Salmo River Valley Historical Mining Exhibit

The Leyner Drill Sharpener was a specialized machine used in early 20th-century mining operations to restore the cutting edges of pneumatic drill bits. Manufactured by Canadian Ingersoll-Rand, this machine was essential for maintaining the efficiency of drilling equipment in underground and hard rock mining. Drill bits used in pneumatic drills would quickly wear down due to constant impact against tough rock surfaces, requiring frequent sharpening to remain effective. The sharpener, made of heavy cast iron and steel, was designed to hold a worn drill bit securely while grinding it back to its proper shape, allowing miners to reuse bits multiple times instead of replacing them. By extending the lifespan of drill bits, the Leyner Drill Sharpener helped reduce equipment costs and improve productivity in mining operations.

In practice, the Leyner Drill Sharpener worked by using a grinding wheel—powered either by compressed air or manual operation—to precisely reshape the bit’s cutting edges. Miners or maintenance crews would place a dull bit into the machine’s holder, ensuring it was properly aligned before engaging the sharpening mechanism. The machine’s design allowed for consistent and accurate sharpening, ensuring that the bit retained its proper cutting angle for efficient rock penetration.