Good Point: A Sharp Drill Bit does a Better Job

We all have days when we’re not as sharp as we’d like to be. Same holds true for our tools – especially drill bits. Bad Dog Multi-purpose bits tips are made of a unique material called Carbaloid. This facture-resistant material stays sharper longer than other drill bits. Even so, every so often even these dogs have to lie down for a good grooming.

The length of time a bit keeps its edge” is directly related to the kind of material the bit is drilling. The same holds true for Bad Dog multi-purpose bits. Drill primarily softer materials like fiberglass, PVC, plastics and your bits will stay sharp for a very long time. Put you bits up against tempered steel or granite and you’ll eventually have to re-sharpen the bits to keep them at optimum performance.

It takes a sharp eye to recognize a sharp edge so it’s important to watch for clues that your bits are loosing their edge. The most obvious indicator is that the bit is not longer removing material but well before a bit stops working a change in the output of debris is a sign that a bit needs to be sharpened. A Bad Dog Multi-purpose drill bit should remove material almost as a powder. When the material has the look of course grindings, the bit has lost its edge. Granite, a hard natural stone, is some of the toughest stuff out there. A Bad Dog bit drilling granite should create a fine white powder. Black powder means that the bit is dull. A good way to test drill sharpness on granite is to rub it over the surface. If it creates a cracking sound, then the bit is sharp.

Waiting too long to sharpen a bit can have disastrous results. You’ll notice that the holes you drill won’t be as clean. That’s because the bit is literally tearing at the material rather than making concise, clean passes. Imagine the edge of a piece of paper that was ripped in half. Now think of that same piece of paper cut in half with a pair of sharp scissors. It’s the same idea. There’s also the potential to damage the bit – potentially ripping the tip from the shank by forcing a dull bit through hard material.

The simple design of the Bad Dog Multi-purpose drill bit makes it easy for you to sharpen your own bits. Using a diamond blade, carefully flat-grind the tip to 118º. Like any good dog, the few moments you spend keeping your bits in good repair will repay tenfold with a job well-done.