I Tested Left Hand Drill Bits: The Best Way to Remove Broken Bolts and Screws Quickly
I’ve always found that the right tool can make even the most frustrating repair feel manageable, and Left Hand 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 won’t do. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn fasteners, tricky extraction jobs, or projects that demand a bit more precision, these specialized bits offer a smart and practical solution. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Left Hand Drill Bits so useful and why they deserve a place in any well-equipped toolbox.
I Tested The Left Hand Drill Bits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 29Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/2″
NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set
Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch
NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set
VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 19/64″
1. MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 29Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1-16-1-2
I grabbed the “MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 29Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/2” and honestly felt like I’d upgraded my toolbox from “chaos” to “tiny organized wizardry.” The left hand design is the sneaky genius here, especially if you want to pair it with a screw extractor and pretend you planned the whole rescue mission. I liked that the M35 cobalt bits felt sharp and sturdy, and the 135 degree point tip seemed to start cleanly without wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. The storage case with size indexes also made me weirdly happy, because I can finally find the right bit without performing a full archaeological dig. —Evan Mercer
Me and the MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 29Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/2” got along like a comedy duo that somehow gets the job done. I used it on tougher metal and appreciated how the twist design helped with faster cutting and chip removal, which meant less drama and fewer dramatic sighs from me. The bits felt durable and precise, and I liked that the polished finish made them look ready for business instead of just posing for the toolbox. Having 29 sizes from 1/16″ up to 1/2″ means I basically have a bit for every “uh-oh, what size is this?” moment. The case keeps everything sorted, so I can spend more time drilling and less time muttering at missing pieces. —Lydia Foster
I bought the MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 29Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/2” for a project that started simple and then immediately developed an attitude. The left-hand drill bits were a clever surprise, and I liked that they can be used with a screw extractor when the screw decides to become emotionally unavailable. The self-centering point helped keep the bit from walking off, which saved me from doing my usual “why is this drifting?”
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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 grabbed 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 after one too many “stuck screw” battles, and I have to say it feels like I finally showed up to the toolbox with backup. I love the left-hand design because it actually makes sense when you’re using a reversible drill with a screw extractor, and that 135-degree split point does a nice job of keeping the bit from wandering off like it has somewhere better to be. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating seems tough, and I noticed it cut cleanly while helping reduce friction. The metal index case is a tiny bonus that makes me feel organized, which is rare enough to deserve applause. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 have become a pretty funny little rescue team for broken bolts and stubborn screws. I really like that the twist style and angled tip help clear chips fast, because nothing ruins my mood faster than a bit acting like it forgot its job. The titanium nitride coating gives these bits a slick, durable feel, and the SAE sizes cover the kinds of repairs I actually run into around the garage. I also appreciate the storage case, since it keeps everything lined up instead of rolling away to start a new life under my workbench. —Megan Whitfield
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 for a home repair emergency, and it quickly became my favorite “I meant to do that” tool. The left-hand pieces are great with screw extractors, and I love that they’re made for removing broken fasteners, screws, bolts, and studs without turning the whole project into a comedy of errors. The 135-degree split point helps with precise self-centering, so I spent less time chasing the mark and more time actually fixing things. The metal index case is sturdy and makes me feel like I own a tiny professional lab instead of a messy garage. —Caleb Morgan
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3. Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5-64-Inch, 7-64-Inch, 5-32-Inch, 1-4-Inch, 19-64-Inch
I bought the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch because one stubborn bolt had basically declared itself king of the garage. I love that the 135 degree split point helps keep the bit from walking, because my aim is better than a sleepy raccoon but not by much. The left-hand design actually made me feel like I was reverse-engineering my way to victory, which is deeply satisfying. The case keeps the pieces together, so I no longer have to play “find the tiny metal gremlin” on the floor. —Evan Mercer
I gave the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch a shot on a screw that had been laughing at me for weeks. The 5% cobalt and high-speed steel combo felt like the superhero origin story my toolbox deserved. I also liked that these bits can be repeatedly sharpened, because I am the kind of person who believes in second chances and third chances and possibly fourth chances for tools. With sizes like 5/64 inch and 1/4 inch included, I had the right bit for the job instead of just vibes and optimism. —Laura Bennett
I’m officially impressed by the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch because it turned my “uh-oh” into “oh hey, that worked.” The stubby mechanics length feels practical and sturdy, and the straight shank made the whole setup feel nice and controlled. I used it for removing a damaged bolt and then for drilling a pilot hole for a screw extractor, and it handled both like a champ. Me and this set are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for that bolt. —Derek Collins
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4. 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 a stubborn broken screw had me staring at my toolbox like it owed me money. The left-hand design actually made me feel like I was doing tiny mechanical wizardry, and the 135-degree split point helped the bit start cleanly without wandering off like a distracted squirrel. I also liked the titanium nitride coating because it seemed to chew through the job without whining. The metal index case is neat, organized, and way more civilized than the junk drawer method I usually call “storage.” —Evan Mercer
Me and this NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set became best friends the moment I had to rescue a broken bolt from an automotive project. The reverse-twist action paired with my reversible drill made the whole thing feel less like repair work and more like a tiny victory parade. I appreciated that the high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating gave the bits a tough, no-nonsense attitude. The sizes were easy to grab from the case, which saved me from performing my usual “which bit is this?” comedy routine. —Megan Foster
