Minecraft: How to Get (& Use) Grindstone

The grindstone in Minecraft is a block that offers essential utility, especially for players who regularly use enchanted gear or tools. Its primary functions include repairing damaged equipment and removing enchantments—except for cursed ones. This makes the grindstone a critical part of your inventory when it comes to keeping your tools in working shape and managing your enchantments efficiently.

On top of that, it acts as a job site block for weaponsmiths, making it doubly useful. Whether you're trying to maintain gear or gain some extra experience points, the grindstone is a solid choice for managing your Minecraft inventory.

And How to Get It?

If you're exploring villages, you might stumble upon a grindstone in the blacksmith's house. These structures often spawn naturally with a grindstone already placed, making it easy to get one early on without needing to gather crafting components. Just remember: if you want to collect it, use a pickaxe—any type will do. If you try to break it without a pickaxe, it won’t drop anything.

How to Craft a Grindstone

Crafting a grindstone is a simple process once you've gathered the materials. Here’s what you’ll need: 2 sticks, 2 wooden planks (any variety such as oak, warped, or mangrove), and 1 stone slab of any stone-based material—like sandstone, quartz, or regular bricks.

Here are the steps:

• Open your crafting table.
• Put the 2 sticks in the left and right slots of the top row.
• Place the stone slab in the center slot of the top row.
• Put the 2 planks in the left and right slots of the middle row.
• Once the grindstone appears in the result slot, drag it into your inventory.

That’s it! You’ve now crafted a grindstone. Also, take note: the grindstone can be placed in different orientations. In the Java Edition, you can place it without needing a block to support it. However, in Bedrock Edition, it will break if not properly supported.

How to Use a Grindstone

The grindstone serves two main functions: fixing broken items and stripping off enchantments. If you’ve got two of the same tool or weapon that are partially worn down, you can combine them using a grindstone to make one with improved durability. But keep in mind—this method removes any enchantments from the items. So if you're looking to keep enchantments intact, use an anvil instead.

To repair items with a grindstone:

• Right-click on the grindstone to open its interface.
• Insert both damaged items into the input slots.
• The output will be a repaired item with better durability—but all enchantments will be removed.

If you're aiming to disenchant an item instead, the grindstone can handle that too. It will strip away every enchantment (except curses) and reward you with experience points.

To disenchant an item with a grindstone:

• Right-click the grindstone to access it.
• Insert the enchanted item into one of the input slots.
• The enchantments will be removed, and the item will revert to its normal state.
• You’ll gain XP based on the enchantments removed, specifically the lowest modified level of any enchantment on the item.

This makes the grindstone an efficient tool for both inventory management and passive XP farming—especially when you want to recycle unwanted enchanted items.

While the grindstone is not the flashiest or most advanced item in Minecraft, its practical value is undeniable. It’s a basic but crucial utility block that fits well in nearly every base. Depending on your playstyle, the grindstone can become an essential part of maintaining your tools and gear. Whether found in a village or crafted yourself, make sure to add one to your setup and start optimizing your equipment the smart way.