How To - Basic Drill sharpening on bench grinder

In this video I show you how to do basic drill sharpening. This is something anyone who works on projects in there garage needs to know.
Check out our Amazon store and help support our channel www.amazon.com/shop/peteb

[@thomasjefferson1457]

I've been hand sharpening drills as a machinist for over 50 years and learned it almost exactly as you are showing it in your video. I'm right handed and learned it rocking the drill on my right hand finger instead of my left as you do but that's the only difference. My first job as a machinist was sharpening a box of drill bits for the shop that had probably 500 dull bits in it. They knew the first few would not be so nice but by the time I was finished I had it down pat. Now I can sharpen drills in just a few minutes and teach others to do the same just as you are. Excellent video.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

How do you sharpen "masonry drill bits" ???

[@thomasjefferson1457]

@@ToyManFlyer1100 masonry bit cut by "impact" they have a chisel edge on the tip. (look at a new one) You need a silicon carbide wheel to grind it because of the carbide insert. Aluminum oxide will not grind the carbide very well. Masonry bits don't "cut" concrete as such. You need an impact drill that smacks it against the concrete and turns to remove the chips. It a totally different concept than a steel cutting drill bit.

[@janvandemaas4148]

I am a retired tool and die maker and like to watch engineering related videos on youtube and find most of these type of videos frustrating and done by people that have no clue and especially sharpening “ twist drills “. This video is exactly how you sharpen drills ! One small hint , invest in some diamond files and a diamond hone ( flat ) and use them to put a small radius on the cutting points as this will extend the life of the drill. Most of the time the first thing to crumble and chip are those (2 )cutting points. The same goes for milling cutters . Well done Pete !

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@racheat]

Hello Jan, I'd love to learn more about how exactly to put the small radii on the cutting points. If you know of a website or video showing it, I'm very interested...I cannot find anything about it.

[@b.p.rwebber8098]

I've been sharpening my drill bits for a couple of years now since I first saw your video and i haven't bought any new drill drill bits since. Watched other videos but have always gone back to your way. Simple easy and works. Awsome.

[@BurblyWurbly]

In over 50 years of acquiring and dulling twist drills I've never thrown any away. Figured I'd learn how to sharpen them someday. Today I learned how and now have quite a collection of sharp drills. Thanks, Pete!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

That's a lot of drills 🙂👍

[@jhansikirani3442]

I saw 20 or more videos for drill sharpening before i got to this video. I learned the drill sharpening facts and method from this video. Great thing about this video is " No Showing off, no BS " . I wish you great success and happiness in your life. Please keep making more informative video

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@frankwaynefrank4081]

Thank you after all these years you have made it look so easy!

[@acreguy3156]

Thanks, Pete!!! I love it when seasoned trades people freely give up their knowledge and tricks of their trade. If the world had more people like you we wouldn't need armies!!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@garyjay1774]

Great to see old hands and an experienced brain giving practical advice. That was spot on mate. Thanks.

[@jamesdonnelly8888]

Thank you. I don't know why this was a mystery so long. Just had to drill 4 large holes in a steel beam, and it was starting to get expensive in buying new bits. Your video saved me a lot of time and money. Good job!

[@robleach1335]

I just watched your video then sharpened a very dull 3/8" drill. I followed your instructions and it cut great after. Thanks so much.

[@chuckoverturf6710]

You did aa good explaining your process. I'm 70 years old and have been a mechanic all my life. I was great at destroying drill bits beyond recognition when I was a young man. Having to been exposed to machinists from the forties & fifties. I learned a great deal from them too. In 74 I went from worrking on motorcycle and cars to heavy equipment and OTR trucks. It's when your in the field & break a bit or dull it death, that being able to restore it to do the job is critical. Grinder rock grade is important to gain a good finish. I have a special grinder just for drill bits & chisels. Plus a small container on the grinder of water to cool the tool. A good idea. Oh, yes I've ground a bit of knuckle off getting anxious. I enjoyed the video.

