You might be thinking about these questions: Why do we need the finest left-hand drill bits? What are they good for? Well, here’s the answer. Most bits turn clockwise towards the right. However, left-handed bits turn counterclockwise to the left. These bits were created back in the days when power drills did not have reverse functions. It was much easier to use a left-handed tool than to manually reverse it.
Left-handed bits can still be used to remove bolts and other fasteners from holes that have become damaged. You can usually loosen the broken screw by drilling into it with a left-handed bit.
We’ve collected some left hand drill bits to save you time when doing repairs or installing something. These special bits can be constructed from different materials such as high speed steel and come in different sizes, depending on what you need.
This article provides a detailed review of some great left-hand drill bits that are worth money. They are taken from the pages of the expert mechanics. You might want to take a note!
7 Best Left Hand Drill Bit Sets Reviewed
There are many left-hand drills set available in the market. We have compiled a list of six drill bit sets for your consideration. These are all fine choices, but only you can choose what’s suitable for you depending on your need and requirement. Along with the cutting tools, they can be your best friends!
15-Piece Drill Hog Left Hand Drill Bit Set Screw Extractor EZ-OUT
Drill Hog is known for being a leader in the extraction business, and this 15-piece set is proof of that. This is the newest technology in the world of drill bits.
This drill set is made of HI-Molybdenum M7 Steel. Molybdenum M7 bits are more durable than common HSS and high-speed steel bits. It can also be used in many different projects without breaking, unlike HSS and high speed steel drill bits. The melting point of M7 steel is 4,753 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that it can be used for difficult projects. M7 steel can also be used to work through stainless steel and even take out Grade 8 bolts.
The 15-piece set includes lengths ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. All of the bits have a 135-degree split point to prevent walking and drilling errors. For durability and easy access, they are all placed in separate slots in a sturdy steel case. The manufacturer has included a limited lifetime warranty and service for the original buyer. They will provide a replacement set in case of a breakdown.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- HI-Molybdenum M7 steel material
- Usable in tougher projects
- Comes with a solid steel case
- 135 Degree Split Point
Cons:
- Difficult to read the engraved size names
IRWIN 35-Piece Screw Extractor/ Drill Bit Set
This comprehensive, 35-piece Irwin set is great for those who want to be prepared for any situation.
Although left-handed bits are a great tool for fastener extraction, there will be times when a single bit is not enough. Extractor bits are the answer. The kit contains a large assortment of 19 extractors in addition to the left-handed bits.
Each bit is made from M42 steel and has 8% cobalt. This amount of cobalt is enough to make these bits able to chew through any material without making them too expensive for the customer to afford.
The extractors are not the only thing included. There are 15 left-handed bits in sizes ranging from 5/64″ up to 1/2″ and an attractive case that organizes them all. You can also find the extractors you need in the case with a handy chart.
This kit, while more expensive than a basic bit set, is still worth it. It includes everything you need to extract any fastener that you find.
Pros:
- A broad selection of bits and extractors
- Designed for high torque fastener removal purposes
- Abrasive resistance material
- Size chart included for effortless identification
- Provides fast penetration
Cons:
- A bit expensive than other drill sets
COMOWARE 29 Pieces Left Hand Drill Bit Set
The COMOWARE 29 PCs High-Speed Steel Lefthand Drill Bit Set is an excellent choice if you are looking for a set that has a lot of sizes. The set includes sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch and is organized in a metal index case. You can see that the set is attractive and durable due to its HSS black-and-gold finish.
The bits have a 135-degree split point and twist design, making it easier to prevent walking and chipping. Because of this, you can waste less time cleaning up when you work on wood and other messy materials. Each bit has a straight shank and a titanium coating to increase its durability.
Pros:
- Different sizes of drills to choose from
- Organized Holder with size index
- Suitable for wide uses
- Gold and Titanium finish
- 135 Degree Split Point
Cons:
- Smaller sizes are delicate
NEIKO 10037A Left Hand Drill Bit Set
The Neiko 10037A 15-piece Left Hand Drill Bit Set is handy for machine shop, auto repair, and restoration garages.
These left-hand drill bits are made from M2 high speed steel. They can drill through tough truck frames or even leaf springs. If you are in the machining industry, stainless and annealed high-carbon steel will provide no significant challenge for it. A TiN coating is utilized to flutes and cutting surfaces to achieve up to 80 Rockwell “C” scale, which increases the hardness.
