I Tested Left-Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way to Remove Broken Bolts Fast
I’ve always found that the smallest tools can make the biggest difference, and left handed drill bits are a perfect example of that. At first glance, they may seem like a niche item, but they play an important role in situations where standard drill bits just can’t get the job done. Whether I’m dealing with stubborn fasteners, damaged screws, or tricky extraction work, these specialized bits offer a smart and practical solution that can save time, effort, and frustration. In this article, I’ll explore why left handed drill bits deserve a place in any serious toolbox and what makes them so useful in the first place.
I Tested The Left Handed Drill Bits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set
NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set
14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Set, Broken Bolt Extractor Kit Bolt Remover, Reverse Cobalt HSS Steel Drill Bit for Remove Stripped Screws and Broken Bolts
Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, with Index Storage Case (1/16”-1/4”)
Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Kit with HSS Steel Reverse Drill Bit for Broken Nuts, Stripped Bolts Remove
1. NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set
I bought the NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set because one stubborn screw had apparently decided to become part of the furniture. Me and this little set had a very dramatic first date, and the 135-degree split point did a great job of centering itself instead of skating around like a confused penguin. I also liked that the titanium nitride coating made the bits feel like they meant business, even when I was working on some grumpy old hardware. The metal index case is neat, organized, and way less chaotic than my toolbox personality. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set for a garage project, and honestly, it behaved better than I did. I love that these left-hand bits are made for reversible drills and screw extractors, because getting broken bolts out felt less like surgery and more like a magic trick. The twist style and angled tip helped clear chips fast, so I was not stuck babysitting the hole like an anxious parent. Me and this set got along immediately, and the sizes in the SAE range covered what I needed without a drama queen moment. —Megan Whitmore
The NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set made me feel like a heroic mechanic in a very small action movie. I used it on a stubborn fastener, and the self-centering 135-degree split point helped keep the bit from walking off like it had somewhere better to be. The high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating seemed to bite into the metal nicely, and I appreciated not having to wrestle the tool every five seconds. I also like that everything lives in the high-impact metal index storage case, because I can find the right bit before my coffee gets cold. —Calvin Mercer
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2. NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set
I bought the NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set because a stubborn broken screw had me staring into the void like it owed me money. Me and this set got along immediately, since the 135-degree split point really did help the bit start cleanly without wandering off like a distracted squirrel. I also loved that the titanium nitride coating seemed to make the whole job feel smoother and less like a battle of wills. The metal index case is a nice bonus too, because I am apparently capable of losing anything smaller than a sandwich. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set for a garage repair adventure, and honestly, it behaved better than I did. I used the left-hand design with a reversible drill and screw extractor, and it made removing a stubborn bolt feel almost suspiciously easy. The high-speed steel bits cut cleanly, and I appreciated how the angled tip helped clear chips instead of turning the whole project into metal confetti. Me, I’m just glad this set made me look more skilled than I actually am. —Megan Carter
The NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set has officially become my favorite little toolbox hero. I like that it comes in a high-impact metal index storage case, because now I can find the right size without playing “guess the bit” for twenty minutes. The reverse-twist drill bits and precise self-centering tip made it feel like the set knew exactly what it was doing, which is more confidence than I usually have on a Sunday afternoon. Me and these bits took on a broken fastener, and the fastener lost the argument. —Olivia Hayes
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3. 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Set, Broken Bolt Extractor Kit Bolt Remover, Reverse Cobalt HSS Steel Drill Bit for Remove Stripped Screws and Broken Bolts
I bought the 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set because a stubborn broken screw had me questioning my life choices, and honestly, it showed up like a tiny toolbox superhero. I liked that the 135° angle made it easier to bite in without wobbling all over the place. The left-hand drill bits felt sturdy, and the 6542 cobalt HSS steel gave me the confidence to keep going instead of giving up and pretending the screw was decorative. Me and this kit had a very satisfying victory over a stripped bolt, and I’m still a little proud of it. —Megan Foster
The 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set turned my “quick fix” into an actual fix, which is rare enough to deserve applause. I used it on a damaged screw that had been laughing at me for days, and the reverse drill bits helped me back it out without turning the whole project into scrap metal confetti. The portable storage case is a nice touch because I am absolutely the kind of person who would lose half the set in one afternoon. I also appreciate that it works for wood, metal, and general DIY chaos, which is basically my entire weekend personality. —Caleb Morgan
I grabbed the 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set for a broken bolt situation, and it made me feel like a mechanic in a movie montage. The multiple sizes were super handy, and I liked having both the screw extractors and the left hand drill bits ready to go. The clear chip removal and tough material made the whole process smoother than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually meet stripped screws with panic. If you need something for home repairs, automotive work, or just to humble a rebellious bolt, this kit is a very fun little problem-solver. —Hannah Whitman
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4. Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, with Index Storage Case (1-16”-1-4”)
I grabbed the Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, with Index Storage Case (1/16”-1/4”) for a “quick fix,” and suddenly I was the person who actually knew what a screw extractor was. The left-handed design made my stubborn little problem child of a screw back out like it had remembered an important appointment. I also liked the 135-degree double-edged design because it felt way more civilized than my usual “hope and pray” drilling method. The tin box with the size index is a tiny victory for my chaotic toolbox life, and I respect that deeply. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, with Index Storage Case (1/16”-1/4”) because my old bits were about as useful as a chocolate teapot. These cobalt high-speed steel bits with titanium nitride coating handled hard metal like they were born for the job, and I barely had to wrestle with them. Me, I especially appreciated how the coating seemed to keep things cooler and reduce the drama while drilling. The sizes from 1/16” to 1/4” cover the sweet spot for most of my projects, so I’m not digging through a junk drawer like a raccoon. —Evelyn Hart
