Due to the regular use of drills, there is a need for frequent sharpening. The modern market offers various devices for this purpose. But few people know that you can sharpen a drill using a regular electric drill. This is achieved through various attachments and attachments, which allow you to turn a drilling tool into a multifunctional device. One of these devices is a drill attachment for sharpening drills, which allows, in the absence of an emery machine and a wheel, to restore the geometry of the tool and bring it back to working condition.
Design features and operating principle of the device
The functional attachment for sharpening drills has a specific design made of a plastic case, the inside of which is equipped with a rotating sanding wheel. It has a special shape that forms the required sharpening angles on the working parts of cutting tools. The sanding wheel of the nozzle is driven by the rotation of the electric drill shaft, to which it is connected by a special coupling.
Many modern models of drill grinding wheels are equipped with end caps on the body, which have several holes with different diameters (from 3.5-10 mm). The working tool that needs to be sharpened is inserted into them at a certain angle. The correct position of the tool, the surface being sharpened and the angle is ensured by the design of the attachment itself.
Sharpening of drilling tools using an attachment is carried out according to the following principles:
- devices, the cutting part of which needs sharpening, are installed in holes of the corresponding diameter on the nozzle;
- the electric drill is activated, which contributes to the rotation of the emery wheel. This way, only one side of the tool is sharpened;
- the drill stops, the drill is turned 180 degrees and the second cutting edge is sharpened using a similar principle.
The above procedure should be performed until the cutting edge of the device meets the required parameters.
A similar sharpener for drill bits for a drill may also have a simpler design, which does not include a cover and holes that act as a jig. Using such attachments is quite difficult; they are inconvenient, since you have to hold the workpiece being sharpened in the correct position, and you also need to maintain the appropriate angles on the cutting edge.
You can make a device for an electric drill used for sharpening drills with your own hands, which is quite common among many home craftsmen. The structure of the design of a homemade attachment for sharpening drills is almost identical to the structure of any serial model. To manufacture it, it is necessary to provide the following structural elements:
- presence of a housing for the device. It is best that it be metal;
- the presence of a mounting ring or coupling that allows for a torque connection between the drill and the working part of the nozzle;
- emery wheel, its working surface should have a conical shape. This can be done through a turning operation on a machine;
- availability of fasteners for the grinding wheel;
- the presence of a top cover, which will act as a gearbox, ensuring a convenient and correct position of the tool during the sharpening process.
In addition to drill attachments that are used for sharpening drills, there are devices on the modern market that allow you to restore geometric parameters on other types of cutting tools. These include:
- devices that sharpen circular saws;
- a drill attachment used for sharpening knife blades, cutting elements of a plane, chisel and other similar devices.
Ready-made devices for sharpening drills
Devices for sharpening drills are divided into two main types: with adjustable parameters (diameter, sharpening angle, reverse angle, etc.) and with a fixed set of diameters and non-adjustable sharpening characteristics. The former are essentially full-fledged semi-professional accessories for sharpening machines.
They are made of metal, screw-fastened to the workbench and are designed for sharpening drills of both small and large diameters. The latter, as a rule, have a plastic body with a small cup-type sharpening stone and a jig with holes for certain diameters.
The first type in Russian stores is represented by a device for sharpening drills from the British company Draper Tools and its twins (see photo below).
This device is designed to work with drills with a diameter of 3 to 19 mm with the following fixed sharpening angle settings (1/2 main angle):
- 88º - hard and thin-sheet materials;
- 68º - thin drills for large volumes of work;
- 59º - universal use;
- 49º - plastic, wood, lead, copper, light alloys;
- 41º - countersink.
In addition to Drapper, there are two complete copies of it on the Russian market: sharpening devices Riss 8100v and Craftsmann 9-6677. Judging by the appearance and reviews, the workmanship of the first is somewhat inferior to Drapper and Craftsmann.
Sharpening devices with a set of fixed holes for certain drill diameters are externally somewhat different from each other, but in principle they are designed the same. Their sharpening angle is ensured by tilting the side surface of a small cup disk, and the drill is fed by lightly pressing the end of the shank.
