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How to sharpen a drill bit? Review of the most effective drill bit refurbishment methods
A well-sharpened drill bit is the foundation of precise work. Over time, however, it becomes blunt or deformed. Instead of replacing it with a new one, you can use practical methods for sharpening drill bits. Find out which tools to use and how to do it properly. Restore or discard? Why is it worth sharpening drill bits? Buying a basic drill bit costs a few zlotys. The hardest metal drill bits, however, can cost several dozen or even more than 100 PLN. It might seem that when such tools become blunt the best solution is to replace them. Indeed, with significant wear that may be the optimal choice. However, in many cases it is worth refurbishing high-quality specialist drill bits. For this you can use a professional drill-sharpening jig or other tools, e.g. a grinder. When looking for the best devices for sharpening drill bits remember that there are no universal drill bits. Each one is slightly different, so it requires a different sharpening method. We distinguish flat, spiral and twist (helical) drill bits. There is also a division according to the material they are intended for: for wood for metal with a steel cutting edge for sheet metal for concrete, with a carbide tip (so-called carbide/widia drill bits) multipurpose for metal or concrete with a carbide tip for plastics As you can see, drill bits for different applications are made from different materials. This is one of the factors that affects the choice of sharpening method. How to sharpen drill bits on a grinder? If you don’t want to invest in a drill-sharpening jig, you can use a regular grinder. This tool is suitable primarily for most larger-diameter drill bits such as e.g. wood drill bits. Unfortunately, a grinder is generally not suitable for sharpening specialist bits – you can easily damage your drill bit that way. How to sharpen a drill bit on a grinder? Choose the appropriate abrasives. It’s best to use aluminium oxide grinding wheels. Hold the drill against the grinding wheel and slowly rotate it in the direction of drilling. Remember to frequently pause the sharpening process – otherwise it may overheat and become damaged. A popular method to increase strength, hardness, wear resistance, but also to raise yield and elasticity, is the so-called hardening of the drill bit. It involves rapidly cooling the material after it has been heated to a high temperature during sharpening. This procedure does contribute to giving the steel the expected properties, but it requires caution. To do it correctly, the duration of the water quench must be chosen appropriately. This requires, among other things, knowledge of the chemical composition of the material being hardened. Improper hardening can lead to deformations or even cracks in the drill bit. Grinder-sharpener, i.e. the so-called drill-sharpening machine Somewhere between a drill-sharpening jig and a grinder used for this purpose is the grinder-sharpener. Importantly, this type of drill-sharpening machine is also suitable for small components – specialist bits. Grinder-sharpeners resemble bench grinders in appearance. However, they are equipped with an additional drill-sharpening holder. They allow smooth and efficient adjustment of rotational speed, which greatly facilitates precise work on bits with different parameters. A drill guide and a special vibration-damping construction provide greater accuracy. This type of device allows you to adjust the sharpening angle of the drill to your needs. Additionally, it is equipped with a small coolant reservoir. Drill-sharpening jig If you often need to sharpen drill bits, the most cost-effective solution is to purchase a specialist drill-sharpening jig. It takes the form of a holder mounted, for example, to a grinder, with a built-in support that ensures stability. Simply place the drill bit in the holder, bring it to the correct angle to the grinding stone, set the sharpening depth for metal, glass, etc. according to the enclosed instructions, and finally grind it on each side. This specialist drill-sharpening attachment is essential if you plan to refurbish not only metal drill bits but also, for example, carbide (widia) bits. Sharpening drill bits for concrete and glass must be very precise – it requires maintaining the correct angle and grinding depth. A drill-sharpening jig helps maintain that accuracy, and at the same time is comfortable and easy to use. Such a device is also suitable for small-sized tools. When should you entrust drill sharpening to a professional? Even if you are an expert in your field, in some cases you should entrust work related to drill sharpening to professional workshops specialized in this. This is important, for example, when sharpening step drills. Their specific, conical design significantly complicates DIY sharpening, e.g. with a grinder. Attempting to refurbish such bits, as well as some small specialist bits, on your own may result in damaging them. Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Hoegert Guide: cutting and grinding with an angle grinder. How to do it efficiently and safely?
