As far as tools go, a drill is one of the most versatile as it can help you with a variety of projects. However, a drill can only be as good as its bits, which is why you need to keep your bits in pristine condition all of the time.
Unfortunately, over time, bits will wear down and become more dull, meaning that you have to do something. While you could replace them, it’s much more economical to sharpen them instead.
While there are several ways to sharpen your drill bits, one of the best is to use an automatic drill sharpener. This device will make the whole process easier and more effective, as well as deliver better results than if you did it by hand or with a grinder.
As such, we are going to look at some of the best drill bit sharpeners on the market today as well as go over the features and functions that you should be looking at when making your final decision.
Top 3 Drill Bit Sharpeners – Comparison
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Drill Doctor DD750X |
| Check Price |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Drill Doctor Drill Bit Sharpener 750x |
| Check Price |
![]() ![]() | Drill Doctor 500X Drill Bit Sharpener |
| Check Price |
How to Choose Best Drill Bit Sharpener
Size
Most drill sharpeners are pretty compact, meaning that they can fit into most workspaces rather well. However, what you have to pay the most attention to is the size constraints of the holder so that you can be sure that you can fit all of your drill bits into the machine.
Most sharpeners will allow for bits up to a ½ inch, but some will have different measurements, so it’s imperative that you look at the limitations before you buy.
Versatility
When talking about how versatile a drill bit sharpener is, we are talking about the types of metals that it can cut. Since the machine uses a diamond-studded wheel, most metals can be shaved and sharpened, but in some cases, you won’t be able to work with higher-end materials such as titanium or chromium-plated steel.
As such, you want to make sure that your machine is rated for the kinds of bits that you have so you don’t damage the unit or your bits in the end.
Ease of Use
Although using a drill bit sharpener is much easier than doing it by hand or using a grinder, there are still some complicated mechanics that you have to follow to ensure that you’re getting the right results.
Thus, you want to pay attention to the adjustment mechanism so that you make sure that it is easy to use and won’t cause any problems. Some devices have a bit of a learning curve, so if you’re not sure how to use the machine, then you will most likely want to get one that either comes with detailed instructions or a simpler setup.
5 Best Drill Bit Sharpeners – Review
1. Drill Doctor DD750X Drill Bit Sharpener
As you will notice, most of the machines on our list are Drill Doctors. The reason for this is that the company is one of the only ones making bit sharpeners, meaning that there is not a lot of variety of brands.
Thankfully, however, these devices are all high quality and deliver the best results possible. What’s important to pay attention to is the kind of metal it can shape, the size of the bits it can handle, and what other additional features are offered.
This way you can pick out the right machine for your needs. In this case, the DD750X is a great industrial-strength sharpener that can handle the majority of your needs.
Sharpens Most Bits
First and foremost, this sharpener is built to handle most of the metals that you will find in drill bits. While you may not be able to shape some of the higher-end materials, this device will make short work of HSS (high-speed steel), masonry bits, carbide, and TiN-Coated steel. Considering that this covers the majority of drill bits you shouldn’t have any problem sharpening the ones in your toolbox.
Works on Variety of Sizes
Along with the type of material you can cut, it’s imperative that you check the size dimensions of the sharpener as well. In this case, the DD750X is built to handle bits sized between 3/32 inches and 3/4 inches, which should be almost all bits that you can find. The setting system is adjustable so that you can create back-cut slices and sharpen the tips much more effectively than you thought possible.
Diamond Sharpening Wheel
Like all drill bit sharpeners, the DD750X comes with a diamond-studded wheel. The one that comes included in the machine is a finer 180-grit material that can shape and sharpen any tip with ease. Best of all, replacing the wheel is a breeze as all you have to do is pop it out and swap it with a new one. As with most wheels, it can last up to about 200 sharpenings before needing to be replaced.
Three-Year Warranty
One of the best ways to determine how well a company stands behind its product is to see what kind of warranty is offered. In this case, you get three years to see how well the device works without having to worry about not being able to replace it. Overall, this should give you a lot of confidence that the machine is built well and won’t break down on you.
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Works on most drill bits
- Fast operation
- Easy to replace parts
- Long-lasting warranty
- Provides excellent results
- Setup can be somewhat complicated, especially for new users
- Some components are not as durable as others
- It May not produce a sharp enough point for some wood bits
- Compact design weighs less than eight pounds
- Works on most drill materials, including TiN-coated and high-speed steel
- Can sharpen bits between 3/32 and ¾ inch in size
- Diamond studded 180-grit wheel grinds quickly and effectivelyWheel is replaceable when necessary
- Sturdy base won’t move or shake during operation
- Secure alignment system for better results
- Creates back-cut split points for a sharper bit
- Push to stop design allows for more precise split points
- Internal storage space for accessories
- Wheel designed to last up to 200 sharpenings
- Carry case included for easy transport
- Three-year limited warranty
Final Verdict:
Overall, if you are looking for a robust drill bit sharpener that can handle most materials and sizes, then this is an excellent choice. We like the fact that it does back-cut slices and can be adjusted to fit your needs, and we also appreciate the strong motor that delivers quality results every time. In the end, this sharpener is one of the best you can find.