[@joshuafinley5131]

Great info! No more buying drill bits left and right! Thank you for sharing!

[@martinmcdonald585]

Thanks Friend, God Bless

[@jasonhenshaw1612]

Awesome video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. My drill bit cuts now like a hot knife through butter.

[@betsyminer732]

Unbelievable!!!!!! What a time saver and saving money at the same time. For years I would just say that bit is ruined, better go buy another one. Not anymorewith the help of your easy-to-understand video. Thanks for an awesome and easy video to keep my bits sharp for a long time.

[@jurikristjouw]

You make it look waaay to easy ;-) Thanx for the tips! Learning the trade as we speak

[@williambrown6721]

I have thrown away hundreds of what I thought were bad drill bits.. thanks to you!! I can start saving money just by sharpening them...thank you so much!! Great!! video.... not to mention very helpful!!... thank you again Sir!!! ..

[@prmcollin]

I have not thrown away hundreds of bad drill bits…just kept buying more and more. Cant wait.

[@maxrennie388]

AT LAST SOME ONE WHO KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING, GREAT TO SEE A ARTISAN AT WORK GOOD STUFF

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you, I really appreciate that 👍

[@sergehypertectaiwan6213]

This is the best techniques to sharpen drill bits. I tried few of those I saw on KZbin. But this is the best! 5 stars Thank you

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you ☺

[@samdang5246]

Simple easy and works. Thanks, Pete!

[@abbii1661]

this is the most easy to follow video on sharpening drills I see on you tube.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 🙂

[@rickycox9616]

This is the same technique I was taught WAY back in Ag Mechanics in High School. This video was a good refresher for me.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@jetamorsolovideos]

Thank you for the video it surely makes sharpening drill bits faster and cost effective than buying a new one.

[@ekim000]

Nice straightforward approach and explanation. Thanks!

[@gangeldc]

I have struggled with consistent results, till this video, the finger under the bit is magic! Gives you amazing control. Also starting at the back of the tip and working towards the edge, thank you so much, perfected my technique!!!

[@femibicky]

I love the way you make it look so simple and highly achievable, you're a very good lecturer

[@ajsironworks3937]

Thanks for this video. I love fixing my own drill bits and I drill through steel so when a drill goes south being able to sharpen it is awesome. I just learned how this year and insane this video and I like your technique starting on the relic and grinding to the cutting edge. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnroberts3723]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill with a simple no nonsense way of sharpening drill bits. I now have the confidence to sort through my box of too many drill bits due to just acquiring new ones through laziness and convenience.

[@greenmanlove1]

great stuff appreciate above the centre line of the wheel info. love from Scotland

[@DeakzVideos]

Perfectly explained, much appreciated for the video mate. Picked up a second hand bench grinder with new wheels. Since sharpening my bits I have saved a fortune and it’s become fun too

[@fishingismydrug1]

Thank you! To the point (pun intended) no cheesy intro, and quality information. You also answered the commenters. Kudos to you ! !

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@garyalderman5163]

Thanks for the refresher, I need to get my bits in shape.

[@zachlemon1030]

definitely a very informative video, I recently purchased an old but very good quality bench grinder and intend on using it to give old axe heads new life as well as giving most of my tools new edges, thanks to you I now can practice and hone down on these very important skills, thanks :)

[@mark-1901]

Great to know when I retire I saved the old one's...I keep changing my company for new ones all the time....Time is money...I have alot of old ones...

[@wolverine37x]

Thank you so much, I have been messing about doing this all wrong, even bought sharpening jigs that I have struggled to get good results from. It really is quite simple.

[@hotchinahk]

You made it so simple, thank you.

[@stevemarriott9755]

Great educational video as always Pete, you learn something everyday

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks and yes we all learn something new everyday.

