Thanks to the huge range of different drill bits that are available, modern power drills are among the most versatile tools in the world. However, even the best drill will be ineffective if the bit you are using becomes blunt.
While it is possible to buy replacement bits, this will be expensive, especially if you are a professional and use a drill regularly. It will be far more cost-effective to sharpen your bits, which can be achieved by using a drill bit sharpener.
To help you choose the right tool for the job, we have reviewed ten of the best drill bit sharpeners that are currently available. We chose these sharpeners for their size, material, power source, and how versatile they are.
- 118 to 135 degrees
- Sharpens split-point tips
- Beginner-friendly
- High-precision
- Very durable
- 90 to 150 degrees
- Very user-friendly
- Sharpens bits of 0.094 to 0.75 inches
- 115 to 140 degrees
- Micro-adjustable
- Water-cooled
- Magnetic scraper
- Simple to operate
- 118-degree angle
- Includes instructional DVD
- Can repeat angles
- Simple design
- 5 angle options
- Dedicated slots for different items
- Stable base
- All-around sharpening tool
- Very durable
- 3-step sharpening
- Borazon wheel
- Powered by a drill
- Lightweight
- Two-pack
- Sharpens various items
- 3 grades of abrasiveness
- 12-volt power option
The Best Drill Bit Sharpeners of 2024
Modern drills are among the most popular and versatile tools in the world, which means there is now a wide range of different sharpeners to choose from. To help you find the right one, we have reviewed ten of the best drill bit sharpeners you can buy today, chosen for their versatility, how they are powered, and how large they are.
Drill Doctor 500X Drill Bit Sharpener
Best Automatic Drill Bit Sharpener
Drill Doctor specializes in bit sharpeners, so it is no surprise that the brand appears on our list multiple times. This is Drill Doctor’s 500X model, which sharpens smaller bits and has fewer angle options, but it should still fulfill most of your bit-sharpening needs.
It can sharpen bits ranging from 0.094 inches to 0.50 inches, and you can set the point angle between 118 and 135 degrees. Another benefit of Drill Doctor tools is that they can sharpen split-point tips that walk less during use and help you drill more quickly.
What We Like
Easy to Use
Simply slot the bit into the jig, attach the jig to the sharpener, and set the amount of material you want to remove. Then, set it to operate for 15 seconds and repeat the process on the other side of the bit. This is a very user-friendly tool.
Affordable
Some sharpeners are expensive but this one is reasonably priced, making it a sensible addition to any DIY enthusiast’s tool collection.
Great for Beginners
If you are getting started with DIY and need some beginner-friendly tools, this is a very good sharpener option. It will achieve excellent results with no experience required.
What We Don't Like
Rough Finish
Although this sharpener apparently has a 180-grit sander, it leaves the surface of the drill bit quite rough, which could impact your finish when drilling.
Lacks Finesse
This tool will sharpen your bits but don’t expect the same quality of finish as hand-sharpened bits. It will do a good job but having it professionally sharpened will make your bit sharper.
Product Specs
Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 13.75 x 5.75 x 11.75 |
Angles | 118 and 135 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.094 to 0.50 |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Tormek DBS-22 Sharpening Jig
Best Drill Bit Sharpening Jig
If you spend extra money on a high-end drill bit sharpener, it should be precise and achieve a smooth finish. This Tormek jig uses a four-facet point sharpening action to extend the lifespan of your drill bits. This symmetrical grind action allows the bit to be self-centering and eliminates the need for pilot holes or punches.
It sharpens points to angles between 90 and 150 degrees, and the optimal clearance angle can be adjusted to 7, 9, 11, or 14 degrees.
What We Like
Precision
This jig avoids any guesswork to deliver precise results every time you use it. This accuracy will be reflected in the quality of the holes you drill.
Longevity
If you use this jig while sharpening your bits, Tormek claims you will be able to extend their usefulness by as much as 4 times longer than standard bits.
Versatile Sharpening
This jig can help you sharpen drill bits ranging from 0.125 inches to 0.875 inches, and you can set the grind angle clearance to 7, 9, 11, or 14 degrees.
