A drill bit is a multipurpose and versatile tool that can help you complete a great number of projects. However, they tend to wear down and become dull after some time. That’s where the best drill sharpener can help you sharpen and take care of your drill bits.
A right drill sharpener makes this entire process more effective and efficient and provides better results than sharpening using your hands. Dull drill bits are dangerous to work with as they can ruin your projects. Here is a list of the top drill bit sharpeners to help you keep your bits in good working condition.
Our Top Drill Bit Sharpener Reviews
Drill Doctor 750X
Drill Doctor makes drill bit sharpeners famous for their powerful motor and durable diamond wheels. Whether you are a weekend DIY warrior or professional, you can’t go wrong with the Drill Doctor 750X. This versatile sharpener offers you a wide range of angles to allow you to sharpen your drill bits at different angles.
One notable feature of this model is the split point function that creates and restores self-centering split point bits perfectly. The ability to work with other types of drill bits such as masonry drill bits is what sets this sharpener apart. The full-sized sharpener weighs 4 pounds and you can place it on a workbench while working for easy access.
The Drill Doctor sharpener sharpens bits that range from 3/32 inches to ¾ inches. It also features an adjustable material take-off mechanism that allows you to decide the amount of material you want to get rid of during sharpening. This is good for your drill bits because it prolongs their lifespan by only removing what is necessary.
You can also use this sharpener to sharpen parabolic twist or split point drill bits as well as cobalt and carbide points because you can set the point angles from 115 to 140 degrees. When it comes to durability, Drill Doctor sharpeners come with specialized jaw guides and long chuck jaw to allow you to sharpen your bits precisely and safely.
The Drill Doctor 750X sharpener turns standard bits into perfectly split point bits within a short period and also sharpens split point bits with ease. Overall, this sharpener boasts of durable construction and excellent versatility that will enable you to handle different sizes and types of drill bits.
What We Like
- Perfect for hobbyists and professionals
- Adjustable material take-off function
- Accepts other types of drill bits
- The split point function
- Versatile and durable
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to master its mode of operation
- Some components feel flimsy
- Heavy for mobility
- Sharpen multiple types of drill bits – high-speed steel, masonry, Cobalt, & tin-coated drill bits....
- Custom point angle sharpening – set any angle from 115° to 140° with cast aluminum point angle...
- Extend the life of your bits by sharpening. Sharpen drill bits from 3/32-inch to ¾-inch. Create or...
Drill Doctor DD350X
The Drill Doctor DD350X is an excellent option for your home woodshop as it provides all the sharpening power you need to sharpen blunt bits and complete tasks effortlessly. People looking for a tool that can handle different sizes and types of bits may also find this sharpener ideal. It can cut carbide, cobalt, masonry, standard, and tin-coated steel bits.
The sharpener also has a compact design that makes it the envy of its rivals. In addition, you can position or carry the sharpener anywhere in your woodshop without worrying about storage space due to its small size. The Drill Doctor can accommodate 3/32 inches to ½ inches bits.
The flexibility in chuck size enables it to tackle different types of bits. However, it is also effective for small-sized bits. One advantage of this sharpener is that it can work without the alignment ports. This makes the entire process faster and easier, making it an enjoyable experience for DIYers.
The sharpening and alignment steps secure the bits while creating even half turns on the chuck to achieve a 118-degree angle. Another remarkable feature of this product is that it comes with V-block jaws that hold the bits in place firmly to prevent the jaws from twisting when working with smaller bits.
The DD350X drill bit sharpener features professional construction designed for durability. The design prevents your bits from losing their tempering or overheating during the sharpening process. It’s also perfect for people that may experience challenges using advanced or bigger models. In addition, it comes with a replaceable robust diamond wheel.
What We Like
- Can accommodate a variety of bit sizes
- Ability to work without the alignment ports
- Can sharpen different types of bits
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Setting the depth is a bit difficult
- Unsuitable for commercial use
- Limited sharpening angle
- SHARPENS STANDARD DRILL BITS – from 3/32" to 1/2" standard twist bits. Ideal for shops that use...
- PROFESSIONAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTED FOR DURABILITY - industrial-strength diamond sharpening wheel that...
- TWO EASY STEPS - eliminates the need for alignment port & simplifies the sharpening process, making...
Woodstock D4144
The Woodstock DD4144 drill bit sharpener took a spot on our list because it comes with unique features. It’s different in functionality and construction from the other two products we have reviewed. Although it’s a workbench machine, it delivers impressive results for a long time.
You can use this sharpener with any benchtop grinder for optimum performance. This means you can only use it with a drill press or any other electrical sharpening tool. The sharpener also boasts of adjustable point angles that let you operate with accuracy, speed, and comfort.
The Woodstock drill bit sharpener features a design with safety standards in mind to make sure you are safe and that you enjoy a hitch-free operation while working. This sharpener can handle a variety of bit sizes that range from 1/8 inches to ¼ inches with precision and speed.