[@jeffwhite6267]

Excellently presented technique. Simple, clear and effective. Thank you for creating and sharing this content.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@mlb6d9]

Excellent - nothing like some good, old-school simplicity that is as good or better than these newfangled sharpening contraptions on the market. Thanks for making this!!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@Knights1122]

Thank you - my first bit came out good and I expect I will get better

[@raysmith1028]

Thanks so much Pete. Excellent Tutorial - great photography and easy to follow explanation. I have a dozen blunt drill bits. Can now proceed with confidence

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Glad it helped

[@abrahammizjaba1671]

Thanks for the tips...cool

[@rsauve999]

Thanks, Pete -- clear & simple. Bob

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@stanislavtihohod]

Finally someone does it right on KZbin.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 🙂

[@trevors8577]

About the best video I've found so far. Just about all the others will go side to side and hold the bit at one angle. Though I prefer to start at the cutting edge and swing up while rotating the bit. Learned that in high school and when I was a machinist for a few years right after, pretty much everyone in the 100 man shop sharpened bits that way. Also we kept water there to dunk the bits in to keep them cool.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@abramsanchez10]

thank you, worked to perfection!!

[@leonardoquitola1890]

Wow,,Thank You for the Vedio,,God Blesa from Laguna Philippines

[@dogz2z2]

Very nicely done.

[@Monk2699]

Great video! Very simple and to the point for the average user.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@JimMurray-yp9jn]

You were very informative,thank you

[@briangoodwin8887]

Best video I have seen on this topic. Direct, well done. Good work sir.

[@kevinpease1724]

This technique worked a treat, I drew a line on the support to get the correct angle, and perfect result. Thank You .

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@ians1464]

Something that definitely needs to be learned thanks for the help

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@martinflint8226]

Wow! Thanks so much for this video

[@pellicer648]

English is not my native language , so I appreciate so much your clearest explanation I understood everything. thank you so much.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@pellicer648]

@@petebeasttexashomesteading I just finished. Save more than 30 drill bits! I tested in a thick sheet of iron, nice! In few minutes I got the way. thank you again

[@ypaulbrown]

Thanks for making, well done

[@jaimecabrales8514]

Thank you for sharing

[@bgreenall01]

Very informative !!!! Thx bud

[@bobhope866]

Thanks! Great video.

[@billygreenhorn9275]

Hey great vid ! Didn't know you were a machinist...I have a new respect for you...thanks for the tutorial !

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

billy greenhorn Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video.

[@pedrojimenez924]

Great job 👏

[@joeyvest632]

Great Video!

[@petercherry2165]

Great video, many thanks

[@LosoIAm]

Great video - thank you for sharing.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks for watching!

[@FranksHairSalon]

Another tip - NEVER let the drill bit turn blue. Always cool the bit in water as you are grinding. It doesn't take long to blue the cutting edge and then you've buggered it.

[@eozen81]

Until this video I really had no idea about we can sharpen drills, yet I do not have bench grinder but that does not matter, good thing is to learn this. Thank you Pete.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Your welcome 👍

[@gunterbecker8528]

Got to try u way !

[@jimvantol1798]

Hi Pete...sorry to bother you with some more words but I did comment a few months ago on your drill sharpening and how delighted I was with the results. I work with my son installing garage doors and , one of the things I do is keep his drill bits sharp. I’m running out of practice now because they last so long! I have only sharpened two in the last couple of months! Thanks again ...Jim Vantol..Surrey BC Canada

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

That's awesome, thank you 👍

[@beavis1416]

35 years of workshop experience finally learnt something about sharpening drills (usually pass that task on apprentices).I sincerely thank you very much.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@mannyfernandez6860]

liked and subscribed . best drill bit sharpening vid on the net....

[@bigrusscarrey3740]

Thank you sir for that short but sweet video, ,thanks for sharing your talent with us

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@MrTheothercan]

I love the video and info you provided, so thanks for that right off the bat. One other thing I learned when hand sharpening these bits is to "back grind" the cutting edge. I'm not very good at descriptions, but what I mean is if you look at the cutting edge of the bit and follow it toward the center you'll eventually get to the back portion of the other half of the bit. I was told that if you just touch that area with the edge of the stone you can remove a bit of metal that will give you a more pointed bit for better initial cutting. It dulls faster, but seems to work like a charm for harder applications. Anyway, love to know your thoughts.