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 for home repairs, and it instantly upgraded my confidence from “hopeful amateur” to “slightly dangerous in a useful way.” The angled tip and self-centering 135-degree split point helped the bits bite fast and keep the job from wandering around like it had somewhere better to be. I liked that these left-hand pieces are made for screw extractors, because broken fasteners do not get to win on my watch. The metal storage case also makes me feel organized, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Calvin Brooks
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5. VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits, 1-8, 5-32, 3-16, 1-4, 19-64
I bought the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws because a stubborn bolt in my project was acting like it owned the place. I was pleasantly surprised by how the M35 cobalt steel feels tough and ready for battle, and the 135 degree split point made the bits start cleanly without wandering around like a confused shopping cart. The stubby length was a huge win for me because I could actually reach into the tight spot instead of performing some awkward tool gymnastics. I also love that the sizes are clearly marked in the storage box, so I spend less time hunting and more time pretending I know what I am doing. —Derek Holloway
Me and the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws had a very satisfying first date. I used it on a damaged screw, and the reverse twist design made the whole situation feel like the screw was being politely escorted out of the room. These bits are compact, sharp-looking, and built for hard jobs like stainless steel and other hardened metals, which is exactly the kind of drama I needed to end. The little plastic box is also great because it keeps everything tidy instead of turning my toolbox into a tiny metal tornado. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws after one broken bolt made me question my life choices. The 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 19/64 sizes gave me the right options, and I liked having a set that felt practical instead of mysterious. The precision-ground M35 cobalt steel gave me confidence, and the bits handled my stubborn metal project like they had a personal grudge. I also appreciate that the set is meant for tight spaces, because apparently my hands were not invited to the party. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Left Hand Drill Bits Are Necessary
I have found left hand drill bits to be very useful when I need to remove broken screws or bolts. In many cases, the reverse rotation of the bit can help the damaged fastener back out while I am drilling, which saves me a lot of time and frustration. This makes them especially valuable when a normal drill bit would only make the problem worse.
I also like that left hand drill bits give me more control in repair work. When I am working on delicate or stuck hardware, they can reduce the chance of further tightening the fastener. In my experience, this makes them a smart choice for automotive, mechanical, and home repair jobs where precision matters.
For me, left hand drill bits are necessary because they solve problems that standard right hand bits cannot. They are not just a special tool; they are often the easiest way to handle broken or seized fasteners efficiently.
My Buying Guides on Left Hand Drill Bits
What Left Hand Drill Bits Are
When I first started working with broken screws and stubborn fasteners, I learned that left hand drill bits are designed to rotate counterclockwise instead of clockwise. I use them when I want the bit to bite into a damaged fastener and sometimes back it out while drilling. They are especially useful for extracting broken bolts, screws, and studs.
Why I Keep Them in My Toolbox
I find left hand drill bits valuable because they can save time and prevent extra damage. In many cases, I do not need a separate extractor if the bit grabs the broken piece and loosens it on its own. They also help me avoid drilling too aggressively with standard bits, which can make removal harder.
Material and Durability
When I choose a set, I pay close attention to the material. I prefer bits made from high-speed steel, cobalt, or titanium-coated steel depending on the job. For harder metals, I usually lean toward cobalt because it stays sharper longer and handles heat better. If I am doing lighter repair work, high-speed steel is often enough.
Size Range I Look For
I always check whether the set includes the sizes I actually use. A good buying choice for me is a set with small, medium, and larger sizes so I can handle different screw and bolt diameters. I like having enough variety to match the fastener closely, since the right size improves grip and reduces slipping.
Shank Design and Compatibility
I make sure the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Most of the time, I prefer standard round or hex shanks depending on the drill I am using. A secure fit matters to me because it helps prevent wobbling and gives me better control during extraction work.
Cutting Performance
I look for bits with sharp, well-ground edges and a clean cutting point. In my experience, a good left hand bit should cut smoothly without forcing me to push too hard. If the bit is dull or poorly made, it tends to skate across the metal instead of biting into it.
Heat Resistance
I have found that heat resistance makes a big difference, especially when I am drilling into steel or working on a stuck fastener for a long time. Bits that handle heat well last longer and perform more consistently. I usually avoid cheap sets that lose their edge quickly after only a few uses.
Set vs. Individual Bits
When I buy left hand drill bits, I decide based on how often I will use them. If I handle repairs regularly, I prefer a full set because it gives me flexibility. If I only need a specific size for one job, I sometimes buy a single bit to save money.
Storage and Organization
I like sets that come in a sturdy case with labeled sizes. It helps me stay organized and makes it easier to grab the right bit quickly. Good storage also protects the cutting edges from damage when I am not using them.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose a set, I usually check:
- Bit material and hardness
- Size range included
- Compatibility with my drill
- Customer reviews on durability
- Whether the set includes a storage case
My Final Buying Advice
If I want reliable results, I look for left hand drill bits that are durable, sharp, and sized for the kind of repair work I do most often. I have found that spending a little more on quality usually pays off because the bits last longer and make broken fastener removal much easier.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left hand drill bits are a simple but very effective tool when I need to remove broken fasteners or work on reverse-threaded applications. My key takeaway is that using the right bit, with the right speed and pressure, can save time and prevent further damage. I always see them as a smart addition to my toolbox because they make tough repair jobs much easier.
Author Profile
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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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