These bits have a Split Point that prevents “walking” and drill more efficiently with lower feed pressure than standard bits.
This set includes bits in the following sizes: 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 13/32, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2 inches. These sizes allow you to drill a broken stud up to 7/16 inches for removal using a screw extractor.
Pros:
- Payless for high quality
- Titanium Nitride coating
- 135-degree slip point
- 15 conventional sizes included
Cons:
- Prone to breakage when subjected to extra pressure
- Not a long-lasting product
VCT 29PC Left Hand Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set
The VCT29 Piece, Left Hand Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set is a great option for farm equipment maintenance and automobile restoration. You can remove broken bolts or studs up to 3/4 inches in size with the large size range.
Precision ground flutes and cutting edges allow for better cutting and performance. The Split Point of 135 degrees eliminates skating and improves penetration. It also reduces breakage risk.
High Speed Steel will withstand the heat and wear typical of commercial applications. Titanium coating increases tool life by improving chip flow and hardness.
The VCT29 Piece Left Hand Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set offers professional-grade bits at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Black and Gold Titanium Finish
- 135-degree split-point
- Metal case with hinged indexes
- Cheaper in the 29-piece category
- High quality
Cons:
- Smaller sized bits could break
Drill Master 13-Piece Left-Hand Drill Bit Set
The Drill Master 13 Piece Left-Hand Drilling Bit Set features double-flute high speed steel bits. It also features 135-degree split points on every bit for quick cleanup. The storage case is slightly slanted to fit the overall set’s height. For easy identification, each bit pilot hole is marked in black letters.
This set comes in sizes 1/16- to 1/4-inch. It is, therefore, more suitable for a small job, where you might not require larger sizes such as 1/2-inch. The titanium coating makes them corrosion resistant, so they are suitable for use in wet weather. The container is made of metal to protect the bits.
Pros:
- Unique storage container
- Suitable for wet weather
- Perfect for small jobs
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Only 5 pieces are included
- Not suitable for larger job
NEIKO 01925A Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bit Set
Left-hand bit and easy-out extractor set from NEIKO, model number 01925A. For industrial, automobile, and home DIY tasks, this tool is great for removing damaged screws from both wood and metal. Drilling using a left-handed bit prevents you from securing the bolt while making a hole for the extractor to go into. When removing a bolt or screw, a left hand drill may be sufficient without the use of the spiral flute.
It’s easy to remove damaged bolts, screws, studs, and other components with extraction tools. It is usually referred to as an “easy exit” for removing stuck bolts or damaged fasteners.
Cobalt-fortified high-speed steel is used to make left-hand drill bits more durable and long-lasting. In hopes of preventing the screw or bolt from being tightened even further, a reverse drill bit is used to remove any damaged bolts or studs.
It is possible to remove nuts, screws, and studs with a spiral fluted unscrew tool, which increases grip when force is exerted. Those hard-to-remove fasteners may be removed with a strip screw extractor kit.
In a reinforced steel index container for simple storage and organizing with all sizes explicitly labeled. When WD40 or an easy out lube doesn’t do the trick, have a larger bottle on hand just in case.
An excellent tool for any handyman who has to remove damaged bolts, studs, screws, or other fasteners. Get the job done right the first time with our kit that contains both bolt extraction method and left-hand drill press.
A handy storage container that can be hung on plasterboard pegs for easy access is included. Screw extractor bits with spiraled flutes make it simple to remove fractured studs.
| Sizes | 5/64″
7/64″ 5/32″ 1/4″ 19/64″ Matching Alloy Extractors: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 |
Pros:
- Cobalt-coated high-speed steel structure.
- ten-piece set that includes both drill bits and extraction bits
- A metal container with a handle is included
- Each item has its own distinct label
Cons:
- Drilling too quickly might break some parts
Buyer’s Guide for The Best Left Hand Drill Bits
Fortunately, you have a lot fewer things to worry about when you are shopping for drill bit than other tools. There aren’t many things to worry about, and nothing is proprietary between companies. To ensure that the pieces you buy will last, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Materials of Drill Bits
Different pairs of drill bits can be made from many different materials. This is something you should consider as some bits are better suited to drilling into particular substrates.