[@roncooke2188]

Great video interesting and nice tidy workbench enjoyed it

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@gregbrooks4450]

Than you! I tried this and spent an hour sharpening old bits that were killing me to use!

[@dingydate]

THANK'S Pete, for years i have tried to sharpen drill bits, but this is the way i will do them from now on easy and they are sharp. CHEERS Aussie Chris. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you and Happy new years to you as well.

[@silentypeguy]

What a relief! (excuse pun). Immediate improvement in my hobby drilling after years of mediocre results. Many thanks, one Pete B to another.

[@MarkSWilliams27]

An excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Glad it was helpful!

[@6900pilot]

That was a decent presentation thank you, i was allways doing it wrong by twisting the bit as well. Thank you sir for the video. 👏

[@danielchambers1958]

Just found your channel while searching for info to sharpen a drill bit. Heading back to the shop to try this . . . I am in East TX as well . . . . rural living is utopia . . . sometimes!

[@flaviorizzardi165]

Well done,nice quality grinder,straight to the point explanation, thankyou

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks 👍

[@montestu5502]

Great video! I’m heading down to the basement to try it out.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@carlosjimz]

Looks easy, will try that

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

Wow I thought I have watched a lot of these but that just seems so concise and easy method I've done it yet but wow good job, sir‼️®™️ 👏👏👏

[@ryansmith2845]

Thank you! Awesome video.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@jimvantol1798]

I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve been spending trying to sharpen drill-bit’s… Sometimes I get it right ...most often wrong... most of the videos I have watched make it so complicated until I finally saw yours ....I aced it in one try! You’re 33 years of experience payed off for me! 🤓. 👍

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@nemrodbaterna5806]

Hi Pete, Very nice, many many thanks

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@allankvist6741]

As the other said. Very good video. To the point and no unnesesary details to confuse people🙌

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you 👍

[@pabonl1]

Great video Pete. I tried to sharpen the drills today after I saw the video on youtube and it worked. I sharpened like 30 drills and all of them are working. I was about to throw the drill bits in the trash, but now I don't have to buy drills in a long time. Thanks Mr. Pete and "saludos" from Puerto Rico.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

I'm glad it helped you out and saved you a lot of money 👍

[@tinycuisine6544]

Thank you so much! I finally understand this

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Awesome 👍

[@larryfulton7619]

Thank You, I have a ton of DULL drills to sharpen! Gona git right on it…

[@ghazwansaleem6062]

Thank you ,for sharing

[@toplad81]

Great detailed video 👍

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks! 👍

[@JoseOrtiz-qv3qc]

Gracias Pete, está interesante tu vídeo, voy a ponerlo en práctica. Saludos desde Juárez México. 👍

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Me alegra que el video te haya ayudado. 👍

[@anthonywatkins2783]

Very good demo making clear and importance of cutting edge and drill clearance angle for general cutting jobbers drill 👌

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thanks 👍

[@aquilifergroup]

Thanks man, for sharing your knowledge. Now I know.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍

[@daletustison8550]

Nice video. You are spot on. Every other video I watched, they turn the drill (wrong) That makes the relief too excessive. The cut too aggressive. I always recommend beginners and precision accuracy to be done via aid of a drill point gauge. Do not move the finger the drill is resting on. Do not come too high. Ideally the web should be at 90 Degrees across the center. You, Ole Son are good. Thanks for the good info.

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you, I appreciate that 👍

[@yves6268]

Thank you very mutch, from France 👍

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

Thank you

[@anthonymarino4260]

thanks for sharing

[@mattgill1664]

Legend tutorial 👍🏾🍻

[@SuperJohneee]

It would be interesting to see a " before and after" on a piece of steel.Great video!

[@petebeasttexashomesteading]

👍