What We Don't Like
Price
This jig is expensive. It costs more than some of the drill bit sharpeners we have reviewed, and this is only the jig, not the sharpener itself.
Requires Skill
Compared to some of the sharpeners we have looked at, which are very user-friendly and require no expertise to use, this jig requires some skill to operate.
Product Specs
Weight | 16 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 7 x 3 |
Angles | 90 and 150 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.125 to 0.875 |
Manual/electric | Manual |
Price | $$$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener
Best Professional Drill Bit Sharpener
Drill Doctor is by far the most popular drill sharpener brand, helping you achieve excellent results with no prior experience. It can sharpen various drill bit types, from masonry and cobalt bits to high-speed steel.
What makes this unit stand out is how simple it is to use, yet you can still set custom point angles between 115 to 140 degrees. It can sharpen drill bits from 0.094 inches up to 0.75 inches, and it allows you to set the amount of material you want to remove.
What We Like
Simplicity of Use
Like most Drill Doctor tools, this sharpener is very simple to use. If you follow the basic instructions, you will be able to sharpen your bits quickly and easily.
Versatile
This sharpener accommodates a very wide range of different drill bits. It can sharpen various materials and sizes ranging from 0.094 inches to 0.75 inches.
Excellent Price
For such a user-friendly tool, this sharpener is very reasonably priced. If you want a versatile sharpener at a low price point, this is a great option.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
Some customers have complained that this sharpener’s build quality feels on the cheap side. The unit is apparently quite flexible, which suggests that less durable materials have been used.
Imperfect Finish
This tool will sharpen your drill bits but won’t provide the same quality of finish as manual sharpening brings.
Product Specs
Weight | 4.1 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 5 x 8 x 4.5 |
Angles | 115 and 140 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.094 to 0.75 |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Tormek T-8 Water Cooled Precision Sharpening System
Best Premium Drill Bit Sharpener
Perhaps the first thing you will notice about this Tormek sharpener is that it is expensive, costing several times more than some of its cheaper alternatives. However, it is priced this way for a reason, as this is a premium drill bit sharpener that will help you achieve excellent results.
It includes various jigs for angles and flat edges, a honing solution that provides a mirrorlike finish, and two grindstone wheels that have a grit range of 220 to 1,000 for professional-quality results.
What We Like
Micro-Adjustable
The ability to adjust the angle and depth of the cut with great precision means this tool will help you achieve an ideal finish.
Water Cooled
However hard you work the Tormek, it will never overheat thanks to its water cooling system. This also means you can achieve a sharper edge on your drill bits without the risk of heat damage.
Magnetic Scraper
The magnetic scraper collects the metal particles that are removed as you sharpen bits. This gets them away from the grinding wheel, where damage could occur, and it makes it easier to keep the water trough clean.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
This is device is best suited to professional work, given its price. If you are an amateur DIYer, you are unlikely to use it enough to justify paying so much money for a sharpener.
Requires Skill
Unlike some sharpeners, this Tormek tool requires some knowledge and skill to use effectively. This is another reason that it is a better option for professionals rather than DIYers.
Product Specs
Weight | 39.9 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 15 x 11.5 x 15 |
Angles | Infinite |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | Universal |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 7-year |
Our Ratings
Drill Doctor DD350X Drill Bit Sharpener
Best Value Drill Bit Sharpener
This is the smallest sharpener in the Drill Doctor range and has the least angle capacity at just 118 degrees. However, it can still handle drill bits ranging from 0.094 inches to 0.50 inches and it is very simple to operate.
Insert the drill bit and turn the chuck an even number of half-turns to achieve a perfect 118-degree tip angle. You can sharpen cobalt, high-speed steel, and masonry drill bits. If you have been left with a lot of blunt drill bits over the years, this tool could be the sharpening solution you need.
What We Like
Simplicity
With zero user expertise, this tool will sharpen a drill bit in a matter of seconds. You can do this repeatedly to renew any worn bits in your collection.
