The Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for Tool Maintenance

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for Tool Maintenance and hope the blog can help you.

If you’re replacing drill bits more often than you’d like, there’s no point in throwing them out when you could sharpen them with one of the best drill bit sharpeners.

Drill bits aren’t cheap, but they do seem to dull quickly. Whether you’re drilling through dense hardwood or hardened steel, some drill bits seem to lose their edge within minutes of coming out of the package.

Instead of throwing dull drill bits in the trash, you can restore their cutting edge with the best drill bit sharpener. These tools can help put a sharp point on an older drill bit, grinding the tip at the perfect angle. The result is a fast-drilling, clean-cutting drill bit that works as well, if not better, than new.

Whether you choose an electric benchtop sharpener or a grinder attachment, there’s a solution for your dull drill bits. Your drill bits will last much longer if you choose the best drill bit sharpener for your needs from this guide. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

1. BEST OVERALL: Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener
2. RUNNER-UP: Drill Doctor DD500X Drill Bit Sharpener
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Drill Doctor DD350X Drill Bit Sharpener
4. BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: Wen BG4280 Drill Bit Sharpener
5. BEST COMPACT: Drill Doctor X2 Drill Bit Sharpener
6. BEST BENCH GRINDER ADD-ON: Tormek DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpener
7. MOST VERSATILE: Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife & Tool Drill Bit Sharpener
8. ALSO CONSIDER: General Tools 825 Drill Grinding Attachment

How We Chose the Best Drill Bit Sharpeners

These recommendations have a range of capabilities to sharpen drill bits of varying sizes. Some drill bit sharpeners can accommodate bits as small as ³⁄₃₂ of an inch or as large as 1½ inches. Since users have unique needs, this list includes sharpeners that offer a solution for almost every commonly used drill bit.

We narrowed our research to include drill bit sharpeners that have only a select number of angles to drill at or a range of adjustable angles—though the extra adjustments can make it tricky to operate as well. Each selection on our list has online videos that can be used to help users learn how to properly use the sharpener. Finally, we included recommendations that had a number of different price points and levels of professional quality for both hobbyists and professionals.

Our Top Picks

There’s a lot that goes into shopping for one of these tools, but all the machines on our list below are worth considering. They’re easy to use, accurate, and can keep you from having to throw out the best (and occasionally expensive) drill bits in your collection.

Best Overall

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs

• Type: Electric
• Model: 750X
• Sharpening range: 3/32 to ¾ inch

Pros

• Sharpens a wide range of bits from 3/32 to ¾ inch; can also repair edges on broken bits
• The sharpening angle can be adjusted between 115 and 140 degrees
• Diamond wheel is made for ample durability when sharpening multiple materials (including carbide)

Cons

• Takes practice to achieve the correct angle for sharpening
• Split-point feature is challenging to use and may take some time to master

If you’re looking for an electric benchtop drill sharpener that allows you to get the most out of your old drill bits, the Drill Doctor 750X is worth a look. Users can adjust the 750X for any angle between 115 and 140 degrees, which means this sharpener can handle almost any angle. It will also create an edge on the end of the bit called a “split” bit, which creates a sharp point to drill accurate holes.

The Drill Doctor 750X will sharpen drill bits as small as 3/32 inch and up to ¾ inch, making it versatile for any drill bit a DIYer is likely to use. It also comes with a diamond wheel, so grinding fresh edges on carbide bits is not a problem.

Get the Drill Doctor 750X drill bit sharpener at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Drill Doctor DD500X Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs

• Type: Electric
• Model: DD500X
• Sharpening range: 3/32 inch to ½ inch

Pros

• Great model for average-size drill bits from 3/32 to ½ inch; suitable for professionals as well as DIYers
• Can create back-cut, split-point tip with preset sharpening angles of 118 to 135 degrees
• Diamond grinding wheel can take on tough materials including steel, cobalt, and carbide

Cons

• Takes practice to achieve the correct angle for some sharpening tasks
• No mounting holes integrated to anchor it to a tabletop

If you’re looking for a foolproof drill bit sharpener, the DD500X from Drill Doctor is as close as possible. This drill bit sharpener has two angle presets of 118 and 135 degrees. These presets allow users to choose the right angle for their drill bit type without worrying if they’re off a degree or two.

The sharpener comes with a diamond grinding wheel to handle high-speed steel, cobalt, or carbide bits with ease. It can also “split” the end of the drill bit, producing a more accurately drilled hole. It can sharpen drill bits between 3/32 inch and ½ inch to handle most drill bits in a standard set.

Get the Drill Doctor DD500X drill bit sharpener at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Drill Doctor DD350X Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs

• Type: Electric
• Model: DD350X
• Sharpening range: 3/32 inch to ½ inch

Pros

• Sharpens a wide range of bits from 3/32 to ½ inch for ample versatility
• Limited adjustments make it easier to learn and use; suitable for beginners and experienced users
• Diamond wheel is tough enough to sharpen the toughest materials, including carbide and cobalt

Cons

• Might not work well on impact drill bits

Sharpening drill bits is all about saving money, and the Drill Doctor DD350X will do that time and time again. This low-priced drill bit sharpener allows users to put fresh 118-degree grinds on old, dull drill bits. It can handle any drill bit size between 3/32 inch and ½ inch, and it comes with a diamond wheel to help users get the most out of their sharpener.

