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Occupation AtlasTool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

O*NET · 51-4194.00

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

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

Also called Card Grinder · Crankshaft Grinder · Cutter Grind Tool Tech · Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech) · Cutter Grinder · Cutting Tool Sharpener · Cylinder Grinder · Deburrer
35 more

Die Grinder · Die Polisher · Die Sharpener · Die Trimmer · External Tool Grinder Operator · Filer · Finish Filer · Finisher · Grinder · Grinder Operator · Internal Grinder Setup Operator · Nonferrous Metal Die Polisher · OD Grinder · OD Grinder Operator · OD Grinder Operator (Outer Diameter Grinder Operator) · Outer Diameter Grinder (OD Grinder) · Polisher · Precision Grinder · Sapphire Stylus Grinder · Saw Filer · Saw Fitter · Saw Straightener · Sharpener · Surface Tool Grinder Operator · Thread Grinder · Tool and Cutter Grinder · Tool Filer · Tool Grinder · Tool Grinder Operator · Tool Grinding Machine Operator · Tool Grinding Tech · Tool Grinding Technician (Tool Grinding Tech) · Tool Sharpener · Tool Straightener · Universal Grinder Setup Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Wellhead Pumpers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.15
  • I Investigative2.02
  • A Artistic1.25
  • S Social1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma19%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (61%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Equipment Maintenance3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Repairing3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Monitoringbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Equipment Selection3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Time Management2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Systems Analysis2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Systems Evaluation2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Instructing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Coordination2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Material Resources1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Technology Design1.60.8
  • Sciencebasic1.4—
  • Management of Financial Resources1.3—
  • Programming1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

13 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.4.5
  2. Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.4.5
  3. Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.4.5
  4. Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.4.4
  5. Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.4.3
  6. Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.4.2
  7. Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.4.2
  8. Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.4.2
  9. Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.4.0
  10. Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.4.0
  11. File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.3.8
  12. Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.3.7
Show the other 6
  1. Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.3.6
  2. Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.4.2
  3. Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.3.6
  4. Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.3.5
  5. Place workpieces in electroplating solutions or apply pigments to surfaces of workpieces to highlight ridges and grooves.3.5
  6. Duplicate workpiece contours, using tracer attachments.2.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mathematics4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical3.85.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Production and Processing3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • English Language3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Engineering and Technology3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Design3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Physics2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Public Safety and Security2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Administrative1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Chemistry1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Transportation1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Computers and Electronics1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and Accounting1.5—
  • Communications and Media1.4—
  • Law and Government1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology1.30.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing1.30.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness4.03.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Control Precision3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Visualization3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Rate Control3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Static Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Auditory Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Reaction Time3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Multilimb Coordination2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.9
  • Speech Clarity2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Dynamic Strength2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Time Sharing2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Number Facility2.42.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.42.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Fluency of Ideas2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Written Expression2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Memorization2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Response Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Explosive Strength1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Spatial Orientation1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.4
  • Sound Localization1.40.6
  • Peripheral Vision1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.75.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.33.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Working with Computers3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.92.6
  • Training and Teaching Others2.92.8
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.72.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.52.7
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.41.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.8—
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.5—
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks3.9

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Excel
Other tools (4)
  • ANCA ToolRoom
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Vero Software Edgecam
  • Zoller

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  3. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  4. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  5. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  7. Tool and Die Makers
  8. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.