Best Drill Bit Sharpeners reviewed

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  April 10, 2022
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Working with a dull drill bit sucks and could get really annoying when they ruin the plans you already had for your project or completely mess your project up.

Also, Stopping to go to the store to purchase new drill bits so you could get back to work can completely mess up your schedule, leaving you exhausted and unaccomplished.

The worst part of it all is getting to the hardware shop and realizing they’re closed for the day, or maybe they just ran out of bits. A drill bit sharpener is just what you need to get the job done in situations like this.

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Whether you use cheap drill bits or very high-quality ones, one thing for sure is they’re all going to need to sharpen at some point. And it’s very expensive just to replace a drill bit just because it’s lost its cutting edge or the chisel is a little bit worn.

A quick way to sharpen drill bits is to use the best drill bit sharpener. A drill sharpener comes in handy and helps you put dull bits to use again. Getting just any bit sharpener wouldn’t save you your time and energy, but purchasing the best drill bit sharpening tool will do just that.

We have reviewed some of our best drill bit sharpeners that’ll keep your drill bits sharp and help you save the stress and cost of always getting new drill bits.

Top 5 Best Drill Bit Sharpeners

Our best drill bit sharpening jigs are tested and trusted. They get the job done just the way you want it, leaving you satisfied. Without further ado, here are our top sharpening tools.

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

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Weight4.4 pounds
Dimensions5 x 8 x 4.5
ColorGray/black
Voltage115 Volts
FinishTitanium

The first drill bit sharpener we have on our review is the famous Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener. It features a custom point angle sharpening that helps you choose a suitable angle between 115 to 140 degrees.

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And this bit sharpener promises to last long because it also features a cast aluminum point angle shuttle, which makes it easier to select your preferred sharpening angle, sharpening split or carbide points, or parabolic twist drill bits easily.

This sharpener is easy to use and is pretty versatile, sharpening masonry, high-speed steel, cobalt and, tin-coated drill bits perfectly. If you’re into serious projects that require using a drill bit and frequent sharpening, this is your perfect match.

The Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener conveniently sharpens bits from between 3/32 to ¾ inches and also helps you adjust the amount of material being removed during the sharpening process, making your bits last longer. It also features a back-cut split that helps make your self-centering split point drill bits perfect again.

It has a Push-to-stop system that prevents you from damaging bits or over-sharpening them. It comes with an in-built 180-grit diamond sharpening wheel that sharpens your bits quickly and easily too.

This sharpener for drill bits draws its energy from electricity using its 6-foot power cord. It can continue working irrespective of the amount of load or speed it runs on, thanks to its permanent magnet motor. You don’t have to buy batteries if you own this drill bit sharpener. It weighs about 3 pounds, making it easy to lift, and its compact size makes it easy to store.

Check prices here

General Tools 825 Drill Bit Sharpening Jig

General Tools 825 Drill Bit Sharpening Jig

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Dimensions: 18″ L x 18″ W x 21″ H
ColorGray|Grey

Grinding attachments like this one from General Drill are affordable, but you will need a bench grinder to sharpen drill bits. As compared to similarly priced drill bit sharpeners on the market, this one is actually quite good at resharpening dull drill bits if you know how to use it.

General Tools’ drill bit sharpening jig allows you to achieve much better results than you can by sharpening drill bits freehand. A number of versions of this tool are available. I find General Tool’s version to be very well made compared to other similarly priced products.

This item is made in the U.S. Furthermore, the quality of the materials and its fit and finish exceeded my expectations. Detailed instructions are provided for setup and operation. The results can be far better than they can be from sharpening freehand if you take the time to read the instructions and set up and operate the jig according to them.

Sharpening all your drill bits freehand is the best method for someone who mostly drills in wood. It is crucial that the two cutting edges of the drill have exactly the same length and the relief angle is correct when drilling metal holes for precision machine work. The tool has been used to sharpen bits ranging from 1/4″ to 3/4″ and has been designed to achieve close to a factory grind.

Using one of these jigs, you’ll never have to deal with oversized holes or needless trips to the grinding wheel to adjust your metal bits. You can buy this tool without breaking the bank, and it is by far the best drill sharpener on the market.