Since it doesn’t create split points, Drill Doctor made it more compact so it can sit on a shelf without getting in the way. There are no angle adjustments, which makes this a great tool for those looking for a simple, straightforward drill bit sharpener.

Get the Drill Doctor DD350X drill bit sharpener at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best For Professionals

Wen BG4280 Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs 

• Type: Electric
• Model: BG4280
• Sharpening range: Not specified

Pros

• Comes with an 80-grit and 36-grit wheel; each comes with an eye guard
• Made with a built-in work light, a quenching tray, and an easy-to-read on/off switch
• Versatile construction is made for sharpening as well as cleaning and deburring

Cons

• Limited portability compared to similar options; weighs 41 pounds
• Slightly more expensive than other models on the market

Those who are experienced and comfortable using bench grinders should feel right at home with this model from Wen. Built for versatility and effectiveness, this drill bit sharpener has a 5-amp variable-speed motor that operates between 2,000 and 3,450 revolutions per minute for sharpening virtually any drill bit size.

As for user-friendliness, this Wen also has a built-in work light, a quenching tray, dual eye guards, a large and easy-to-read on/off switch, an 80-grit wheel, and a 36-grit wheel, making it safe and ideal for drill bit sharpening as well as cleaning and deburring. Though this model has a steep price tag and isn’t the most portable option at 41 pounds, it offers durability and effectiveness for long-term use.

Get the Wen drill bit sharpener at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Compact

Drill Doctor X2 Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs 

• Type: Electric
• Model: X2
• Sharpening range: 3/32 inch to ½ inch

Pros

• Compact and lightweight construction; weighs just 3 pounds
• Versatile sharpening ports are capable of sharpening knives, tools, drill bits, and more
• Comes with a dual-speed motor, ½-inch chuck, a replacement abrasive disc, and user manual

Cons

• The drill bit sharpener port may take some time to fully master

DIYers and professionals who need a portable drill bit sharpener will want to take a good look at the Drill Doctor X2 sharpener. This versatile and compact model weighs just 3 pounds and is small enough to fit inside a tool box or case. Made with an electric plug-in design, this Drill Doctor can be used anywhere it is needed and can sharpen drill bits, tools, knives, scissors, and more.

This small but mighty model offers side-by-side sharpening and is made with a dual-speed motor, ½-inch chuck, a 20-degree knife sharpening guide and hone, and a 118-degree drill bit sharpening port. For added convenience, this Drill Doctor also comes with a replacement abrasive disc and a user manual.

Get the Drill Doctor X2 drill bit sharpener at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Bench Grinder Add-on

Tormek DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs

• Type: Bench grinder attachment
• Model: DBS-22
• Sharpening range: ⅛ inch to ⅞ inch

Pros

• Predetermined angles help improve precision for symmetrical cutting edges every time
• Makes 4-facet points for extra performance during the sharpening process
• Sharpens standard drill bits ranging from ⅛ to ⅞ inch

Cons

• Somewhat complicated to learn at first; may take some time to master
• No wheel included with purchase; acts as an attachment only

Those shopping for a bench grinder attachment that will help take expensive drill bits from dull to unbelievably sharp will want to check out the Tormek DBS-22. This drill bit sharpener allows users to adjust the angle from 90 degrees to 150 degrees and features an adjustable split angle.

The result is a completely custom drill bit that’s both incredibly accurate and fast cutting. It can handle drill bits as small as ⅛ inch and as large as ⅞ inch, providing an excellent range to work within. Use this jig with any type of drill bit, but use a diamond grinding wheel for carbide bits.

Get the Tormek drill bit sharpener at Amazon or Walmart.

Most Versatile

Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife & Tool Drill Bit Sharpener

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Product Specs

• Type: Electric
• Model: N/A
• Sharpening range: Not specified

Pros

• Angle sharpening settings can be customized between 15 to 30 degrees
• Variable-speed control and 5 flexible abrasive belts provide precision while sharpening
• Lightweight and compact design is suitable for transporting in tool boxes or bags
• Suitable for drill bits, knives, scissors, chisels, and other tools

Cons

• May require some practice to nail the technique

The Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener can bail you out in a pinch. While not specifically a drill bit sharpener, this model can put a quick edge on a drill bit and get you back to work in a hurry. It features five belts of various coarse levels, allowing users to put a serviceable edge on a high-speed steel or cobalt drill bit.

Though users may not be able to replicate the exact angle by hand, they’ll come close enough to drill effectively on larger drill bits. It will also handle all knife and scissor sharpening needs, as well as chisels and other cutting tools, though carbide bits are probably too much for this tool. It weighs just 53