Budget-Friendly
This sharpener is among the cheapest we have seen. It is much more affordable than premium sharpeners and costs less than half of what you would pay for some of the more expensive Drill Doctor models.
Instructional DVD
To ensure you understand how to use this sharpener, Drill Doctor includes an instructional DVD with your purchase.
What We Don't Like
Limited Use
If you have drill bits with 118-degree tips, this is an ideal tool. However, it can’t be used to sharpen other angles, which will limit its usefulness.
Build Quality Issues
Some users have reported issues with the motor burning out after prolonged use. They also claim that some of the components feel cheaply made, which is unsurprising given the sharpener’s budget-friendly price.
Product Specs
Weight | 2.29 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 4.5 x 6.75 |
Angles | 118 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.094 to 0.50 |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener
Best Drill Bit Sharpener Tool
This tool is designed to be used alongside a bench grinder. You position it next to the grinder and it holds the drill bit at the required angle as you sharpen it.
It can be set to five different angles, ranging between 41 degrees and 88 degrees. It can hold drill bit sizes from 0.125 inches to 0.75 inches, which covers the majority of standard bits, and it is easy to sharpen multiple bits once you have set up the tool.
What We Like
Set and Forget
Once you have set the sharpener to the required angle, you will be able to use it repeatedly, which makes this tool ideal for sharpening several bits in a single session.
Simple Design
This tool’s design is very simple, which means it is easy to use and there is very little that can go wrong with it. With so few moving parts, this is a sharpener that should serve you admirably for many years.
Low Price
This is one of the best budget options we have discovered during our research. This is largely due to it being an attachment rather than a complete sharpening solution, but it is an excellent sharpening tool if you already have a bench grinder.
What We Don't Like
Bench Grinder Required
To use this sharpener, you will also need a bench grinder, which is an expensive tool. This is only an affordable option if you already have a grinder in your tool collection.
Requires Skill
To effectively use this tool, you will need an understanding of how to sharpen drill bits with a grinder. This is particularly important as the product doesn’t include any instructions.
Safety Issues
While this tool provides a safer way of sharpening bits with a grinder, you can’t use it if the grinder’s safety guard is attached. Removing the safety guard increases the injury risk while using the tool.
Product Specs
Weight | 1.37 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.9 |
Angles | 5 angle settings |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.0125 to 0.50 |
Manual/electric | Manual |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Sealey Multi-Purpose Bench Sharpener
Best Multi-Purpose Drill Bit Sharpener
If you want a multi-purpose sharpener that can accommodate HSS drill bits, chisels, straight-edged knives, and other sharp implements, this is a great choice. It has a drill bit station, a plane and a chisel station, and a knife and scissor station.
For all-around practicality, this Sealey sharpener is tough to beat. It can be mounted onto your worktop for greater stability but it is also possible to use it as a portable multi-purpose sharpener, wherever it is needed.
What We Like
Versatile
With 3 slots dedicated to various tools, this sharpener is very practical and user-friendly. You won’t need to adjust settings to sharpen different objects and it is clearly marked to ensure you use the right slots.
Beginner-Friendly
This sharpener is very self-explanatory, which means beginners will be able to use it to achieve positive results.
Excellent Price
Considering how versatile this sharpener is, it is also priced very competitively. You are unlikely to find another all-around sharpening tool that is this budget-friendly.
What We Don't Like
HSS Drill Bits Only
You will only be able to sharpen high-speed steel drill bits with this tool. If you need to sharpen tougher bits such as cobalt and titanium, you will need to look elsewhere.
Lacks Accuracy
This tool sharpens drill bits well but it is less accurate than Drill Doctor products and other dedicated sharpeners. It is a good general-purpose sharpener but doesn’t excel in any area.
Product Specs
Weight | 4.07 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 7.87 x 7.87 x 7.87 |
Angles | Not stated |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.118 to 1.89 |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Darex V390 Drill Bit Sharpener
Best Industrial Drill Bit Sharpener
If you use your drill bits frequently and need a tool that can handle bulk sharpening, this Darex model is an excellent option. It is robust enough to sharpen up to 2,000 drill bits with a single abrasive wheel. That is a lifetime’s worth of drill bits.