Most workshops have one or two bench grinders. All you need is a bench grinder attachment like this one and you won’t have to worry about having dull drill bits anymore.

Check prices here

Drill Doctor DD500X 500x Drill Bit Sharpener

Drill Doctor DD500X 500x Drill Bit Sharpener

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Weight1.92 pounds
Dimensions13.75 x 5.75 x 11.75
ColorGray|Grey
MaterialCarbide
Warranty 3 years

Versatility is one of the key features of this sharpening tool from Drill Doctor, and that is just one of the many reasons why the Drill Doctor DD500X 500x is one of our best picks for the best drill bit sharpener. It is suitable for sharpening a full range of bits – ranging from high-speed steel to Carbide to Cobalt to Masonry bits.

This is a good drill bit sharpener for creating and sharpening split point bits. Sharpening English, letter gauge, or metric bits wouldn’t be a challenge because this drill bit sharpener uses the same chuck to sharpen bit sizes ranging from 3 ½ inches to ½ inches accurately.

The Drill Doctor DD500X 500x Drill Bit Sharpener is also very easy to use with an instructional DVD and user guide in every box. This machine is slightly heavier than the Drill Doctor 750X, weighing about 4.2 pounds. Its heavy weight makes it even more durable and a cast aluminum point angle shuttle for added durability.

It also features a 6foot power cord for easy connection to a wall outlet to function properly. Its power cord is long enough for you to change its position. It also runs on consistent power no matter what speed or load it works on, thanks to its permanent magnet motor.

This drill sharpener comes with a 3-year warranty for better assurance that it is very rugged. It also features an option of making your bit very narrowly chiseled with its unique BACK-CUT split-point bit, which makes your drill sharp enough to penetrate right away and not wander on the material being drilled.

Check prices here

Tormek DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Jig Attachment

Tormek DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Jig Attachment

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Weight ‎7.26 pounds
Dimensions14 x 7 x 3 inches
Material‎Metal
Warranty‎1 year

What is the best way to sharpen my own drill bits? This is a question that I get asked a lot. Well, now you have the answer. The DBS-22 is an exceptional drill bit sharpening jig that will make your drill bit sharpener work look effortless.

Although it requires a small learning curve, this jig is relatively straightforward to use. The jig itself has enough functions to help you set the depth of the bit, set the bit angle, and measure the bit depth. If you become accustomed to it, you’ll never go back to using a diamond grinding wheel.

It can be used to rejuvenate any type of drill bit, such as masonry bits, iron drill bits, titanium drill bits, and more, as long as you have a good grinding wheel. If you learn the ins and outs of this jig, you can actually achieve better results than with high-end models like Drill Doctor.

It is perfect for what this is intended to do. Anyone who values sharpening their own tools should definitely consider buying this product. There is enough space to hold drill bits with diameters between 1/8 and 7/8 inches.

It has an adjustable angle that you can set between 90 degrees and 150 degrees. With this tool, you can even restore broken bits as well.

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Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener

Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener

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Weight1.37 pounds
Dimensions7.8 x 5.2 x 1.9
Batteries Included?No
Batteries Required?No
Warranty 1-Year 

Next on our review, we have the beautiful Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener. This bit sharpener is usually mounted on benches and tabletops, making it very stable and ready to work. Some users see this feature as a downside to this sharpener because it doesn’t work so well without an object to be placed on.

This sharpener also needs the help of a spinning sharpener or a bench grinder to perform optimally. Mounting it to your workbench also requires a specific distance to make sharpening your drill bits easier – sharpening various bits, especially bit sizes of 1/8 and ¾ inches.

Working with this sharpener isn’t going to be a problem; it is easy to use. It also possesses lightweight features, weighing about 1.37 pounds. Lifting it wouldn’t be an issue.

You get an explanatory instruction manual for every order that’ll make assembling and using this drill bit sharpener really easy. You’d be a semi-pro in a short time. This tool is perfect for craftsmen who own a bench grinder and need to make proper use of it.

The good thing is, you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect spot to store this tool after use. You can leave it on your workbench till you’re ready to use it again. Just to be sure you’re on the safe side, covering this tool up with a cloth to protect it from dust.

