How to Sharpen Drill Bits
Even the highest-quality drill bits get dull over time. Drill bits are designed to remain as sharp as possible even when used under the toughest situations; yet like any tool with a point or an edge, the head of the bit can get worn. Here are the tools and steps you need to sharpen drill bits properly and safely.
Tools
Bench grinder
Grinding wheel (grinding wheels with diamond or carborundum surfaces are best, but you may also use a grinding wheel with a carbon surface)
Vise
Metal file
Safety goggles
Steps
Before sharpening a drill bit or any tool with a bit or edge, it is important for you to protect yourself from sparks or shards of flying metal. Wear a pair of safety goggles before sharpening a drill bit. Make sure that your work area is clean and free from obstructions that may cause serious injury.
Check the grit of the grinding wheel. The surface should be rough enough to be able to grind and sharpen the drill bit as quickly as possible without wearing.
Inspect the drill bit. The tool should still be in good condition. Check the body of the bit for any cuts, chips, or fractures that may cause the tool to break.
Always sharpen the drill bit at an angle, making sure that you are grinding to sharpen the tip. Do not grind or sharpen the bit perpendicular to the surface of the grinding wheel.
Use light pressure to grind the point of the drill bit. Test the sharpness of the bit from time to time with your forefinger or a piece of paper.
Gently tap away the metal shavings from the grooves of the drill bit.
To finish the sharpening work, secure the drill bit in a vise, and sharpen the rest of the bit with a file. Manual sharpening helps to make sure that the drill bit is absolutely sharp.
Sharpening a drill bit costs far less than replacing your set of instruments with new ones. With these steps, you can sharpen any drill bit you have stored in your toolbox.