An angle grinder is a versatile tool, ideal for grinding, brushing, polishing and removing rust. It works well for smoothing irregularities in stone and removing burrs from metal. Some metal surfaces, especially around welds or cuts, may have sharp points and edges that can be smoothed with a grinding disc. An angle grinder is also suitable for cutting metal, stone, concrete and ceramic tiles. With a variety of accessories it can be used for grinding, polishing and cleaning. How to ensure safety while working with an angle grinder? What is proper cutting with an angle grinder? How to grind different materials correctly? These concepts cover not only the art of making straight cuts without burrs and cracks, but also taking care of your own safety and that of bystanders. Therefore, before starting work it is worth following basic safety rules. Cutting with an angle grinder can generate harmful dust, and flying particles of the worked material and red-hot metal filings can cause burns or bodily injury. So how should you properly prepare for the job? Appropriate clothing for cutting with an angle grinder It is worth preparing the appropriate PPE (safety clothing) for working with an angle grinder in advance. Which protective clothing matters most here? Sparks and metal filings are particularly dangerous for the eyes. Therefore, the basic equipment for an angle grinder operator should be safety goggles. An alternative can be a clear protective face shield that covers the entire face. The skin of the hands is also at risk of burns. Therefore, you should always wear protective gloves. They will also protect against cuts when lifting cut pieces – these may have burrs and sharp edges. Rising dust, especially in enclosed spaces, can be hazardous to the respiratory system. It is worth wearing a protective half-mask when cutting bricks, walls and other dusty materials. Other clothing elements should fit close to the body. Loose parts of clothing can get caught in the grinder during operation. Preparing the work area Before answering the question how to cut correctly with an angle grinder, you must properly prepare the work area. On the one hand this is very important for safety, on the other it provides greater comfort and makes cutting easier. The best place to work with an angle grinder is a workbench in a workshop. However, materials are often cut or ground away from the workshop. In such cases you must ensure a stable position for the item being cut. It is very important to tidy the area around the workspace. Pay special attention to flammable materials that can ignite from sparks. Finally, make sure that during work no one will need to pass near you. This way you won’t have to watch the surroundings and can focus on making the cut correctly. Check the angle grinder before you start cutting Before turning on the device, it is worth inspecting it carefully to check whether it is ready for work. A few simple questions will help: Is the appropriate disc installed for cutting or grinding the given material? We provided more information on choosing the right discs later in the article. Is the disc mounted correctly and is the nut tightened all the way? Is the disc guard installed? Is the auxiliary handle screwed on tightly and stable? Often one look is enough to make sure everything is ready for work. However, if you do not yet have experience, spend more time thoroughly checking the angle grinder. Any signs of damage to the device should also raise concerns. Selecting the disc for cutting and grinding Depending on the material and the task, different types of discs are used. When changing them it is worth disconnecting the device from the mains, and in the case of cordless grinders, removing the battery. This prevents the device from starting accidentally while changing accessories. Which discs are most commonly used? A grinding disc is suitable for coarse grinding of metal or stone materials. They are not suitable for processing plastic or wood. Fiber discs are covered with a layer of abrasive. They are suitable for working on any material. A flap disc, used as an alternative to a coarse disc, has attached abrasive flaps. This construction guarantees a better ground surface, with fewer visible grooves. A disc made of hard metal alloys, like a steel disc, is used for working wood and wood-based materials. Diamond disc is used primarily for working stone. A metal cutting disc up to 3 mm thick provides more precise cutting, less heating, and greater safety. A segmented metal disc is used for cutting concrete, but also works for ceramics. A wood-cutting disc resembles a chainsaw guide, but the chain teeth are permanently attached to the disc. This increases work efficiency and also prevents high temperatures from developing. When choosing a disc, its size is also important and must match the size of the angle grinder you own. It is forbidden to use larger or smaller discs than those recommended