2. Drill Doctor Drill Bit Sharpener 750x
Finishing off our list is the 750X from Drill Doctor. At first glance, you may think that we are repeating the model from above, but that was the DD750X, meaning that these are two separate machines.
When you pay attention to the details, however, you’ll see that we saved the best for last.
Sharpens All Metals
So far, all of the devices that we’ve seen have been able to do a broad range of materials but still manage to fall flat overall. Fortunately, with the 750X you can do more than anything else as it can handle any metal for any drill bit.
Along with the standard stuff, it can deal with titanium-coated steel as well as broken bits. While the other devices could shape cracked bits, this is the only one that can do entirely broken material, making it one of the most versatile sharpeners we’ve seen.
Front-Loading Chuck
If you thought that the 350X was the easiest to load and align, it doesn’t even compare to this system on the 750x. It has a front-loading chuck that tightens quickly, and an E-Z alignment control that enables you to easily adjust your cutting angles as you see fit. Overall, not only is this machine powerful but it is also extremely user-friendly.
Adjustable Material Take-Off
As we mentioned, this sharpener can take broken bits and turn them into functional pieces again, and that is with the MTO system. You can customize your angle to fit your exact needs, meaning that no matter the size or material you can shape your bits in any way necessary.
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- More versatile than other sharpeners
- Works on almost all materials
- Fixes broken bits
- Easy to align and adjust as needed
- Sturdy motor and base
- Easy to replace wheel
- Excellent results
- Some components may feel flimsy
- Can be tricky to master at first
- The high powered motor works every time
- Sharpens almost any material, including cobalt and titanium
- Fits sizes between 3/32 and ¾ inch bits
- The E-Z alignment system is adjustable as needed
- Quick-change diamond wheel for easy replacement
- Material take-off (MTO) allows for fixing broken bits
- Front-load chuck is easier to use
- Lightweight design is only six pounds
- Sturdy base won’t wobble or shake during operation
- Instructional DVD included
Final Verdict:
Overall, the 750X is the perfect drill bit sharpener as it comes with all of the features and the power that you need to get any job done well. While other devices may be more cost-effective or suitable to your limited needs, we highly recommend this machine for any and all drill sharpening as it can handle anything you throw its way and it will keep on ticking.
3. Drill Doctor 500X Drill Bit Sharpener
We’ve seen what the DD750X can do, so if you want something a bit more scaled back, then you will want to check out the 500X model instead. This is a step down from the 750, meaning that you don’t get quite as much functionality or power with this device.
However, this machine can still provide a lot of benefits and will work well in most workplace environments. This device is made for those who do plenty of drill work but don’t need to sharpen bits as often.
Works on Most Metals
Much like the model above, this sharpener is made to handle most bit materials that you will encounter. This makes it a versatile and reliable machine as it can shape HSS, masonry bits, TiN-Coated steel, and cobalt. Unless you use something heavier and more high-end, this sharpener should be able to take care of it well.
Sharpens Most Sizes
One of the other primary differences between this machine and the 750X is that this one doesn’t fit quite as many sizes as the other. Instead of reaching all the way up to 3/4 inches, this one caps off at ½. This can still work for most drill bits, but if you work on larger models, then you will have to find a more comprehensive sharpener.
Adjustable Point Angles
For the most part, to get the right sharpening angle for your drill bit, you will want it to be either at 118 or 135 degrees. While other machines like the 750X give you a bit more leeway in between, the 500X is designed to offer both of those angles specifically.
Thus, if you want to have more customization options, you may need something different. However, considering that most bits work well at those two angles, you shouldn’t have that many problems shaping your bits the way you want.
Quick Change Diamond Sharpening Wheel
One of the big selling points of this machine (and Drill Doctor as a brand) is that it is so easy to change your diamond wheel. Sometimes you need a hex key or something similar to pop it out, but in this case, you can do it without any extra tools or accessories.
This way, if you have to switch between coarse and fine grit wheels, you can do so quickly and easily for more convenience.
- Durable construction
- Works on most drill bits
- Handles most bit sizes
- Durable diamond-studded wheel included
- Sturdy motor and base
- Lightweight and compact design
- Creates sharper points
- Quick and easy operation
- Multi-year warranty
- In rare cases, it may not cut the back angle correctly each time
- In rare instances, the motor may overheat and shut off unexpectedly
- It May take a few tries to master the mechanics of the device
- Robust and powerful motor
- Handles most kinds of bit materials, including TiN-coated and high-speed steel
- The diamond-studded wheel provides quick and easy sharpening
- Quick change wheel requires no tools for the replacement
- Creates angled edges for a sharper bit (118 to 135 degrees)Industrial-strength design
- Compact for easy carrying and use
- The sturdy base will not wobble or shake during operation
- Works on bit sizes between 3/32 and ½ inch
- Designed to stay cool while in use
- The wheel can last for up to 200 sharpenings
- Push to stop design allows for precise back cut split edges
- Instructional DVD provided
- Three-year limited warranty
Final Verdict:
In the end, if you are a step above a casual user and want something robust and reliable to sharpen most standard bits, then this machine can do wonders for you. It may not be the most powerful, but it can do the job well regardless.