Structurally, such devices are an attachment for a drill, they look very similar and cost about 700 rubles. (Sparta, KWB and others). The BOSCH S41 sharpening device stands out from this series. With the same design solution, its price is about 4,700 rubles. In the photo below: Sparta nozzle 912395.
All these devices allow you to only edit the cutting edge with more or less accurate adherence to the main and rear angles. It is very difficult to sharpen a broken or rounded drill on them efficiently. In addition to them, the Aliexpress trading platform offers plastic attachments and other designs, whose functionality raises certain doubts (see photo below).
VIEW Drill sharpener on AliExpress →
Most manufacturers of such sharpening devices do not indicate the recommended rotation speed. Therefore, the determination of this important parameter remains up to the user.
Selection and types of sharpening attachments
For each model of electric drill there is a certain form of sharpening attachment . According to manufacturers' recommendations, when choosing a product, you should take into account the neck size of suitable drills; in addition, it is important to know the long size of the turbine adapter. Without these values, it is impossible to choose a nozzle that will fit perfectly. If the choice was made incorrectly, this will lead to it dangling and not being securely fastened to the instrument. Working with such a nozzle is quite dangerous and inconvenient, since you need to hold it with your hands while working. This mainly applies to models that belong to the economy class.
When choosing, you should pay attention to such parameters as:
- number of sockets for sharpening drills;
- possibility of sharpening at an angle of 118 degrees;
- The kit includes an additional sharpening stone.
Speaking about which drill attachment is worth buying, according to the reviews of most craftsmen, we can note such brands of devices as Bosch, KWB 5032 00, Leroy Merlin, etc. Moreover, some of them can be used not only for drills, but also knives .
About the advantages and disadvantages of nozzles
Among the advantages, it is worth noting the efficiency indicators of such a grindstone mounted on a drill. It is important to remember that these tools are not intended for intensive use. Without placing excessively high demands on these devices, we can say that they are quite effective in fulfilling their intended purpose. In other words, for home workshops, this is an ideal tool that will allow drills to be sharpened quickly and correctly at any time.
In addition, such products have a low cost, which is a definite advantage when purchasing them. They are easy to operate, and their use does not require any specific skills in sharpening cutting or drilling tools.
According to the experts, in addition to its advantages, the device also has disadvantages:
- Most often, attachments perform editing of the cutting part of a “squat” tool, rather than sharpening it. When using the device for full sharpening of “dead” tools, the emery wheel will last a relatively short time;
- when used, reliable fixation on the power tool is not ensured;
- often the sharpening angles are standard in the device and cannot be changed;
- there is a possibility of the rotating chuck getting caught on the internal surfaces of the adapter coupling. To exclude this, you should select the appropriate diameters and try on the device during the purchase process;
- inconvenience of holding and turning on the drill while working with one hand, and directing the drill with the other. To ensure greater comfort, it is recommended to use brackets that allow you to fix the power tool.
To sum up the advantages and disadvantages of drill attachments, we can note that they are practical when used for work in a home workshop; they are not suitable for production tasks.
Drill attachment for sharpening drills. How to replace the sanding wheel?
Design and principle of operation
The design is simple - a small abrasive wheel, which has a special shape, rotates in a plastic case using a drill, allowing you to create a certain sharpening angle.
The body has special holes for drills, each with its own diameter (range, as a rule, from 3.5 to 10 mm).
The rotation of the working part is carried out using a drill, which is connected to the nozzle through a coupling.
The guide holes for drills are made in such a way that the edge of the tool being sharpened comes into contact with the surface of the stone only in a certain position.
The drill is inserted into a hole of the appropriate diameter, the drill is started, and one of the cutting edges is processed. After turning 180 degrees, the second edge is sharpened.
This is repeated several times until the edges are satisfied with their quality.
The nozzle is rotated by a drill, the chuck of which has completely closed jaws. There are reviews about using the device with keyless chucks, without installing an adapter coupling. Unfortunately, the plastic coupling, even if it is firmly fixed, does not always provide reliable fastening, and the structure does not have good rigidity.