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DAREX V390 Industrial Drill Bit Sharpener

DAREX V390 Industrial Drill Bit Sharpener

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The DAREX V390 Drill Bit Sharpener is the perfect tool for you if you own a small shop or run a small business. This tool is affordable and definitely worth your money. It features a metal case unit, making it one of the top rugged bit sharpeners in every hardware store.

This tool conveniently sharpens drill bits from between 1/8 to ¾ inches. Sharpening at a degree of 118 to 140 degrees, helping you select your most preferred angle within this range for additional performance. It features a Borazon wheel to sharpen bits made of high-speed steel and cobalt easily.

The Borazon wheel has 180 grits, making sharpening more accurate and a 3-inch diameter for added precision. To keep your sharpener clean, you could use a grit vacuum. The overall durability of the DAREX V390 Drill Bit Sharpener is top-notch, with a CBN wheel that would sharpen about 2000 bits before it damages or shows any signs.

It is pretty easy to use, making you a pro within a short period of time. This drill bit sharpener doesn’t possess any lightweight features. It weighs 25 pounds. Its weight shouldn’t discourage you from purchasing this tool because its weight adds to its durability.

For those who do not sharpen all the time, a “push to stop” feature on the drill point splitting port ensures that the drill point cannot be oversplit. The DAREX V390 Drill Bit Sharpener is powered by electricity. Finding a perfect spot wouldn’t be so difficult since you’ll only need to keep it in a fixed position close to a wall outlet where it could be connected.

Check prices here

Also read: these are the different types of drill bits you should own

Guide To Buying the Best Drill Bit Sharpener

There are lots of sharpeThere are lots of sharpeners tool in stock, and selecting one might be a difficult task. Just in case our best drill bit sharpener review did exceed your expectations, budget-wise, especially, you could make your own selection. So that you don’t regret purchasing a particular drill bit sharpener. Here are a few things to look out for:

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Size

The size of a drill bit sharpener is simply dependent on the available space you have to keep it. Getting an extremely large sharpener wouldn’t be the best idea for craftsmen with small working spaces. Large sharpeners would take up a lot of space and make working inconvenient and stressful. Large-sized drill bits are for small business owners or large business owners with enough space to keep them.

Whatever size you prefer, make sure you get drill bit sharpeners of good quality. Most times, the weight of these tools is dependent on the size. So, if you’re going to be doing a lot of lifting, a heavyweight drill bit sharpener is not the best choice.

Versatility

This feature is very important if you want to get your hands on the best drill bit sharpeners. Getting a drill bit sharpener that can sharpen knives, scissors and put your chisel in the right shape would leave you happy and save you a lot of money.

You wouldn’t have to bother about purchasing different tools when you could just get one that efficiently does the work of these other tools. If you work on different projects and use a variety of drill bits, the versatility of a drill bit sharpener should be one of your primary concerns.

Durability

We definitely do not want to purchase a drill bit sharpener every year or have to fix it every now and then. Selecting a tool that would keep running for long hours without breaking down is really important. You need a rugged sharpener for any task you want to accomplish. So, purchasing a drill bit sharpener made out of silicon carbide or cast aluminum would be the right option if you want a rugged sharpener.

Material

Sometimes, the reason why your sharpener breaks down quickly is your fault. You should always consider the type of material your bits are made out of and the material of your sharpening wheel too. Bits made out of cobalt or high-speed steel are usually easy to sharpen using literally any sharpening wheel.

Also, bits made out of carbide are best sharpened using drill bit sharpeners that come with a diamond wheel or could easily be replaced. Knowing what wheel works best for your drill bits prolongs the life span of your drill bit sharpener.

Price

Always remember to purchase drill bit sharpeners that are within your budget; not all expensive drill bit sharpeners are the best. Before assuming a sharpener is too expensive, look at its other features and compare them. If it isn’t what you expected, it’s definitely not worth your money.

Though a sharpener is thousands of bucks worth, it will save your drill bit from getting wasted in the long run.

Ease of Use

You don’t need to get a degree just to use a drill bit sharpener. Getting a sharpener that is quick and easy to use. Assembling or installing your drill bit sharpener shouldn’t need so much work. Purchasing a drill bit sharpener that is easy to work with makes drilling more fun and saves you time.

