I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way to Remove Broken Bolts Fast
I’ve always found that some of the most useful tools are the ones people overlook until a problem makes them essential, and left handed drill bits are a perfect example. At first glance, they may seem like a small variation on a standard drill bit, but they serve an important purpose in situations where ordinary drilling just won’t do. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn fasteners or looking for a smarter way to approach a tricky repair, left handed drill bits offer a practical solution that can save time, effort, and frustration.
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 grabbed 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, and suddenly I felt like a tiny garage wizard. Me and this set have already rescued a stubborn screw that was acting like it owned the place. I really like the 135-degree split point because the bit starts where I tell it to instead of wandering around like it missed breakfast. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating makes me feel oddly confident, like I brought a superhero to a hardware fight. —Evan Mercer
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 for a repair job, and it turned my “uh-oh” into “look at me go.” I love that these left-hand bits are made for reversible drills and screw extractors, because my broken bolt had the audacity to become a permanent resident. The twist style and angled tip helped clear chips fast, so I was not stuck doing the drill equivalent of a slow clap. The metal index case also makes me feel organized, which is rare enough to deserve a parade. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become a surprisingly effective duo in my garage. I used one of the bits on a jammed fastener, and it behaved like a polite little problem-solver instead of a drama queen. The titanium nitride coating and high-speed steel construction seem built for tough materials, and I appreciate not having to wrestle the tool every five seconds. I also like that each bit has its own slot in the storage case, because I am much better at losing tools than finding them. —Caleb Whitman
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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 was acting like it owned my garage. Me and this set had a very satisfying little showdown, and the 135-degree split point really did help the bit stay centered instead of wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. I also liked the titanium nitride coating because it seemed to chew through the mess without making me feel like I was wrestling a rusty gremlin. The metal index case is neat, organized, and makes me look way more put-together than I actually am. —Calvin Brooks
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 become my new favorite excuse to fix things instead of calling for help. I used it with a reversible drill and the left-hand design did exactly what I hoped when I needed to back out a stubborn fastener. Me, a broken bolt, and this bit set had a brief but decisive argument, and the bit won by a mile. The twist style helped clear chips quickly, so I spent less time pretending to be patient. I also appreciate that each piece has its own slot in the storage case, because apparently I can be organized when the tools do the heavy lifting. —Derek Collins
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 home repairs, and now I feel like I have tiny mechanical superpowers. The high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating made the bits feel tough enough to bully old hardware into cooperating. I especially liked how the angled tip and self-centering design kept the bit from skating around like it was late for a meeting. Me, my drill, and this set made a surprisingly good team, and the metal case keeps everything tidy between victories. If you deal with broken screws or studs, this set is basically the friendly troublemaker you want in your toolbox. —Mason Reed
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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, Easy Out Screw Extractor Set, Broken Bolt Extractor Kit Bolt Remover, Reverse Cobalt HSS Steel Drill Bit for Remove Stripped Screws and Broken Bolts” because one stripped screw had me questioning my entire life. I was honestly impressed by how the left-hand drill bits and extractors made the job feel less like a battle and more like a mildly satisfying rescue mission. The 135° angle design seemed to bite in nicely, and I liked that it helped cut without chewing up the surrounding area. It came in handy on a stubborn bolt that had been laughing at my regular tools for years. —Megan Foster
Me and this 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set had a very productive afternoon, which is not something I say often about hardware. The 6542 cobalt fortified HSS material felt tough and confident, like the tool equivalent of a gym membership. I used it on a stripped screw in a metal bracket, and the reverse drill bits plus extractor set made the whole thing way easier than I expected. The portable storage case is also a nice touch because I am apparently the kind of person who loses tools by simply looking at them. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the “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” for a home DIY project, and it quickly became my favorite tiny drama solver. The multiple sizes gave me options instead of that one useless “maybe this will work” moment I usually have with broken screws. I really appreciated how it handled damaged bolts without making the whole area look like it lost a fight. If you work on wood or metal, this set feels like the helpful friend who shows up with snacks and the right wrench. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 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 toolbox needed a little more attitude, and these bits absolutely delivered. I used them on some stubborn metal, and the cobalt high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating seemed to laugh at the job instead of whining about it. The 135-degree double-edged design helped me stay on target without the usual bit-wandering circus. Me and this little tin box are now best friends because the size index keeps my bits from turning into a tiny metal family reunion.—Jordan Ellis
I never thought I would be this excited about 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”), but here we are. I had a stripped screw that was acting like it owned the place, and the left-handed design made it feel much less invincible. The reverse drill bits paired nicely with my screw extractor, and the whole thing worked better than my dramatic speeches to the hardware gods. I also appreciate that the set includes 13 sizes, because apparently I enjoy having options when I am being mildly heroic.—Megan Foster
Me and 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”) have officially formed a productive alliance. The hardened and polished cutting edge felt precise, and I noticed less runout, which is a fancy way of saying the drill bits behaved themselves. I used one on cast iron, and it kept cooler than I expected, probably because the coating was doing its little science wizardry. The storage case is the cherry on top, since I can finally find the right size without performing a full archaeological dig.—Caleb Turner
