Uses for old bits

I just tossed a worn drill bit and afterwards I was wondering if there were any ways to repurpose the old bits. Has anybody found uses for their old drill bits? And are they recyclable? I know reusing it for something else is better than recycling but I can't think of any uses off the top of my head. 

I have had my bits resharpened, it costs slights less than a new bit. I figure reusing them a couple of times is worth keeping them out of the recycle bin and employee someone. 

Allen Sanderson wrote: I have had my bits resharpened, it costs slights less than a new bit. I figure reusing them a couple of times is worth keeping them out of the recycle bin and employee someone. 

The bits that get used for bolting generally lose to much diameter before they need to be sharpened.  So the idea of sharpening bits is not very good for bolting, we struggle getting a wave bolt in quartzite with a brand new bit can't imagine a brand new one.  In quartzite sometimes we get two holes out of a bit and sometimes we get eight.

eli poss wrote: I just tossed a worn drill bit and afterwards I was wondering if there were any ways to repurpose the old bits. Has anybody found uses for their old drill bits? And are they recyclable? I know reusing it for something else is better than recycling but I can't think of any uses off the top of my head. 

(Sigh, youngsters these days!)  Iron and steel of any type is recyclable.  After bronze, it was the first material to ever be recycled, and still the most profitable and beneficial to the planet.  Any "junkyard" will take them.  Of course, when they are melting down entire cars and trucks, they may laugh at you.

You can saw the flutes off and thread the end to make a spinner tool for bolt replacement. It is not easy to cut threads onto the bits hardened steel but it can be done. Also, you can resharpen old 3/8 that have worn down in diameter to drill pilot holes that you expand to 1/2" saving wear on your new 1/2" bit.

John Byrnes wrote:

(Sigh, youngsters these days!)  Iron and steel of any type is recyclable.  After bronze, it was the first material to ever be recycled, and still the most profitable and beneficial to the planet.  Any "junkyard" will take them.  Of course, when they are melting down entire cars and trucks, they may laugh at you.

"Back in the iron age, we used to walk to school rain, sleet, or thunder-snow, uphill both ways."

IF they are the double cutting tipped bits and not the quad tipped, then it is easy to set them in a vise and sharpen with a file.  Follow the angle you see on the cutting edges and you will extend there life by about 10-20 holes, depending on rock.  After that the tips start to break down...I really like the coat/gear rack suggestion above!

David Kerkeslager wrote:

"Back in the iron age, we used to walk to school rain, sleet, or thunder-snow, uphill both ways."

Yup, and in our nailed-boots.  

You had boots?