Power Source

You could purchase a manual, or electric power drill bit sharpener depends on which you prefer most. They are both great and really effective.

If you work outdoors or where the power supply isn’t available or constant, getting a manual sharpener is a good idea. Working indoors with a constant power supply would definitely require an electric drill bit sharpener for better convenience and efficient use.

Also read: how to sharpen your drill bits by hand

Tips For Choosing and Using the Best Drill Bit Sharpener

Not only are drill bits expensive, but so are sharpeners. If you don’t need to replace bits frequently, you might find it useful to purchase an inexpensive drill-powered sharpener to keep your bits in tip-top shape.

Unless you are drilling precision holes, they will grind an edge that will be useful for you if they are not drilling precision holes. It may make the most sense to purchase an attachment for a bench grinder if you already have one.

The benchtop model, for example, the drill doctor bit sharpener is much more expensive, but they produce the same angle. You need to set them up a little bit longer, but they won’t compromise quality once they are set up.

You may want to consider an electric benchtop model if ease of operation is important. You can sharpen a drill bit with these sharpeners in no time at all. They are the most foolproof of the drill sharpener designs.

  • For occasional sharpening, choose a drill-powered sharpener.
  • When you already own a grinder, a bench grinder attachment may be the best choice.
  • Benchtop models are the easiest to use, so choose one of those if convenience is key.

Advantages Of Sharpening Drill Bits Using A Drill Bit Sharpening Tool

Owning your own drill bit sharpener can save you a great deal of money if you’re constantly working in your shop or on a job site. It’s fine to place your old bits to the side and spend an hour grinding them until they’re like new. Instead of throwing them away, you can grind a new edge right on the spot.

The sharper the bit, the more accurately and quickly it drills. Drill bits with dull tips won’t drill precisely where you want and might drill holes with crooked or elongated edges. Any material can be drilled perfectly round with a sharp bit.

Your own drill bit sharpener will enable you to maintain the optimum condition of your bits. The use of drill bits can be made safer with drill bit sharpeners. Drilling with dull bits will require more force since more force is needed to progress.

Sometimes pieces of drill bits go flying when smaller bits snap under pressure. Flying metal fragments are never safe, even if you wear safety glasses. Sharpeners help to ensure that you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure to the bit.

  • You will be able to save money if you own a drill bit sharpening tool.
  • Sharpening your bits will improve their accuracy.
  • Maintaining the sharpness of your bits makes them safer.

FAQ

Q: Can you sharpen Cobalt drill bits?

Ans: Yes, it can be sharpened. Although cobalt bits are heat resistant and take a while before it becomes dull, it could still be sharpened. To make sharpening cobalt drill bits more effective, use a bench grinder and place the bit at 60 degrees. You’d have a sharp bit in seconds.

Q: Is it alright to clean the sharpener?

Ans: Yes, this is a really easy way to prolong the lifespan of your sharpener. Using a shop vacuum makes it easier to get rid of all debris left behind after sharpening.

Q: What is the difference between metal and wood drill bits?

Ans: Generally, wood drill bits are used to drill holes in wooden materials without damaging them, while metal drill bits bore holes in metal conveniently and could also be used on wooden materials. Metal drill bits are way powerful than wood drill bits. So while using metal drill bits on wood, you need to be extra careful.

Q: What is the most convenient drilling sharpening angle?

Ans: Sharpening your drill bits at 118 degrees seems to be the perfect angle for sharpening.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best drill bit sharpeners in 2019. These tools would help save your time, money, and of course, your bits. You don’t have to purchase new drill bits every time you run out. If you run a small business and use a lot of drill bits, purchasing a sharpener isn’t such a bad idea.

All the above-reviewed drill bit sharpeners will help you prolong the life of your drill bits and make them useful again. These sharpeners are all good, and knowing what exactly you need one of these for would help you get to understand its function better and make it more helpful to you.

If you need a sharpener around the house to make your bits, knives and other equipment that require sharpening useful again, purchasing the Multi-Functional Electric Sharpener/Chisel/Plane Blade/HSS Drill Sharpening Machine would be the right option for you.

Whatever you do, always read the user’s manual to make installation and operation easy.

Also read: the complete guide on how to use a drill bit sharpener

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.