Easily Sharpen Your Drill Bits With This Highly Rated Harbor Freight Tool

Even if you're only an occasional DIYer, there always seem to be holes that need to be drilled and screws that need to be driven. So it's no surprise that a cordless drill/driver tops the list of must-have tools for first-time homeowners. Of course, along with the cordless drill itself, you need a selection of drill bits. Although these are hard-wearing, over time, even the top-rated drill bits begin to wear and need to be resharpened. There are dedicated tools for this, but they can easily cost over $100. Alternatively, Harbor Freight's highly rated Bauer 6-Inch Bench Grinder can easily sharpen your drill bits for just $49.99 and do a lot more besides.

The tool has a ⅓-horsepower motor driving two grinding wheels at up to 3450 rpm. The wheels have a common ½-inch arbor (central hole), which makes it easy to find replacements or alternatives. For example, standard drill bits can be sharpened with the aluminum oxide wheels fitted, but masonry drills need a silicon carbide wheel. Dual spark shields protect the user, and adjustable rests allow you to set the correct angle for the drill bit you are sharpening. The Bauer 6-inch grinder can be used on a bench, or Harbor Freight sells a separate stand if you prefer.

Over 1,200 customers have given the tool an average of 4.4 stars, and 90% would recommend it. Let's look at their feedback and the added value Bauer's 6-inch bench grinder can offer.

A bench grinder isn't a complicated tool. The majority of buyers found it worked as expected and was good value for money. One owner who used it often was pleased with the durability, having not had an issue after two years. Another who had upgraded from a smaller model said it was a "game changer" for their shop. There aren't many complaints, although there have been one or two breakdowns, and a few thought it underpowered. Harbor Freight has several 8-inch grinders for heavy-duty users.

The big advantage that the Bauer 6-inch bench grinder offers over dedicated drill bit sharpeners is the variety of other tasks it can perform. The aluminum oxide wheels that are included are great for sharpening chisels and the blades of hand planes. They can also be used for a lot of those gardening tools you should sharpen regularly, and they make it a breeze to put a keen edge on an axe. Wire wheels can be fitted to clean rust or strip paint from metal parts. Flap wheels are ideal for sanding and cleaning up awkward shapes, and there are even cloth wheels for polishing jobs. That's an awful lot of versatility from a tool that costs just 50 bucks.