If you’re a DIYer beginner and you don’t need a high-end drill bit sharpener, consider the affordable Drill Doctor 350X. Despite the low price, it features a diamond wheel and is simple to use. This drill bit sharpener can only create 118-degree angles, though, so keep that in mind if you need to work with 135-degree bits.

Milwaukee engineered these new impact auger bits to drill cleaner, faster holes in utility poles. They feature a single spur design that scores the hole for a clean finish. An aggressive feed screw and cutting edge pull the bit through the material for faster drilling. Also, due to the wide fluting of the of the bit’s edges, wood chips eject faster.

Optimized for use in a 7/16″ impact wrench, the Milwaukee Shockwave impact auger should drill fast, clean holes if they work as advertised. Scheduled for release in September 2017, the Shockwave Lineman impact auger bit will come in both 18″ and 24″ lengths, and in all key lineman’s sizes.

This affordable Wen BG4276 bench grinder provides two grinding wheels for a fraction of the cost of similar options. A large, adjustable work light ensures you have a clear view of your workpiece. With 60-grit and 36-grit wheels, you can sharpen lots of tools well as drill bits.

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Instead of holding the bits in your hand, this attachment holds them for you. Its straightforward adjustment settings make it easy to select the angle, although it’s not ideal for use with bits smaller than 1/8-inch.

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Luckily, a good drill bit sharpener can not only get them back in shape, but reinvigorate bits that snapped in half during aggressive use.

This six-inch DeWalt DW756 has the power to tackle various sharpening tasks, including drill bits. Safety guards reduce the chances of dangerous flying debris and sparks, and the adjustable tool rests make it easy to securely position whatever you’re sharpening. With its extremely durable cast iron body, this small but mighty tool can handle heavy use.

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This sharpener handles pretty much any material, including carbide, black oxide and high-speed steel, and it can create split-point tips. It doesn’t offer the impressive angle ranges of the Drill Doctor 750X, but you can create the all-important 118- and 135-degree angles.

The Drill Doctor 500X is our best overall choice, regardless of your skill level, for its mid-range price and the variety of bits it accepts.

Unlike other sharpeners that offer one or two angles, you can customize this sharpener to create to any angle from 115 to 140 degrees. The 750X is large enough to accept bits up to 3/4-in., and it can create or sharpen split-point bits.

If you plan on sharpening bits with a bench grinder, this General Tools 825 Attachment, when securely mounted to your benchtop, can give you clean points and accurate angles.

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If you can’t afford or don’t need any of the sharpeners above, this Drill Bit Sharpener might be for you. It’s powered by your drill and doesn’t require an electrical outlet, so it’s convenient for off-site projects with limited electricity. It’s not as accurate as a dedicated or bench grinder drill bit sharpener, but in a pinch it’s certainly better than nothing.

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Like many accessories in the Milwaukee Shockwave line, this adapter features an optimized Shockzone to protect against over-torquing. It also features a pin detent design, which allows the adapter to securely hold the socket in place. Look for the release of this socket adapter in October 2017.

Milwaukee coats these bits in a reinforced anti-friction PTFE, allowing for smoother drilling and removal of the auger. While the design of traditional ship augers allows for working through nails in lumber, when applied to dense, treated utility poles, they have the tendency to bog down and drill slow, rough holes.

For versatility, it’s hard to beat the Drill Doctor X2 with its dual-speed motor. In addition to the dedicated bit sharpening port, this sharpener includes separate guides for sharpening knives, scissors and other edged tools. To sharpen drill bits, insert the bit into the chuck, press it directly into the sharpening port and start sharpening!

It’s not the cheapest option on our list, but if you’re looking for a sharpener that can accept a wide range of bits, the Drill Doctor 750X is a great choice.

There are more types of drill bit sharpeners than you might think. Some are more useful than others, depending on your specific bits and experience level. Make sure you’re choosing the best one for you. Here’s what to look for:

Durability comes standard as well, as both sockets are built with interior debris shields to minimize rust and corrosion. These sockets are due out in October 2017.

Safety is a key feature for the new Shockwave Lineman’s 3-in-1 Distribution Utility Socket and 3-in-1 Transmission Utility Socket. Both sockets feature a push-and-twist barrel lock. This allows for easy and secure one-handed size changes while wearing gloves. The benefit to this, as opposed to traditional utility sockets, is that the design of these sockets eliminates the need to remove the socket from the adapter while in the air.

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If you do a lot of drilling, a drill bit sharpener a smart buy. It saves you time, because you won’t waste minutes struggling to drive a dull bit through your workpiece. And it saves you money, because you aren’t throwing out dull bits all the time.

Also joining this extended accessory line is the Shockwave Lineman’s 7/16″ Hex to 1/2″ square impact socket adapter. Milwaukee designed this adapter with an emphasis on durability and efficiency. Crafted from Custom Alloy76 Steel, this new adapter resists wear and shock.

High-quality drill bits aren’t cheap. And once they become dull, they’re ineffective and more likely to “walk” around and damage your workpiece.