see the stopper; others rely on your sense of touch. You have to feel when the drill bit stops.

6. Turn on the sharpening tool by flipping the switch to the "on" position. In some cases, the on and off positions will be marked with an "O" for on and an "/" for off.

7. Slowly slide the drill bit into the sharpening tube. If your sharpening tool is somewhat automated, it may pull your drill bit on its own; you will need to skip to the final step.

8. Rotate the drill bit in a clockwise direction (to your right) a few turns, while applying slight pressure inward. How many times you will need to turn your drill bit will depend on its size. Smaller bits sharpen faster with less turns, while thicker bits take a few more turns and a little more pressure.

9. Remove your sharpened drill bit. Pull out the chuck that is holding the bit. Turn the chuck to your left to release the drill bit. Put your sharp bit to the side, away from the dull ones. Repeat the steps above for all of your dull drill bits.

Tips & Warnings

• The sharpened drill bits may cut you; handle them with care. Wear gloves and goggles while operating.

References

• Buy Drill Bit Sharpener