Traditional sharpening auger bit

[corradishop]

I have an old tutorial I made years ago.
It's all very simple, but the rule of thumb is that if you do it (probably on old, used auger bits), choose only bits in good condition, with intact side cutters, the screw intact, clean them thoroughly, and finally, the side cutters must be able to cut a piece of paper.
Furthermore, even if it seems demanding, if it's well-sharpened, the physical effort required to drill the hole should be minimal, and the edges should be clean.

 

[mm08822]

Nice pics.
The bits you are showing look like they were used with a brace. My auger bits are made for and used with an electric drill.
I have several auger bits purchased over many years for boring into wood framing to run electrical cables. They each have been damaged several times from unseen nails. I have used regular files to to do quick repairs to them while on the job. I have since purchased and use an auger file which provides much more control to only work the intended surface, one surface at a time.

However, the screw now ends before the side cutter and horizontal cutter can engage. Usually, this is just a problem to complete the hole. It requires a lot of force to complete the last 1/4". Sometimes the screw just strips out the wood because it can't progress deeper I haven't found a file yet to sharpen or or even attempt to extend the screw. I probably need a jewelers file.
Any suggestions for method and/or a file?

Thank you!

 

[corradishop]

Screws have always been a problem. Older models had coarse-threaded screws and fine-threaded screws. Only if the screw is in good condition can it be used; otherwise, discard the tool. After all, we're not talking about something impossible to find. If it's part of a set, however, you might be able to find a new bit.
If the screw has a coarse thread, you can lightly re-thread it with a triangular needle file, which can restore the thread and create a new end.

 

[RTM]

". Sometimes the screw just strips out the wood because it can't progress deeper I haven't found a file yet to sharpen or or even attempt to extend the screw. I probably need a jewelers file.
Any suggestions for method and/or a file?

Thank you!

I like a Japanese "feather file" for this job. Gives a bit more control than using a triangle file IMO. You can file one side of a damaged thread without touching the other.

You can also shorten the spurs a bit to have the screw engage earlier

 

[Beerhippie]

I haven't sharpened an auger for about twenty years now--not since my last log-home building gig. I don't think I even own an auger file anymore.

Thanks for the memory!

 

[mm08822]

I like a Japanese "feather file" for this job. Gives a bit more control than using a triangle file IMO. You can file one side of a damaged thread without touching the other.

You can also shorten the spurs a bit to have the screw engage earlier

That was the key search term......the triangle files I would always find were just too blunt.

This one should do the job for several things, not just auger bit screws:

 

[d42jeep]

I found an auger bit sharpening file today. I have been looking for one for quite a while since my old retired carpenter buddy showed me his. This one is a Nicholson.
-Don