Additionally, you can store or transport this model easily as it only weighs 1 pound. Installing and operating the DD4144 sharpener is also easy. Unlike other products that have a long learning curve before you can understand their mode of operation, you can master using this product for a short period and use it effectively in no time.
The sharpener is an excellent choice for people interested in using their drill press or bench grinder to sharpen their drill bits. It also features high-quality materials to enhance its durability. Finally, this product is also versatile as it allows you to choose from different grinding stones rather than the pre-installed ones, which makes it worth the purchase.
What We Like
- Goes mounted easily on benchtops
- Compact size that makes storage easy
- Suitable for Left-handed People
- Lightweight and durable
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- You can only use it with a bench grinder
- Not precise as it tends to wobble
- Poor setup instructions
- Sharpen drill bits from 1/8-Inch to 3/4-Inch with speed and accuracy
- Adjustable for various drill-point angles
Drill Bit Sharpener Features and Considerations
It’s essential to look at the type of bits you intend to sharpen when looking for a sharpener. As such, it will be a good idea to pick one that can sharpen different types of bits, especially split points, and masonry bits since they are the most difficult drill bits to sharpen. Here is what you need to consider while shopping for the best drill bit sharpener:
Type of Sharpener
There are many types of drill bit sharpeners available. However, you can distinguish them by checking their size and shape since some are small while others bulky and large. The most common type of sharpeners includes:
Portable Sharpeners
These drill bit sharpeners are small and ideal if you intend to work with your drill in remote areas. In case your drill bits get damaged or dull, you can sharpen the bits quickly on the project site. One major issue with portable sharpeners is that their sharpening power is slightly lower than that of a tabletop sharpener. Due to this, you cannot use them for harder and large drill bits. In addition, they are not as stable as their tabletop counterparts and are expensive.
Tabletop Sharpeners
Unlike portable sharpeners, tabletop sharpeners are affordable, stable, and reliable. However, they are not suitable for people with limited spaces as they tend to occupy a lot of storage space in the workshop. You may also need to look for another alternative if you plan to carry them to different project sites to sharpen drill bits as they are heavy.
Drill Bit Angle
Drill bits have a unique tip angle used for drilling. The tip can be difficult to sharpen if it’s not making the right contact with the drill bit sharpener. You can also damage your drill bits if the sharpening angle is incorrect. This happens when you use your sharpener to sharpen the drill bit at a sloppy angle.
To prevent this from happening, find the point angle that is compatible with your drill bit sharpener. Fortunately, many drill bits provide a range of this angle, which you can easily adjust. This means you can adjust the angle depending on the drill bit you want to sharpen using the drill bit sharpener.
Drill Bit Size
Before buying your drill bit sharpener, you should ensure your drill bits fit perfectly in the sharpener. This is an important factor to check since there are various types of drill bits that have different diameters and lengths. Most drill bit sharpeners come with a diameter rating that indicates the maximum thickness they can accommodate.
The rating is given in inches and ranges from 3/8 inches to ½ inches. For this reason, you need to ensure that the diameter of your drill bits is compatible with the diameter rating on the drill bit sharpener you want to buy.
Type of Drill Bit
Apart from the point angle and size of your drill bit, you should also consider the type of drill bit you are using since different types of drill bits work differently. This means your drill bit sharpener is only compatible with certain types of drill bits.
If your sharpener and drill bit are compatible, you will not experience any challenges while sharpening. You can damage either the drill bit sharpener or the drill bit and, in some cases, both if there are compatibility issues.
The material used to make the drill bit is also worth considering. For instance, carbide is a tough material and much difficult to sharpen using a drill sharpener. Likewise, drill bits built with weaker alloys such as carbon steel make sharpening a breeze. You can sharpen such drill bits using a portable sharpener without any problems.
Durability
Over time, a drill sharpener can become dull which can make sharpening more drill bits difficult. Apart from making it blunt, you can also end up damaging the drill bit sharpener. So, you have to invest in a durable sharpener that will give you reliable service.
You should consider sharpeners built with high-density metals such as silicon carbide and cast aluminum as they are durable and sturdy. You should also check the overall construction since some power tools vibrate, which can make them fall apart if constructed poorly.
Accuracy and Speed
Before making the purchase, check the accuracy and speed ratings on your product. A sharpener with good ratings will withstand heat and friction and also deliver consistent speed. Additionally, you should also consider sharpeners that enable you to have more control of the precision level and speed. You should also choose products with a wide-angle range as they result in better quality and accurate sharpening
Wrap Up
If you have dull drill bits at your woodshop or home, use a good drill bit sharpener to restore the bit’s sharpness and improve its performance instead of replacing or throwing them away. The sharpeners we have reviewed above are versatile and can handle a variety of bits.
They are also easy to maintain, deliver excellent results, and produce minimal noise. Don’t allow a blunt drill bit to ruin your projects. Pick any sharpener from our list and restore the sharp edges of your drill bit.