Best Drill Bit Sharpener Reviews: Our Favorite Maintenance Tools
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What do you do when your drill bits dull out? Instead of buying new ones, you can sharpen them. A good drill bit sharpener makes that quick and consistent.
Best Drill Bit Sharpener Reviews
Here are the best drill bit sharpeners that are a value for your money:
- Drill Doctor DD500X 500X Drill Bit Sharpener
- Darex Drill Bit Sharpener
- Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener
- Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener
Find out more about what these drill bit sharpeners have to offer:
1. Drill Doctor DD500X 500X Drill Bit Sharpener
This Drill Doctor sharpens twist and masonry bits from 3/32 to 1/2 inch, with an optional 3/4 inch chuck. It sharpens to a 118-degree or 135-degree point angle and can create split points, which reduce walking.
The process is easy to follow: align the bit, set it against the stop, and lock it. Its long chuck jaws hold the bit firmly. Drill Doctor lists high-speed steel, cobalt, black oxide, TiN-coated, carbide, and masonry bits.
Pros:
It sharpens consistently and can create a split point to prevent walking bits.
Its push-to-stop design helps keep you from over-splitting the point.
One chuck has a lot of versatility, covering every size from 3/32 to 1/2 inch.
Its motor holds speed under load for consistent results. The cast aluminum point angle shuttle adds durability.
The 180-grit diamond wheel is replaceable. Take light passes so you don't overheat the bit, which can soften the cutting edge.
It has a 3-year warranty, though Drill Doctor excludes the wheel and industrial or commercial use.
Cons:
Some said it takes some time to learn how to use this.
2. Darex Drill Bit Sharpener
This drill bit sharpener uses a 3-step system, so you can sharpen a bit in a few minutes. It is easy to learn, even for first-timers. It handles bits from 1/8 to 3/4 inch and point angles from 118 to 140 degrees.
It is a heavier, shop-grade machine built for frequent use.
Pros:
It has a point split function, and point angles adjust from 118 to 140 degrees.
It features Borazon wheel, which is great for sharpening cobalt and high speed steel. You can also get an optional diamond wheel if you want to sharpen carbide drill bits as well.
It has a stable base, and the manual is easy to understand. Its build is heavy and durable.
Cons:
It is more expensive than the others, so it is best for frequent, heavy use.
3. Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener
This drill sharpener is a jig that works with your bench grinder. Mount it to your workbench at the distance from the grinder wheel given in the manual. Read the manual fully before use.
Wear eye protection and keep the grinder's guards in place. OSHA calls for the work rest to sit within 1/8 inch of the wheel so work can't jam. Keep your fingers clear of the wheel.
You can sharpen bits from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. It weighs only 1.37 pounds.
Pros:
This drill bit sharpener is the least expensive choice. If you already own a bench grinder, it is a low-cost way to sharpen bits.
It is lightweight and easy to mount to your workbench.
It covers bits from 1/8 to 3/4 inch.
The instruction manual is detailed, which helps if you are new to sharpening.
Cons:
Users said they struggled in lining up the bits.
4. Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener
This is the most versatile Drill Doctor here. It sharpens cobalt, TiN-coated, masonry, and high-speed steel bits. Its main advantage over the 500X is an adjustable point angle from 115 to 140 degrees, set with a cast aluminum shuttle.
You can adjust how much material is removed, which helps your bits last longer.
Pros:
This drill bit sharpener handles different bit materials, from cobalt to carbide, without changing the wheel.
It sharpens bits from 3/32 to 3/4 inch, including metric, letter, and number gauge bits.
The diamond sharpening wheel is durable and replaceable.
It is compact and light enough to store on a shelf.
The hard-shell carrying case keeps the product safe and secure during transport or storage.
This product is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Cons:
Some said this has a steep learning curve and the instructions and manual that came with it are not very helpful.
Which Drill Bit Sharpener is the Best for You?
Best of the Best: Drill Doctor DD500X 500X Drill Bit Sharpener. It sharpens bits from 3/32 to 1/2 inch in most common materials to a 118- or 135-degree point. It takes a little practice, but after that it is quick, and cheaper than replacing dull bits.
Best for Professionals and Businesses: Darex Drill Bit Sharpener. If you have a drilling business or you are a contractor who uses drill bits all the time, you should invest in this drill bit sharpener. It is sturdy and handles large bits up to 3/4 inch, with an optional wheel for carbide.
Cheapest Choice: Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener. This is the least expensive because it is an attachment. You can connect it to your drill grinder. It takes a bit of practice to line up bits, but it works well once you get the hang of it.
Most Versatile: Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener. This drill bit sharpener is a solid investment because of its versatility. Its adjustable point angle and 3/4 inch capacity cover more bits than the 500X.
Tips in Buying the Best Drill Bit Sharpener
Here are a few tips for choosing a drill bit sharpener:
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Check how easy it is to use.
Drill bits are small and tricky to align, so look for good alignment and clamping features and a clear manual.
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Make sure it can sharpen different kinds of drill bits.
Check that the sharpener covers the sizes, point angles, and bit materials you use most. Carbide bits need a diamond wheel; some sharpeners need a wheel change for them.
Note that sharpening a titanium nitride coated bit removes the coating at the tip.
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The wheel should be durable.
Look for a durable, replaceable wheel. A diamond wheel handles the widest range of bit materials.
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Look for additional features.
Split-point sharpening and adjustable point angles are worth paying for if you drill a lot of metal.
Conclusion
For most home shops, the Drill Doctor 500X is the easiest way to keep bits sharp. Check out our homepage for more tool reviews.
Sources
- Drill Doctor 500X, Drill Doctor
- 1910.215: Abrasive wheel machinery, OSHA