This sharpener is a substantial size and will be at home on the benches of professional workshops. It can sharpen drill bits ranging from 0.125 inches to 0.75 inches, which covers the majority of sizes you are likely to need. Thanks to its easy 3-step sharpening system, you will be able to sharpen your bits in less than a minute.
What We Like
Durability
The durability of this Darex sharpener means you will be able to sharpen dozens of drill bits every week. If you own a professional workshop, adding this tool could save you a great deal of money in the long term.
3-Step Sharpening
This sharpener is very user-friendly. By following three simple steps, you will be able to get a sharp split-point drill bit again in under a minute.
Borazon Wheel
Borazon is one of the hardest substances in the world, which is why the wheel on this Darex tool is so durable. You will be able to use it to sharpen thousands of drill bits before it needs replacing.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
This is a powerful sharpener that should last you a lifetime. However, its price reflects that and makes it one of the most expensive sharpeners we have seen. This is why you are likelier to see it in an industrial setting rather than a home workshop.
Weighs 25 lbs
This Darex sharpener is an excellent tool with high-quality construction but it is also heavy at 25 pounds. It isn’t a sharpener you will want to carry with you to job sites if you can avoid it.
Product Specs
Weight | 25 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 17.4 x 15.4 x 12.3 |
Angles | 118 and 140 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.125 inches to 0.75 inches |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Portable Drill Bit Sharpener
Best Budget Drill Bit Sharpener
This sharpener’s price is the reason we chose it as our best budget model, but its compact size and portability also make it stand out. Despite its small size and low price, it can still sharpen bits ranging between 0.08 inches to 0.49 inches.
It can only sharpen iron-based drill bits, so it won’t be suitable for cobalt or HSS bits. For the price, this isn’t unexpected. This product contains a pair of sharpeners, making it even better value for money.
What We Like
Budget-Friendly Price
This sharpener is very competitively priced, so it is an easy choice to add to your tool collection.
Ideal for Novices
If you are a beginner at sharpening drills and want a sharpener that is affordable and easy to use, this is a great option.
Portable
This is a small, lightweight tool. As it doesn’t require an electrical supply, you can take it anywhere. All you will need is a handheld drill to spin the grinding stone.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Precision
This tool is less precise than the higher-end sharpeners on our list, but this is unsurprising given its low price.
Build Quality Issues
User reviews mention that this sharpener feels cheap to use. It probably won’t be durable enough for frequent use.
Limited Uses
This device only sharpens iron-based drill bits, which means it won’t be able to sharpen a large percentage of popular drill bits today. If you have cobalt, titanium, or HSS drill bits, you will need to find a different sharpener.
Product Specs
Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Dimensions (inches) | 9 x 6 x 1 |
Angles | 135 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | 0.08 to 0.49 |
Manual/electric | Manual (requires a power drill) |
Price | $ |
Warranty | Money-back guarantee |
Our Ratings
Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener
Best Multipurpose Drill Bit Sharpener
This is a very versatile sharpening tool from Wood Sharp. It will sharpen drill bits but also knives, scissors, and garden shears. It includes 3 abrasive belts, with a coarse 80-grit belt, a medium 220-grit, and a fine 6,000 grit for the smoothest finish possible.
As it is a belt sander, you can hone your drill bits to whatever angle you want. It also has a precision sharpening guide to sharpen at the same angle each time. It can be powered by a 12V power inverter so you can connect it to your RV or truck for mobile sharpening.
What We Like
Versatility
This is a versatile tool that will sharpen various implements. It not only works with drill bits but also knives, scissors, and various other items.
3 Grades of Abrasiveness
The coarsest grade will strip the most material from the drill bit, while the medium and fine grades will help you refine it to achieve a professional-quality finish.
12-Volt Option
If you need to take your drill with you to jobs, this sharpener can accompany you to sharpen anywhere. It can run on a 12V inverter, which makes it possible to power it using an RV or truck.