4. Drill Doctor DD350X Drill Bit Sharpener
As we move down the list, we come to the most basic model offered by Drill Doctor. At first glance, you may think that the DD350X has nothing to offer compared to the 500 and 750 models, but the fact is that this device is made for beginners.
Thus, if you have never used a bit sharpener before and want to learn as you go, this will be a fantastic place to start.
Also, just because it doesn’t come with all of the features of the others doesn’t mean that you can’t get decent results with this machine.
Works on Most Metals
One thing that is worth noting about the 350X is that it can shape a wider variety of materials than the others. In addition to the standard metals of HSS, masonry bits, and TiN-Coated steel, you can also sharpen both carbide and cobalt, making this one of the more versatile sharpeners overall. That, coupled with its simplified design make it a worthy addition to any workshop.
Compact Design
Since the 350X is technically the base version of the Drill Doctor, that means that it doesn’t come with a lot of the add-ons you can find with the higher numbers. As such, it is much smaller and more lightweight than the rest, meaning that you can fit it almost anywhere, especially when it is not in use. At just about three pounds, this is one of the lightest drill bit sharpeners you can find.
Fits Most Bit Sizes
Much like the 500X above, this unit fits most of the drill bits you can find except for largest ones. It maxes out at ½ inches, which is still more than enough to work with a wide variety of bits that you can find.
On-Chuck Alignment
With other sharpeners, the aligning system is separate from the chuck. While this allows for more precise measurements, it also means that you have to be more careful about what you are doing when setting up your bit to be sharpened.
Thus, to make the whole process easier for beginners, this device enables you to align as you set it so that it only takes one step to complete. It’s so easy to do that some experienced sharpeners prefer this method, which is another reason that the 350X has a lot to offer.
- Durable construction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to use and master
- Creates perfect angles every time
- Sharpens most metals
- Fits most drill bit sizes
- Sturdy base
- Robust motor
- Long lasting design
- Warranty provided
- Only one sharpening angle
- Cannot sharpen reverse drill bits
- In rare cases, the motor may overheat and shut off unexpectedly
- Compact design weighs less than three pounds
- Built for beginners and pros alike
- Simplified alignment system for easier use
- Sharpens at an angle of 118 degrees
- Works on most metals, including TiN coated and high-speed steel
- Fits bit sizes between 3/32 and ½ inch
- Chuck holds bit in place while you work
- Sturdy feet prevent wobbling or shaking during operation
- Robust motor works every time
- Three-year limited warranty
Final Verdict
If you’re a casual drill user and have not had a lot of experience sharpening bits, then this could be a fantastic place to start. The 350X is built for beginners, but can still provide many of the same results that you can find on more powerful and comprehensive machines, making it a worthy investment regardless of your skill level.
5. Dremel 6700-01 Sharpening Station For Drill Bits
Moving past Drill Doctor for a minute, next we have a multi-use sharpening system that not only allows you to sharpen drill bits but can also be used to keep knives, chisels, and scissors in tip top shape.
Thus, if you’re looking for a reliable machine that can handle a wider variety of materials, this could be a great buy.
All-In-One Sharpening System
The way that this device works is that you have a standard diamond-studded wheel and three different covers. The cover dictates what kind of sharpening you can do, meaning that one is for sharp edges (knives), another is for flat edges (chisels), and finally one for drill bits. If you want an all-in-one solution, then this machine can do a lot more for you than the competition.
Magnetic Blade Holder
Whenever you are sharpening metals, you have to be careful and wear protection, but this device makes things a lot safer by including a spark guard and a magnetic holder. This helps prevent slipping while you work and it won’t let sparks get onto your skin or clothes. Safety is always a priority with Dremel, and it shows with this machine.
Sharpening Guides
One of the best features about this sharpener is that it comes with guides so that you can get the best results each time you work, regardless of the type of material or product you use. Whether it’s a knife or a drill bit, these guides ensure that you don’t mess things up and do more harm than good.
- Durable construction
- Multi-use design
- Lightweight and compact
- Robust motor
- Heavy-duty sharpening wheel
- Three dedicated holders and sharpening guides
- Easy to master
- Works well on small drill bits
- Sturdy base
- Won’t work on large bits
- Only works on high-speed steel and carbide
- Can be tricky to master
- Durable metal construction
- Heavy duty design
- Works to sharpen any sharp edges, including drill bits
- Built-in guides to help you get the best results
- Works well with small bits
- Robust motor won’t overheat
- Sturdy base won’t wobble or shake
- Sharpens bits between 7/64 and ⅜ inch
- Weighs less than five pounds
Final Verdict:
In the end, although this machine can do a lot, it is severely limited as a drill bit sharpener, so we only recommend it for those who don’t have to do a lot of sharpening overall. If you have a few small bits that need touching up, then this can do the trick, but don’t rely on it for heavy-duty uses as it will break down much faster than the other models on this list.