by the manufacturer. How to cut with an angle grinder? The most important rules Once you have taken care of safety and properly prepared the work area, you can proceed to the actual task. So how to cut with an angle grinder? First of all, follow these general rules: Always hold the tool with both hands. The auxiliary handle may be removed only for transport or to move it to the other side of the housing. During cutting the angle grinder should always be held perpendicular to the workpiece. Polishing or scoring can also be done along the length of the element. During cutting or grinding sparks should fall in the direction of the operator. If the disc becomes jammed or any worrying signs appear, switch off the device immediately. By following basic work rules, you might wonder how to cut straight with an angle grinder. This is largely a matter of applying the right pressure of the disc on the material. If you use too little force the disc may pull away from the object, resulting in an uneven cut. Pressing the angle grinder too hard can cause the disc to become stuck in the material. Also check whether the device has speed control. Although reducing speed will increase the working time, it will provide better control over the grinder, making the task easier to perform. Cutting metal with an angle grinder Cutting metal with an angle grinder is always done at high speeds. In the initial phase of scoring it is important to maintain a stable grip. Then the score is deepened until the piece is cut through. What is the correct direction for cutting with an angle grinder? It is best to start the first cut from your side – in that case the grinder does not obscure the previously marked cutting line. Pay the most attention at the end of the cut because the metal often breaks under its own weight. Cutting ceramic tiles with an angle grinder For cutting ceramic tiles, dedicated tools are usually used: a tile cutter or an electric cutter. However, they do not allow for cutting along curves. This is where an angle grinder can be helpful. It does, however, require great care and control of the tool. How to cut tiles with an angle grinder? Primarily use a special toothless diamond disc for glaze. Start the cut from your side, then slowly make a single cut along the marked line. The most difficult is cutting porcelain stoneware with an angle grinder, because it is the hardest material and at the same time (like all tiles) very brittle. A good idea is also to cut the material slowly in several passes, starting with smaller arcs. Cutting hard materials with an angle grinder Sometimes occasional cutting with an angle grinder in hard construction materials is necessary. For this purpose diamond discs designed for brick and concrete are used. A major limitation is the small diameter of the disc and the inability to work for long due to the risk of overheating the device. However, angle grinders are useful for cutting small elements or trimming paving stones along an arc or broken line. To increase the disc’s durability and reduce dust, the workpiece can be occasionally sprinkled with water. Cutting wood with an angle grinder Can you cut wood with an angle grinder? It depends on the thickness of the piece. For flat boards there is usually no problem, but thick logs are better cut with a wood saw. Start cutting by scoring in several places and then deepen these scores until the piece is cut through. It is worth using a special wood disc for this, although the work can also be done with a universal disc. Cutting panels with an angle grinder Although a saw or jigsaw is most often used for cutting floor panels, it is possible to perform such work with an angle grinder as well. For thin wood-based materials use a wood disc or a universal disc. Cutting panels with an angle grinder is fast and easy, mainly due to the small thickness of the workpiece. How to prolong the life of an angle grinder? Proper maintenance after use You now know how to work with an angle grinder. But how do you take care of its longevity? Proper maintenance of the device is very important. First of all, use the correct discs and avoid overheating the motor (during prolonged work take frequent breaks so the motor can cool down). Failure to follow these two rules can increase the risk of failure by up to 50%. Do not apply excessive pressure during work to avoid overloading the motor. After switching off the grinder, the disc may continue to rotate for a while. Therefore wait until it stops before setting it aside. You should also remember to store the device in a dry place. Unused batteries should be charged from time to time according to the instructions in the user manual. This will prevent capacity degradation. Regular cleaning, especially of the motor ventilation openings, will also extend the life of the angle grinder.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Differences between woven and knitted fabrics. Fabric weight.