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel bits are some of the most common and affordable bits on the market. These bits are made of steel and can quickly cut through most materials, including wood, plastic, and softer metals. These bits can be used for basic drilling, but they are not strong enough to drill into fasteners or other materials.
Black Oxide Coated HSS
Black oxide-coated bits offer a step up to regular HSS and are more resistant to corrosion than uncoated HSS. Although this material is not ideal for drilling fasteners, it’s a good step in the right direction.
HSS Titanium Coated
HSS bits can be coated with titanium to make them stronger and last longer than black oxide or non-coated bits. This material is an excellent choice for left-handed bits.
Cobalt
Cobalt is extremely strong and dissipates heat quickly. This makes it an attractive choice for drilling into very hard substrates like fasteners. Cobalt can be used to make the drill bit, but it can be costly.
Bit Size
Most of the left-hand drill sets we have listed here have sizes between 1/16 and 1/2 inches. You can also find smaller kits with sizes as small as 1/4-inch. It’s up to your needs and what you use for your projects. For those who are only looking to do a few minor repairs, the smaller kits of 5-piece and 13-piece may be more appropriate than the larger 29-piece versions. This is because they’re better suited for people working on large-scale industrial projects.
Bit Design
These left-hand drill bit picks have a split-tip or some design that helps to reduce chipping. This could be useful for working with wood or other materials that might make a mess. Some bit-end designs allow for easy penetration.
Drill Case
A case that organizes the bits correctly would be helpful. Although stackable containers can make the container smaller, they are more difficult to grasp and move than single-layer ones.
Metal drill bit cases are more durable than plastic ones, and there’s less chance of them breaking or cracking. For easy identification, labels with the sizes written in bold fonts (or black) are a good idea. However, it is possible to read sizes of drill bits easily if they are engraved, as engravings are not erased.
How to Use Left-hand Drill Bits for Removing Broken Bolts?
Although it is difficult to remove a bolt or screw that broke, certain tools can be helpful. The finest tool is left-handed drill bits. This bit should be used in a drill with the reverse gear.
A right-handed drill bit can be helpful to drill out the broken bolt if it is not going through the material. You can use a left-handed drill if the hole isn’t visible.
Left-handed drill bits can be used in the opposite direction to normal bits. If the drill bit bites into the material, there is a possibility that the drill will pull out the damaged portion.
Start by making sure the bolt is flat. If it isn’t, you must file or grind it.
Next, carefully drill the center punch of the bolt with a center drill.
You can now insert the left-hand drill into the chuck and drill the hole in reverse.
The reversible drill bit will remove the screw from the hole if it bites. You can also use an easy-out or screw extractor if the bolt is not removed.
Conclusion
The tip of the drill bits is an important factor that determines which type of work it’s most suited to. This is the part of the drill bits that come in contact with the surface of a metal or wood.
There are many tips to choose from when using standard twist bits. Some tips are available, including some that are sharper than others, some less blunt, and some specially designed to bore into different materials. If you want precision, choose a sharp tip.
Left-handed bits are easier to use and less stressful. For drilling into harder materials, bits with tips at a 135-degree angle are ideal. These are the most useful and popular tips for left-handed bits.
Each of these left-handed bit sets is a great addition to your toolbox along with cutting tools. These bits will come in handy when you have to remove a broken bolt or screws.
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FAQs
Are there left-handed drill bits?
Ans: Yes, there are left-handed drilling bits. They are very helpful and have some specific purposes.
Is cobalt or titanium drill bits better?
Ans: Cobalt makes drill bits stronger and abrasive resistant. On the other hand, titanium makes drill bits wet-weather resistant. Both of these provide fast penetration. So, they both make drill bits better.
What is a left-hand drill bit?
Ans: Most bits turn clockwise towards the right. However, left-handed bits turn in a clockwise direction towards the right.
What is left-hand drill bits for?
Ans: The most common use of left-handed drill bits is to remove the broken fastener and broken bolts. Right-handed fasteners can easily be removed by turning to one side. A lefthanded drill bit applies torque that loosens the fastener.
Who makes the finest left-hand drill bit sets?
Ans: Many brands and companies make these drill bits. However, Drill Hog, Comoware, Drill Master, Neiko, Irwin- are the top left-hand drill, bit maker. They sell high-quality drill bits for a reasonable price.
Why do they make left-handed drill bits?
Ans: The most common use of left-handed drill bits is removing broken studs and bolts, fasteners, and broken screws.