When and How to Sharpen Drill Bits
Over time, even the best drill bits lose their edge. When that happens, productivity drops, holes become less precise, even damage materials，and frustration builds on the job site or factory floor. But you don't always need to replace them right away. Sharpening your drill bits can extend their life and keep your work efficient — if it's done properly.
We'll walk through the key steps to sharpen standard twist drill bits effectively. Whether you're running a workshop, managing a maintenance team, or simply keeping tools in top shape for production, these steps will be practical and to-the-point.
Before we Start, first we need know what you’ll need
A bench grinder (or a dedicated drill bit sharpener)
Safety glasses & gloves
A protractor or angle guide (optional but helpful)
A steady hand and a bit of patience
After they are reday, we can go now.
Step 1: Know When It’s Time to Sharpen
Before you get out the grinding tools, check for these common signs:
The drill bit is producing heat or smoke while drilling
Holes aren’t as clean or accurate as before
You need to apply more pressure to drill
The drill bit looks dull or has chipped cutting edges
Sharpening is only effective if the drill bit isn’t too damaged. If the flutes are twisted or there's heavy wear on the body, it’s probably time for a replacement instead.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tool for Sharpening
There are a few ways to sharpen drill bits, depending on your setup:
Bench Grinder: A classic method — fast and effective for shops with a steady hand.
Drill Bit Sharpening Machine: Ideal for consistency and volume. Useful if you regularly resharpen many bits.
Angle Grinder or Belt Sander: Works in a pinch but requires a lot more control.
Diamond File or Sharpening Stone: Good for fine-tuning or touch-ups.
For most operations, a bench grinder or dedicated sharpening machine will deliver the best balance of control and speed.
Step 3: Understand the Drill Bit Geometry
Before sharpening, it’s important to know what you’re aiming for:
Point angle: Usually around 118°for general-purpose drill bits; 135°for harder materials.
Lip relief angle: Typically 10–15°, depending on the drill bit and material.
Equal cutting edges: Both sides should be symmetrical to avoid wobble and poor cutting performance.
Getting these angles right is key to restoring proper cutting action.
Step 4: Start Sharpening — Slowly and Evenly
If using a bench grinder:
Secure the tool: Make sure the grinder is stable and the safety guard is in place.
Hold the drill bit at the correct angle: Use a jig or guide if available, or freehand if you’re experienced.
Sharpen one lip at a time: Gently rotate the drill bit against the wheel, maintaining the angle and pressure.
Alternate sides: Keep both cutting edges equal in length and angle to maintain balance.
Check your work: Use a drill point gauge if needed to confirm symmetry.
Avoid overheating the drill bit. If it turns blue or discolors, it's a sign the metal's temper may be compromised.
Step 5: Deburr and Test
After sharpening:
Use a file or stone to remove burrs along the cutting edge.
Inspect under good lighting to check for chips or uneven surfaces.
Test the drill bit on a scrap material — it should cut cleanly with minimal pressure.
If it doesn’t drill smoothly, you may need to go back and refine the angles.
Sharpening drill bits might seem small, but it adds up — especially when you're working with high volumes or specialized materials. A consistent sharpening process helps reduce tool costs, avoid delays, and keep teams productive.
For businesses that rely on high-performance drilling, it might also be worth exploring surface-treated or premium-grade drill bits that hold an edge longer between sharpenings.
If you're looking for reliable drill bits that are built to last and easy to maintain, feel free to reach out. We're always open to helping businesses keep their tools — and their work — sharp.
Let me know if you'd like to localize this for different types of drill bits (like cobalt, carbide, or step drill bits), or custom it for a specific industry segment like metalworking or construction.