Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners: Career & Application Guide

What do tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners do?

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
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Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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