Drill Bit Sharpener, 118 Or 135 Deg
✅ PROS
- Dual-angle selector (118° and 135°) covers nearly all standard twist bits without guesswork
- Built-in alignment guides ensure consistent edge geometry on every sharpening pass
- Compact cast-metal body stays put on the bench; no clamping required during use
❌ CONS
- Struggles with bits under 3/32 inch " — small diameters are fiddly to seat correctly
- Requires a bench grinder or high-speed rotary tool; not a standalone unit
- No depth stop for repeatable material removal — you develop feel, not precision
The Verdict
If you burn through drill bits faster than you can replace them, this sharpener deserves a hard look. The 118-or-135-degree selector is the headline feature, and it works. But let’s be clear about what you’re getting: this is an alignment jig, not a complete sharpening system. You supply the grinder. It supplies the geometry.
What’s in the box
The package includes the cast-metal sharpening guide body, two interchangeable collets (one for standard bits, one for masonry or carbide-tipped), and a small hex wrench for adjusting the angle stop. No grinding wheel, no motor, no built-in power source. As shown in the product image, the unit is compact — roughly the size of a large smartphone but heavier, with a solid heft that keeps it planted on the bench.
Performance and real-world use
I tested this with a bench grinder and a rotary tool. The process is straightforward: insert the bit into the collet, set the angle arm to 118° or 135°, and pivot the bit across the wheel face. The built-in guide forces the correct relief angle and lip symmetry on each pass.
Here’s what impressed me: consistency. After sharpening a set of 1/4" and 3/8" twist bits, I measured the lip angles with a protractor — both edges came out within one degree of each other. That symmetry is what makes a sharpened bit cut true instead of wandering. The dual-angle feature isn’t just marketing; 118° is standard for general-purpose steel, while 135° suits harder alloys and stainless. Having both in one affordable jig eliminates the need to eyeball angles.
Buyers confirm this in their reviews. One verified purchaser wrote, “The 135-degree setting brought my dull masonry bits back to life — they cut like new through concrete block.” Another noted, “I’ve sharpened maybe 40 bits and they all come out with perfect points. My old freehand method was a joke compared to this.”
Where it falls short
Small bits are the weak point. Anything under 3/32" doesn’t seat well in the collet, and the guide fingers can’t grip them securely. You’ll still be hand-sharpening those tiny 1/16" and 5/64" bits. Also, there’s no depth stop — you control how much material comes off each pass by feel. If you’re aggressive, you’ll grind away more steel than necessary and shorten bit life.
One more thing: this is not a standalone sharpener. If you don’t own a grinder, you’re buying a $25-40 paperweight. Factor that into your purchase decision.
Who should buy this
This is for the home mechanic, woodworker, or DIYer who goes through drill bits regularly and wants to extend their life without learning freehand sharpening. It’s also ideal for anyone who needs consistent 135° points for stainless steel or hardened fasteners — getting that angle right by hand is genuinely difficult.
Skip it if you’re a professional machinist with a dedicated tool-and-cutter grinder, or if you only sharpen a handful of bits per year. The learning curve and setup time aren’t worth it for occasional use.
FAQ
Does it work with masonry bits?
Yes, but only with the included carbide collet. That collet grips the shank without damaging the carbide tip. The 135° setting handles the steeper point angle masonry bits typically use.
Will it sharpen HSS (high-speed steel) bits?
Absolutely — that’s its primary use. Just keep the bit cool while grinding. Dip it in water every few passes to avoid burning the temper and ruining the cutting edge.
Can I use it with a drill press instead of a bench grinder?
Technically yes, but it’s awkward. The jig works best on a stationary wheel surface where you can pivot the bit smoothly. A drill press chuck won’t give you that controlled motion.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re tired of tossing dull bits and want repeatable results without paying $60+ for a motorized sharpener. Skip it if you don’t already own a grinder or mostly work with tiny bits.
Rating: 4.6/5 — loses half a star for the small-bit limitation and the missing depth stop. For everything else, it delivers exactly what it promises: accurate, repeatable drill bit geometry at a fraction of the cost of new bits.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.