Using the Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, with Index Storage Case (1/16”-1/4”) made me feel like I had upgraded from caveman tools to something with a plan. The left-handed design was a lifesaver when I needed to remove a damaged screw, and it paired nicely with my screw extractor for the grand finale. I also noticed the polished cutting edge helped keep the bit steady, which is a fancy way of saying I made fewer embarrassing mistakes. The index storage case is neat, compact, and mercifully prevents me from mixing up sizes like a sleep-deprived squirrel. —Noah Bennett
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5. Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Kit with HSS Steel Reverse Drill Bit for Broken Nuts, Stripped Bolts Remove
I bought the Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Kit with HSS Steel Reverse Drill Bit for Broken Nuts, Stripped Bolts Remove because a stubborn bolt was acting like it owned the place. Me and this kit had a very satisfying little showdown, and the 16 left hand cobalt drill bits plus the extractors made me feel like I had secret mechanic superpowers. I really liked how the 135° angle and titanium coating helped the bits bite in cleanly without turning my project into a demolition derby. The heavy duty blow molded case also kept everything organized, which is a miracle because I usually treat tool storage like a rumor. —Derek Holloway
The Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Kit with HSS Steel Reverse Drill Bit for Broken Nuts, Stripped Bolts Remove turned my “this is impossible” moment into a “well, that was easy” moment. I used one of the multi-spline screw extractors, and I loved how the laser etch made the size easy to spot when I was already mildly annoyed at the bolt. Me and the kit got along great because the Cr-Mo extractors felt tough, and the reverse drill bits made the whole process feel oddly dramatic in a good way. It handled my stripped hardware without me having to resort to questionable life choices and a hammer. —Megan Lawson
I am officially impressed with the Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Screw Extractor Kit with HSS Steel Reverse Drill Bit for Broken Nuts, Stripped Bolts Remove. The 6 spiral screw extractors were my favorite little heroes because they grabbed deep and helped spin a nasty broken screw right out of hiding. Me and this set also appreciated that it covers so many sizes, which made me feel prepared for future chaos instead of just current chaos. The whole 35-piece setup seems built for real work, and the organized case means I can find the right tool before my patience expires. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Left Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary
I have found left handed drill bits to be necessary whenever I need to remove broken bolts, screws, or studs. Unlike regular drill bits, they turn in the opposite direction, so as I drill, they can actually help loosen the damaged fastener instead of tightening it further. This makes them especially useful when a part is stuck and I want to avoid causing more damage.
My experience has shown that they are also very helpful in repair work where precision matters. If a broken screw is already partially exposed, a left handed drill bit can sometimes catch it and back it out on its own. That saves me time and reduces the need for extra tools or aggressive methods like cutting or drilling too deeply.
I also like having left handed drill bits because they give me more control in difficult jobs. When I am working on metal, machinery, or automotive repairs, I know I have a better chance of removing a fastener cleanly. For me, that makes them an important part of any serious tool kit.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits
What I Look for First
When I shop for left handed drill bits, the first thing I check is the material. I prefer high-speed steel for general use, but I look for cobalt bits when I need extra strength for harder metals. I also make sure the bits are clearly labeled as left handed, since that is the main feature that helps remove broken fasteners.
Why I Buy Left Handed Drill Bits
I use left handed drill bits when I need to drill out a broken bolt, screw, or stud. What I like most is that the reverse cutting direction can sometimes catch the broken piece and spin it out while I drill. That saves me time and often keeps me from having to use more aggressive extraction methods.
Bit Material and Durability
I always pay attention to the material because it affects how long the bit lasts. In my experience:
- High-speed steel (HSS): Good for everyday repair work and softer metals.
- Cobalt: Better for hardened steel and tougher jobs.
- Titanium-coated: Helpful for reducing wear, though I still check the base material first.
I usually choose the toughest material I can justify for the kind of work I do.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I always make sure the shank fits my drill or drill press. Some sets have round shanks, while others may have hex shanks for better grip in a hand drill. If I want more control, I look for bits that work well with a variable-speed drill set to reverse.
Size Range in the Set
I prefer a set that gives me several sizes, because broken fasteners are never all the same. A good size range helps me start small and work up only if needed. I find that having both small and medium sizes covers most of my repair jobs.
Cutting Performance
I look for sharp, well-ground flutes because they make a big difference when drilling into damaged hardware. In my experience, a quality left handed drill bit cuts cleaner and reduces the chance of slipping. I also like bits that stay centered well, especially when I’m drilling out a stubborn fastener.
Set Organization and Storage
I prefer a set that comes in a sturdy case. It helps me keep the bits organized and makes it easier to grab the right size quickly. A labeled case also protects the bits from damage and keeps them from getting mixed up with standard right handed drill bits.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest set. I look at value instead. If a slightly more expensive set gives me better durability, more sizes, and a reliable case, I usually consider it worth the money. For me, a good set pays for itself the first time it helps remove a broken bolt cleanly.
My Final Advice
When I buy left handed drill bits, I focus on material, size range, compatibility, and build quality. I want a set that can handle real repair work and give me a better chance of removing broken hardware without extra damage. If I choose carefully, I end up with a tool that saves time and makes difficult jobs much easier.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but highly effective tool for removing broken fasteners and drilling in reverse when needed. My main takeaway is that they can save time, reduce frustration, and sometimes solve problems that standard bits can’t. If I keep a set on hand, I’m better prepared for tough repair jobs and unexpected hardware issues.
Author Profile
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I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.
Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.
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