Disadvantages and effectiveness of use
Owners have divided opinions about how effective the use of a sharpening attachment is. Like any other not too expensive device, the design is not without some disadvantages:
- the attachment is intended rather for straightening the cutting edges of “squat” drills;
- It is better not to sharpen absolutely “dead” edges, otherwise the wheel will not last long;
- not the most reliable fixation on the drill;
- it is almost impossible to change the sharpening angle;
- when rotating, the cartridge sometimes touches the inner surface of the adapter coupling (diameters must be matched to prevent this from happening, but it is not always possible to try it on);
- It is inconvenient to hold the drill, turn it on, while guiding the drill with the other hand (for greater comfort, if possible, you should use a bracket that allows you to fix the drill).
However, despite the shortcomings, the device found its consumer. Due to its compactness, light weight and relatively low price, the nozzle sells well. It is used in “field” conditions, in households and small workshops. According to the owners' reviews, the skill of operational sharpening is formed quite quickly.
The effectiveness of this device is assessed differently. Some people believe that the design is too weak for regular use, others - that for certain conditions the thing is simply irreplaceable. Based on the reviews that can be found, we can conclude the following - if you do not place too great demands on this device, then the attachment shows itself on the good side.
Using a sharpening stand
Due to the inconvenience of sharpening a drill in weight using an attachment, some craftsmen prefer a special stand, which allows the tool to be processed as symmetrically as possible on each surface of the cutting edge. This attachment for sharpening drills consists of the following elements:
- durable metal case;
- a mounting ring that connects the stand and the neck of the electric drill;
- top panel, which acts as a guide when sharpening;
- grinding head.
The grinding head is the most important and difficult to operate.
The part has a cylindrical shape, which is secured with a nut, and an emery coating is applied to its surface. Such grinding heads can have a different cone, which forms the sharpening angle of the drill. Depending on this, the appropriate grinding head is selected, and it is also important to take into account the characteristics of the abrasive coating, which also affects the tool.
For example, the most suitable angle for:
- aluminum products – 140°;
- cast iron – 180°;
- steel (low carbon) – 130°.
Depending on the brands of materials, individual sharpening angles are selected. Not everyone can purchase or make such parts themselves; therefore, you can change the design of the drill stand.
Ordinary cylindrical circles are also allowed for use, the top panel of which can be provided with guide holes. They should be provided with the level of inclination necessary for normal sharpening.
Top 5. Alloet Drill Bit Sharpener
Rating (2021): 4.60
354 reviews taken into account from resources: AliExpress
Best Price Due to the fact that this sharpener works without electricity, it has the lowest price on AliExpress. This option is suitable for hiking conditions.
- Characteristics
Average price: 411 rub.
- Power: no
- Noise level: no
- Rotation speed: no
- Grinding disc diameter: 32mm
- Suitable for drill bits: 2–12.5 mm
The principle of operation of a motorless sharpener is the simplest - the plastic part of the nozzle is installed on the chuck of an electric drill. After turning on the motor, the chuck begins to rotate the grinding wheel. Thanks to this, the drill comes into contact with the abrasive stone at the desired angle. The model has 3 grooves of different sizes for fixation. The quality of this sharpening is not ideal, but the product turned out to be a useful tool for home craftsmen. A significant advantage of Alloet is its small size. The sharpener takes up minimal space and is always at hand. The downside is the lack of rigid fixation of the drill during operation. Therefore, you have to hold it with your hands. This means that the quality of sharpening depends on the skills of the master.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Minimum price
- Light weight and dimensions (185*40*32 mm, 120 g)
- Simple and intuitive controls
- Various configuration options
- You need to hold the drill firmly in your hands
- Average sharpening quality
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Conclusion
A drill attachment for sharpening drill bits is a very useful purchase if you often work with drilling tools. Thanks to it, you can significantly save money on the services of service centers. It is only important to calculate the capabilities of such a product so as not to overload it so that it does not fail. Naturally, a drill, even with such a device, cannot completely replace a sharpening machine, but if you need to sharpen a drill at home, it will allow you to complete everyday tasks without difficulty.
Drill attachment for sharpening drills - what is it?
Drills become dull quickly, and buying new ones each time is quite expensive. If you know a craftsman with a sharpening wheel, the problem can be easily solved, but not everyone is so lucky. To get your tools in order yourself, there is a special sharpening device - a drill attachment for sharpening drills, which is driven by the drill.
