Dull Cutting Tools: Should You Replace, Outsource Regrinding, or Grind In-House?

Cutting Tool Resharpening

A dull cutting tool does not always belong in the scrap bin. Depending on its condition, value, geometry, and how frequently your shop uses the same type of tool, you may have three practical choices: replace it with a new tool, send it to an external regrinding service, or sharpen it in-house.

Each option can make sense under the right circumstances.

For a small workshop that only replaces a few low-cost drill bits occasionally, purchasing grinding equipment may not be necessary. For a manufacturer using large quantities of drills, end mills, taps, reamers, or special cutting tools every week, however, repeatedly buying new tools or waiting for outsourced regrinding can become expensive and disruptive.

The real question is therefore not simply: "Can this tool be sharpened?"

It is:

"Which tool maintenance strategy makes the most sense for our production volume, tool value, turnaround requirements, and available technical capability?"

This guide compares the three options to help manufacturers make a more practical decision.

Read more in the link.