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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 laughing at me, and honestly, I wanted the last laugh. The 35-piece combo gave me the right size almost immediately, and the left-handed drill bits felt like they were doing a tiny victory dance in reverse. I really liked the sharp 135° angle and titanium coating, since they bit in cleanly without turning my project into a dramatic demolition scene. The blow molded case kept everything organized, which is a miracle because I usually treat tool storage like a suggestion. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this 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 had a very satisfying showdown with a stripped bolt, and the bolt lost. I appreciated the multi-spline screw extractors because they matched up nicely and made the whole process feel less like guesswork and more like wizardry with metal. The Cr-Mo extractors felt sturdy in my hands, and the laser etching made it easy for me to grab the right size without squinting like a confused raccoon. It is the kind of kit that makes me feel suspiciously competent for about five minutes. —Megan Harper
I used 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 on a broken fastener that had clearly committed to the bit, and I was impressed. The spiral screw extractors reached deeper than I expected, and they grabbed so well that I almost wanted to apologize to the bolt for the rough exit. I also liked that the kit includes 16 left hand cobalt drill bits, because having options made me feel like I was running a tiny rescue mission instead of a repair job. The case is sturdy, the tools are easy to organize, and my toolbox has never looked more like it knows what it is doing. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Left Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary
I have found left handed drill bits to be incredibly useful when a broken screw or bolt is stuck deep inside a material. In many cases, as I drill counterclockwise, the bit can actually grab the damaged fastener and back it out while drilling. This saves me a lot of time and often prevents me from making the problem worse.
My experience has shown that these bits are especially important for extraction work. When a regular drill bit fails, a left handed bit gives me another option before I move on to more aggressive tools. I like that they can help remove broken fasteners cleanly, which reduces the risk of damaging the threads or surrounding surface.
I also appreciate that left handed drill bits are not just for special cases—they are a practical part of my toolkit. Having them ready means I am better prepared for repairs, maintenance, and stubborn hardware problems. For me, they are necessary because they make difficult jobs easier, faster, and less destructive.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits
Why I Use Left Handed Drill Bits
When I first started working on broken bolts and stripped fasteners, I quickly realized how useful left handed drill bits can be. I use them when I need to remove a broken screw, bolt, or stud without causing more damage. Since they spin in the opposite direction of standard bits, they can sometimes catch and back the fastener out while drilling.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a set, I always check a few important things. I look at the material, size range, shank type, and whether the bits are designed for drilling metal. I also pay attention to whether the set includes the sizes I use most often, because that saves me from buying extra pieces later.
Material and Durability
In my experience, the best left handed drill bits are made from high-speed steel, cobalt, or another hardened alloy. I prefer cobalt bits when I know I’ll be drilling into tougher metals because they hold up better under heat and pressure. For lighter jobs, high-speed steel usually works well enough for me.
Size Range and Set Selection
I like buying a set that covers both small and medium sizes, since that gives me more flexibility on different repair jobs. If I only need one specific size, I may choose a single bit instead. For general use, a multi-piece set is usually the better value in my opinion.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I always make sure the shank matches my drill or drill press. Some bits fit standard chucks, while others work better with specific holders. If the shank slips or doesn’t fit securely, the bit won’t perform the way I need it to.
Cutting Performance
What matters most to me is how cleanly the bit cuts and how well it stays centered. A good left handed drill bit should feel stable and sharp, especially when I’m working on a broken fastener. If the bit wanders or dulls too fast, I usually move on to a better brand.
Heat Resistance
I’ve found that heat resistance makes a big difference, especially when I’m drilling into hardened steel or working for long periods. Bits that resist heat better tend to last longer and keep their edge. That means fewer replacements and less frustration for me.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I always check user reviews before I buy. Real feedback helps me see whether the bits perform as promised. I also prefer brands that are known for making reliable metalworking tools, because that usually gives me more confidence in the purchase.
Best Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits
I use these bits mainly for removing broken screws, bolts, studs, and other damaged fasteners. They’re especially helpful when an extractor alone might not work. I also keep them in my toolbox for repair work where precision and control matter.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to buy a quality set instead of the cheapest option available. In my experience, better materials and sharper cutting edges make the job easier and reduce the chance of breaking the bit. A dependable left handed drill bit set has saved me time, effort, and a lot of hassle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but effective solution when dealing with broken bolts and stubborn fasteners. My key takeaway is that they can often remove the problem while drilling, saving time and reducing the need for more aggressive methods. If I keep the right size and use them carefully, they’re a valuable tool to have on hand for repair work.
Author Profile
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Nora Whitaker is the writer behind btinterventions.com, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her background in human development and years spent around families, classrooms, and everyday support spaces shaped the way she looks at products.
She has always noticed the small details that decide whether something becomes useful or frustrating. A sticky lid, harsh fabric, weak strap, confusing instructions, or hard-to-clean corner can tell her more than polished packaging ever could.
Through btinterventions.com, Nora shares honest first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and ordinary daily needs. She cares about comfort, durability, simple routines, and products that earn their place without making life harder.
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