The terms WOVEN FABRIC and KNITTED FABRIC are very often confused. For many people this may not matter, but the difference is significant. First, one more term should be added: MATERIAL. Material is made from various raw materials, e.g. cotton, wool, silk or linen, and only later do we divide materials into woven fabrics and knits. WHAT IS A WOVEN FABRIC? A woven fabric is a flat textile product created by interlacing mutually perpendicular systems of warp and weft threads. They are interlaced according to a specific weave (woven). We distinguish many types of woven fabric, such as: canvas, flannel, silk, and denim. Examples of clothing made from woven fabrics include jackets (often also made from polyester and nylon) and trousers (cotton, denim). WHAT IS KNITTED FABRIC? A knitted fabric, on the other hand, is a textile product created by forming rows or columns of interlooped stitches. The yarn in knitted fabrics has a lot of slack (ease), which makes knits very elastic and stretchable in all directions. They are characterized by varied material texture. Items that can be made from knits include: T-shirts, polo shirts (cotton) or sweatshirts (cotton polyester). Woven fabrics are stiffer and more durable, less elastic, but because of that they do not stretch out during use. A commonly used solution is adding elastane to woven fabric to increase its elasticity. However, this will not equal the resilience of knits, which are softer and more elastic, but therefore may stretch out with use. WHAT IS GRAMMAGE? Grammage is the metric measurement of a material's weight per 1 m². Simply put, it is information about how many grams 1 square meter of the material weighs. Depending on thickness, the material is divided into: Thin (light) -> 30-150 g/m², e.g.: linen, lace Medium -> 130-350 g/m² e.g.: oxford, cotton - t-shirt, jackets - polyester, nylon Thick (heavy) -> 350+ g/m² e.g.: jeans, sweatshirts - knits Author: Grzegorz Nowak
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Ways to extend the life of a car battery
An average battery usually lasts between 3 and 5 years. Battery quality matters, but there are also a number of other factors that affect the lifespan of a car battery. Check, among other things, how maintaining the vehicle's electrical system and correctly using a charger matter. Battery under good care A healthy battery means peace of mind for the driver, safer driving, and lower costs for servicing or professional diagnostics. That is why car owners, if their budget allows, try to choose high-quality batteries from a trusted manufacturer. The answer to the question, what is the lifespan of a car battery, is not straightforward. There are batteries that cause problems and stop serving properly already after 2 years from purchase. Others work trouble-free for 5 years or longer. What does it depend on? Why are there such differences in the average lifespan of a car battery? It turns out that many vehicle owners unknowingly make simple mistakes. Meanwhile, following a few rules is enough to extend battery life and not have to frequently use a car charger. How to extend battery life – the importance of first contact! To preserve the longest possible lifespan of gel, lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, start by preparing them properly for use before they are installed in the car. You will extend the average lifespan of a car battery if you charge it fully before first use. You will need a good battery charger – maybe you have a charger in the garage that your grandfather used in the 90s to charge his Fiat 125p. Although the nostalgia may be strong, it’s better to set it aside in this case. Old-style chargers are not only less effective but in many cases also unsafe. If you really want to extend battery life without damaging anything, invest in modern equipment such as a 12V electronic charger. New batteries are usually charged to 80%. Use a charger to top the battery up to 100%. Fully charging it during the initial installation in the car extends battery lifespan. Battery lifespan and avoiding deep discharges Winter, frost, short trips or leaving the car unused for long periods cause the battery to self-discharge. Some factors cannot be avoided. It’s not about taking a long, pointless drive every time you need to go to a supermarket 3 km away. It’s about regularly topping up the battery in such circumstances. The voltage should read 12.7 V or higher. You can check it using devices such as a digital battery tester. A value below 12.5 V means the battery is starting to discharge. Remove it from the car (observing safety rules!) and charge it with a charger. This will extend the battery life in diesel vehicles and in every other engine type. Regularly check connections Every driver wishes for perfectly smooth roads. Unfortunately, our roads are far from ideal, and vibrations, e.g. while driving over potholes, can loosen connections – cables, bolts, etc. Check the tightness of connections from time to time. This will help you avoid, among other things, sparking during start-up or disconnected cables. More broadly, battery life is extended simply by taking care of the vehicle’s technical condition. Check its operation yourself or see a mechanic as soon as you notice any worrying symptoms. Professional, regular diagnostics and possible repairs are the basis for the proper functioning of all systems in the car, including battery lifespan. Battery lifespan and fixing a broken radio The battery supplies power not only to the vehicle but also to all electrical consumers inside it. If you want to extend the life of a lithium-ion battery or any other, avoid leaving the engine off with lights on, the radio playing, interior lights on, etc. In such circumstances the battery predictably discharges. Unfortunately, even a planned long trip won’t help, because intensive charging after a deep discharge is harmful to the battery. Also pay attention to whether devices in the car work correctly. A radio that draws power even when off, or a trunk light that never goes out – these are small but real faults that require a visit to an electronics specialist. Checking electrolyte level The lifespan of a maintenance-free battery is easier to preserve today than with other types. However, if you have a battery with so-called filler caps, regularly check the electrolyte level. If it is low, top it up with distilled water. Neglecting this can lower the electrolyte level to the point of exposing the plates, which can lead to permanent damage to the battery. Battery lifespan may surprise you! If, in addition to the tips above, you remember to keep the battery clean, regularly check at-rest current draw, or simply disconnect it when the car is unused for a long time, you will certainly extend battery life. Carrying jumper cables in the trunk will of course be useful, but mainly to help a friend in need, not to repeatedly rescue your own discharged car on the roadside!Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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What is thermal underwear? How does it work and what is it used for?
