Drill Bit Sharpeners

About Drill Bit Sharpeners

Drill bit sharpeners are specialised workshop tools designed to restore worn or blunt drill bits back to their original cutting performance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted brands including Sealey, Multi-Sharp, Draper, and Bosch Professional, offering solutions for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. These devices range from simple manual sharpeners ideal for home workshops to sophisticated electric models capable of precision sharpening across multiple drill bit sizes and types, typically handling diameters from 3mm up to 13mm or more.

Unlike traditional bench grinders which require considerable skill to sharpen drill bits correctly by hand, dedicated drill bit sharpeners maintain the correct cutting angles and geometry automatically. Many models available at MyToolShed.co.uk are multi-purpose sharpeners capable of maintaining other workshop tools such as chisels, scissors, and plane blades, making them particularly valuable for small workshops where space and budget are at a premium. Whether you opt for a manual bench-mounted model or an electric sharpener with motorised grinding wheels, these tools deliver professional-quality results with minimal learning curve.

Applications

Drill bit sharpeners are invaluable tools across a wide range of professional trades and applications:

• Engineering and fabrication workshops – metalworkers and machinists drilling steel, aluminium, and other metals
• Joiners and carpenters – woodworking professionals maintaining brad point and twist bits
• Maintenance engineers – facilities management and industrial maintenance roles
• Agricultural workshops – farm operations where drill bits face tough conditions
• Automotive and vehicle repair – mechanics drilling through various materials
• Construction contractors – site workers and general builders requiring sharp bits for varied materials
• Educational institutions – schools and colleges teaching engineering or metalwork
• DIY enthusiasts – home workshop owners maintaining their tools properly

Choosing The Right Drill Bit Sharpeners

Drill Bit Compatibility: Establish which types and sizes of drill bits you need to sharpen. Check the minimum and maximum diameter capacities and confirm whether the sharpener handles only twist drills or also masonry, brad point, and other specialised bit types.

Manual vs Electric Operation: Manual sharpeners are more affordable, portable, and require no power supply, making them ideal for basic workshops or mobile applications. Electric models offer faster, more consistent results with less physical effort, particularly valuable in busy professional workshops.

Multi-Purpose Capability: If workshop space is limited, consider multi-purpose sharpeners that can also handle chisels, scissors, knives, and plane blades. Sealey and Multi-Sharp offer excellent versatility in this regard.

Grinding Wheel Type: Check what grinding wheels are fitted as standard and whether replacements are readily available. Aluminium oxide wheels suit HSS bits, whilst silicon carbide is better for carbide-tipped bits.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection when operating sharpening equipment, as metal particles can cause serious eye injuries. Ensure adequate workshop ventilation or use dust extraction when sharpening larger quantities of bits. Before operating electric models, check that the power supply matches the UK standard 240V specification and that the plug is correctly fused. Inspect grinding wheels for cracks or damage before use – never use a damaged wheel. Secure bench-mounted sharpeners firmly to your workbench and keep hands clear of grinding wheels at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to sharpen a drill bit?

With a dedicated drill bit sharpener, most standard HSS twist drills can be resharpened in under a minute once you're familiar with the process. This is considerably faster than freehand sharpening on a bench grinder, which requires significantly more skill and time.

How many times can I resharpen a drill bit before replacing it?

A quality HSS drill bit can typically be resharpened dozens of times before the flutes become too short. Each sharpening removes only a small amount of material, potentially extending drill bit life by 10-20 times compared to discarding blunt bits.

Do I need special skills to use a drill bit sharpener?

Dedicated drill bit sharpeners require minimal skill compared to freehand sharpening. Most models use simple alignment guides and preset angles that automatically maintain correct geometry, allowing most users to achieve excellent results immediately after reading the instructions.