Should You Sharpen Your Drill Bits Or Just Replace Them? Here's How To Tell

What are the signs that your drill bit is dull and is losing its edge? For starters, you may notice it's taking longer to make a hole, or you're using extra pressure just to get through. Once you've made the hole, you may notice rough edges instead of a clean cut — these could all be hints.  However, does that mean your drill bit belongs in the trash? Well, not necessarily. In many cases, dull drill bits can be sharpened and used again, but it depends on the condition of the drill bit as well as its size and cost. For instance, if the drill bit is in good shape overall and only its cutting edges are dull, sharpening is the best choice. If, however, the drill bit is bent or badly damaged, it should be replaced.

Even if properly sharpened, a bent or cracked drill bit is not safe to use, as it can cause the tools to wobble, vibrate, and even break. Similarly, very small bits are also not worth sharpening. They are hard to handle, which makes the whole process very tedious. Inexpensive drills should also be replaced. The time and effort it takes to sharpen a drill bit is not worth it if you can just purchase a new one for a few dollars and get back to work.

However, if you are working with a pricier drill bit, the situation changes. This is especially true if you are working with large or specialized drill bits, as they can cost hundreds of dollars. Sharpening also makes more sense if you drill often or use a drill bit size that is not commonly available. Just keep in mind that when sharpening dull drill bits, you should stay patient and alert, as the process takes some getting used to.

If you've determined that the best course of action is to sharpen your drill bit, it's not as simple as just grinding it until its tip feels sharp and new again. You need to carefully angle the cutting edges. You will use your grinding wheel to match the manufacturer's original angle. If this is something you've never done before, or you want to learn, it's best to get instruction from a pro, whether it's a friend or your local handyman. If you've used a grinding wheel before, there are also some tips to keep in mind that are specific to sharpening drill bits.

Do not apply excessive force when sharpening a drill bit. It is one of those common drill bit sharpening mistakes that you will want to avoid if you do not want to ruin your tools. That is because when excessive force is used when grinding, it can change the geometry of the drill bit. Also, excessive force can lead to overheating of the metal. Grind drill bits in small passes and let the tools cool in between. Lastly, clean the drill bits properly before and after sharpening them so you can see any damage or cracks.

If it's time to replace your drill bit (whether it's not worth sharpening or it's damaged beyond repair), make sure that you know how to choose which drill bit you need before you make the purchase. You can't just grab a drill bit that looks the same as your previous one and call it a day. Instead, you must pick a drill bit that works with your existing tools and the material you are working with. Start by checking the shank and chuck. For instance, most standard drills accept round or cylindrical shanks, but if you have a rotary hammer drill, you will need to find an SDS-style bit.

Other than that, think about what type of material you work with, too, when replacing an old, dull drill bit. It matters more than you think. For instance, if you need to drill into glass, you ideally need to find a drill bit replacement that has a tungsten carbide tip, which helps prevent cracking. Similarly, if you are looking to replace a drill bit that was being used on ceramics, you need something that has a diamond-coated tip. Do not buy a subpar drill bit just to save a few dollars. When it comes time to replace your whole set, invest in the top-rated drill bit sets to get the most out of your tools.