Sharpening Handbook

Brad Point Drill Bit

One variety of brad point drill bits.

A handmade wooden object can't be mass-produced.

Unknown Old Woodworker

The absolute best source for sharpening this tool is Leonard Lee's book, The Complete Guide to Sharpening, Chapter 15. (This is a must-have for any sharpener's library.)

Other notes :

Ensure both shoulders are the same height.
Ensure both spurs are the same height.
Ensure brad point extends beyond the spurs.

DO NOT change

the center point of the drill bit, or
the diameter of the drill bit.

Grind the minimum off the bit.

Point Angle	Notes
40°

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

Probably best to stay with the drill bit's geometry as supplied by the manufacturer, though furniture maker Michael Fortune does advocate changing it. His recommendations are referenced in the Videos & Presentations, below.

More Information

Books & Papers

Leonard Lee's book, The Complete Guide to Sharpening, Chapter 15.

A great general reference is the U.S. War Department's TM 9-867 Maintenance and Care of Hand Tools.

Videos & Presentations

Sharpen Your Own Hybrid Drill Bits - Furniture maker Michael Fortune demonstrates his homegrown method for sharpening a brad point bit (he calls them hybrid twist drill bits; this is a web page with an embedded FineWoodworking video).
This is an interesting video, but one needs to be very careful when using such hand sharpening approaches and ensure that the rules noted above are not violated.

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About this site Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.