Thermal underwear, associated with practicing sports in demanding weather conditions, is also a common choice for people who work outdoors at any time of year. It works great for construction workers, providing them with much higher thermal comfort while performing tasks. On the market we can find a wide selection of this type of clothing - including thermoactive. However, it's worth knowing what thermoactive underwear differs from thermal underwear and which one to choose. Thermal underwear: what is it and what does it do? Thermal underwear is clothing designed to provide high thermal insulation for the person wearing it. It ensures the maintenance of the body's thermal comfort while protecting it from cooling in low temperatures, which is why it works perfectly, for example, for outdoor workers in winter. Thermal clothing is usually made from natural fibres that provide proper warming properties - e.g. wool or cotton - supplemented by synthetic ones that prevent the loss of that heat - for example by protecting the body from wind. This type of clothing is therefore an ideal choice for people who spend long periods outdoors in low temperatures, providing them with thermal comfort and preventing the body from cooling down. How does thermal clothing work? You may be wondering: how does thermal underwear work? It is a type of clothing that functions similarly to a wool sweater. At the same time, however, it is much thinner and more comfortable to wear. Its role is to retain the heat generated by the warmed body and thus protect the user from cooling. Its construction allows this - the use of natural fibres such as cotton or wool, which retain heat, and synthetic fibres that insulate against the loss of heat obtained in this way - e.g. under the influence of wind. Thermal underwear is therefore the ideal choice for people working outdoors in winter or anyone else exposed to prolonged stays in freezing conditions with limited physical activity. For construction workers, buying a set of thermal underwear is a good choice - e.g. ZEVEN dark grey thermal shirt and ZEVEN thermal long johns. Thermal clothing and thermoactive clothing are not the same: learn the differences Thermal underwear and thermoactive underwear - you have certainly heard these terms used interchangeably. But is that correct? Not entirely. Every thermoactive garment is at the same time thermal, but it doesn't necessarily work the other way around. What is the difference between thermoactive underwear and thermal underwear? The role of the former is primarily the transport of moisture and its proper wicking to the outside, which helps maintain an optimal body temperature. Thermo garments are therefore ideal for people who perform physical activity outdoors in low temperatures - they will wick away sweat properly and help maintain optimal thermal comfort. Interestingly, thermoactive underwear is not only used in winter. The ventilation properties of this type of clothing mean it also works very well in summer - wicking sweat away and ensuring proper thermoregulation for the user. How does thermal clothing work? As we mentioned above - its main role is to maintain the proper temperature of the human body and to warm it. A set of thermal clothing, for example SIEG graphite thermal long johns and OSTE graphite thermal shirt will therefore be a good choice for people spending time outdoors in low temperatures and performing moderate physical activity. How to wear thermal underwear? Thermal clothing should be worn as one of the first layers of clothing - manufacturers usually recommend putting it on directly against the body to make full use of its properties. This is especially recommended in the case of thermoactive underwear, which will properly wick moisture only when worn as the first layer of clothing. Purchasing appropriate thermal or thermoactive clothing can significantly affect the comfort of tasks performed outdoors - regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. So if you are looking for clothes that will protect you from cooling while working outdoors in winter, opt for thermal clothing - you can choose proven models - OSTE blue thermal shirt and SIEG blue thermal long johns. If, however, you are looking for year-round clothing that will provide comfort and wick away excess moisture during intense physical activity - opt for thermoactive underwear. Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.