What We Don't Like
Requires Skill
Like any grindstone or belt sander, you will need some expertise to achieve an accurate finish when using this sharpener.
General Sharpener
This is a general-purpose sharpener rather than a dedicated drill bit sharpener. It is a great option to have in your home to sharpen various implements but you might prefer a specialist bit sharpener if you are serious about drilling.
Product Specs
Weight | 1.9 pounds |
Dimensions (inches) | 5 x 9 x 5 |
Angles | 40 – 50 degrees |
Drill bit sizes (inches) | Universal |
Manual/electric | Electric |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Angles | Drill bit sizes | Manual/electric | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drill Doctor 500X | Automatic | 4.8 lbs | 13.75 x 5.75 x 11.75″ | 118 & 135° | 0.094 to 0.50″ | Electric | 3-year |
Tormek DBS-22 Sharpening Jig | Sharpening Jig | 16 lbs | 14 x 7 x 3″ | 90 & 150° | 0.125 to 0.875″ | Manual | 1-year |
Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener | Professional | 4.1 lbs | 5 x 8 x 4.5″ | 115 & 140° | 0.094 to 0.75″ | Electric | 3-year |
Tormek T-8 Water Cooled Precision | Premium | 39.9 lbs | 15 x 11.5 x 15″ | Infinite | Universal | Electric | 7-year |
Drill Doctor DD350X | Value For Money | 2.29 lbs | 12.5 x 4.5 x 6.75″ | 118° | 0.094 to 0.50″ | Electric | 3-year |
Woodstock D4144 Drill Sharpener | Sharpener Tool | 1.37 lbs | 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.9″ | 5 angles | 0.0125 to 0.50″ | Manual | 1-year |
Sealey Multi-Purpose Bench Sharpener | Multi-Purpose | 4.07 lbs | 7.87 x 7.87 x 7.87″ | N/A | 0.118 to 1.89″ | Electric | 1-year |
Darex V390 Drill Bit Sharpener | Industrial | 25 lbs | 17.4 x 15.4 x 12.3″ | 118/ 140° | 0.125 to 0.75″ | Electric | 1-year |
Portable Drill Bit Sharpener | Budget Pick | 6.4 oz | 9 x 6 x 1″ | 135 deg | 0.08 to 0.49″ | Manual | Money-back guarantee |
Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener | Multipurpose | 1.9 lbs | 5 x 9 x 5″ | 40 – 50 deg | Universal | Electric | 1-year limited |
Do I Need a Drill Bit Sharpener?
A drill is only ever as effective as the drill bit it holds, so it is important to keep your bits sharp. If you frequently drill into tough materials, your bits could blunt quickly, especially if they aren’t very durable. This will also affect the quality of your finish.
Drill bits can be expensive, especially bits from the leading brands, so the cost of replacing dull bits will quickly add up. Once you have a sharpener, sharpening your bits will essentially be free, so you could save a lot of money in the long term.
It is possible to use manual tools to sharpen bits by hand but a drill bit sharpener will help you do it far more quickly. You will probably also achieve better results by using a sharpener, so it is well worth the investment if you need to drill holes regularly.
How Do Drill Bit Sharpeners Work?
A drill bit sharpener is effectively a portable grinder encased in a device that enables you to set the cutting angle and the amount of material you want to remove. This avoids any guesswork and means even beginners can achieve excellent results.
Drill Doctor is one of the leading sharpener brands and its tools are very easy to use. The drill bit is inserted into a jig, which is then inserted into the drill bit sharpener. The jig and the sharpener are aligned by lining up the white markers.
This lets you be confident that the drill bit is locked in the correct position and is aligned with the setting markers. You then need to select the amount of material to remove and set the angle. Turn on the machine and allow it to run for 15 seconds. Stop it, turn the bit over, and repeat the process.
Once you have done this, you will be left with a sharp, effective drill bit.
What Is the Best Angle to Sharpen a Drill Bit?
The best angle to sharpen a drill bit is between 55 and 60 degrees. This refers to the angle of the chisel edge in relation to the cutting edge. This angle will ensure your bit makes smooth, straight holes.