• Files are a traditional sharpening and honing tool.file image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Because drill bits are generally inexpensive, many people discard them once they're dull. In the long run, you'll save money by investing in bit sharpening tools, and, if you reuse bits, you'll keep them from ending up in a landfill. Additionally, many bit sharpening tools are versatile; they are used to sharpen saw blades and smooth or remove metal for a variety of purposes. Bit sharpening tools range from inexpensive hand tools to fancy power tools; familiarize yourself with the tools available to choose the right one for your project.
  
  

Sharpening Stones

• Sharpening stones, also called whetstones, are traditional honing tools used to shape edges. Sharpening stones are blocks of either natural or man-made minerals. Bits, cutting blades and other tools are drawn across a sharpening stone's abrasive surface to smooth, grind, hone and sharpen. For bit sharpening purposes, stones are frequently used to gently remove burrs and uneven edges following shaping performed by other tools.
  
  

Files

• Files are metal bars used to abrade or sharpen metal. Files are rectangular or cylindrical, thick, thin, short or long. The surface of a file features sharpened serrations or scales that remove and smooth metal. Files effectively sharpen straight edges, such as those of a wood-cutting spade bit. While files are an inexpensive and effective bit sharpening tool, using them to create consistent and precise angles requires considerable skill.
  
  

Bench Grinders

• Bench grinders turn abrasive wheels, called discs, which are used to grind, hone, sharpen and smooth bits. Grinder wheels are sometimes made of the same materials as sharpening stones or coated with ultra-hard substances, such as diamond. Wheels attach to the stationary bench grinder machine and bits are pressed against the disc to shape their surface. Because manually sharpening bits on a grinder requires a steady hand, many jigs are outfitted with attachments, called jigs, which hold bits at the correct angle for sharpening.
  
  

Tool Grinders

• The term tool grinder refers to programmable milling machines used to sharpen and hone bits for manufacturing and machining applications. Machine shops and manufacturers employ this machine to salvage costly precision bits. The tool grinder sharpens bits that range from end mills to reamers and taps.
  
  

Bit Sharpeners

• The generic term "bit sharpener" refers to a variety of amateur-grade machines used for the specific purpose of sharpening bits, usually twist drill bits. These electric machines are essentially a grinder dedicated to the task of sharpening bits; bits fit into the machine's opening, the machine is activated, and, after a short wait, the bit emerges sharpened. Bit sharpeners typically accommodate only one type of bit, such as spade or twist, and the most common bit sizes.