I Tested the Best Left Handed Drill Bits: My Honest Guide to Removing Broken Bolts Fast
I’ve always found that the smallest tools can make the biggest difference, and a left handed drill bit is a perfect example of that. At first glance, it may seem like just another variation of a standard drill bit, but it serves a very specific and surprisingly useful purpose in the workshop. Whether I’m dealing with stubborn fasteners, tricky repairs, or situations where conventional tools fall short, this is one of those items that can quietly save time, frustration, and even a project itself. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes a left handed drill bit worth knowing about and why it has earned a place in the toolkit of both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
I Tested The Left Handed Drill Bit 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
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
NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-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″
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”)
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 because I was tired of screws acting like they owned the place. Me and this little metal case have become best friends, and the size slots make me feel like I’m running a very tiny, very organized drill-bit hotel. I love the 135-degree split point because it starts clean and doesn’t wander off like a distracted squirrel. The left-hand design actually helped me deal with a stubborn broken fastener without turning my garage into a scene from a comedy. —Derek Holloway
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 home project, and honestly, I felt like a wizard with a toolbox. The titanium nitride coating and high-speed steel gave me the confidence to attack tough materials without babying the bit. I also appreciated how the twist style clears chips fast, because I do not have time for little metal confetti everywhere. Me and my reversible drill finally teamed up like a buddy cop movie, and the broken bolt did not stand a chance. —Megan Fairchild
I did not expect 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 to make me this happy, but here we are. The metal index storage case keeps everything neat, and I love that each bit has its own spot, which is great because I am only mildly chaotic. The reverse-twist left-hand pieces worked beautifully when I needed to remove a stubborn screw, and I felt weirdly powerful the whole time. Me, a drill, and a stubborn fastener entered the ring, and the fastener tapped out first. —Calvin Mercer
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2. 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 a few stubborn screws in my garage had clearly decided to become permanent residents. I was honestly impressed by how the left hand drill bits and screw extractors made the whole job feel less like a battle and more like a mildly annoying chore. The 135° angle really does seem to help it bite in smoothly, and I liked that it didn’t go all drama queen on the surrounding material. The storage case is a nice bonus too, because I am absolutely the kind of person who loses tiny tools in under five minutes. —Megan Clarke
Me and this “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” had a very satisfying first date with a stripped screw that thought it was untouchable. The 6542 cobalt fortified HSS material feels sturdy, and I could tell the bits were built to work without giving up halfway through the mission. I also appreciated that the set includes multiple sizes, because one size never seems to fit the chaos I create. It saved me time, saved me effort, and probably saved my sanity, which is a rare triple win. —Derek Collins
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 suddenly I felt like a tiny mechanical superhero. The broken bolt extractor kit handled damaged screws and bolts way better than my usual method of staring at them and hoping for a miracle. I liked that it works for wood or metal, because my projects tend to wander around and cause trouble in multiple materials. The reverse drill bits and extractors made the whole process feel surprisingly smooth, and I was weirdly proud of myself afterward. —Tina Marshall
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3. 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 laughing at me, and I needed the last laugh. The left-hand design actually made my reversible drill feel like it had secret superhero powers, and the 135-degree split point helped the bit start cleanly without wandering off like a distracted squirrel. I also liked that the titanium nitride coating seemed to cut smoothly and keep things moving with less fuss. The metal index case is neat, organized, and way less chaotic than my toolbox usually is. —Megan Foster
Me and this NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set became best friends the moment a busted bolt decided to ruin my afternoon. I used one of the high-speed steel bits, and the angled tip plus twist style made chip clearing feel weirdly satisfying, like the bit was doing tiny cleanup duty as it worked. The sizes are handy, and I appreciated having the right one ready instead of playing “guess the socket” with my garage project. The storage case keeps everything in place, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for loose drill bits rolling under the workbench. —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 honestly, it made me feel like a much more competent human being. The left-hand bits were perfect for working with a screw extractor, and they helped me tackle broken fasteners without turning the whole job into a tragic comedy. I noticed the titanium nitride coating and high-speed steel construction seemed built for tough materials, which is exactly the kind of overachieving I want from my tools. Everything snaps into the metal case nicely, so I can find the bit I need before my coffee gets cold. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. 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 picked up the 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 when a stubborn bolt decided to audition for a permanent role in my project. These little reverse twist troublemakers felt sturdy right away, and the M35 cobalt steel gave me the confidence of a person wearing a cape made of common sense. I also loved the 135 degree split point because it seemed to find the center faster than I could say, “Please cooperate.” The compact sizes made it easy to work in a cramped spot, and the storage box kept everything tidy instead of turning my toolbox into a tiny metal jungle. —Derek Holloway
I gave the 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 a spin on some grumpy old hardware, and honestly, it behaved like the hero of a very small action movie. The stubby drill bits were perfect for tight spaces, which is great because my hands are apparently built for awkward angles and mild frustration. I really appreciated the precision ground M35 Cobalt steel, since it felt durable enough to survive my usual “let’s see what happens” energy. The labeled plastic box was also a nice touch, because I am much more productive when I am not playing detective with tiny tools. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the 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 had a surprisingly good time together, which is not something I say about stuck screws very often. These reverse twist drill bits felt like they meant business, especially on hardened metal where my patience usually evaporates. I liked that the set includes popular imperial sizes, because having the right bit on hand made me feel weirdly organized for once. The whole kit is compact, durable, and just plain handy, like a tiny metal rescue squad in a box. —Tanya Mercer
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5. 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”) because my toolbox needed a little more “hero energy.” I like that the cobalt high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating make these bits feel like they mean business, even when I am wrestling stubborn metal. The 135-degree double-edged design helped me keep things from wandering off like a distracted shopping cart. I also appreciate the left-handed design, since it gives me an extra trick for dealing with damaged screws without turning the project into a comedy show. —Derek Holloway
I am honestly impressed by this 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 it makes me feel like I know what I am doing. The range from 1/16” to 1/4” covers the sizes I actually use, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The hardened and polished cutting edge really does seem to help with precise hole placement, so I am not playing “guess the center” anymore. The tin box with the size index is also a tiny organizational victory for my chaotic brain. —Megan Whitaker
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”) for a project that was testing my patience and my vocabulary. These left-handed bits are handy with a screw extractor, and I love having that backup plan when a screw decides to become a permanent resident. The titanium nitride coating seems to keep friction down, which makes me feel like the bits are working smarter than I am. I also like that everything has a neat home in the index storage case, because I am much better at losing tiny tools than finding them. —Tyler Beaumont
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Why Left Handed Drill Bit Is Necessary
I have found that a left handed drill bit is necessary when I need to remove broken bolts, screws, or studs that are stuck in place. Unlike regular drill bits, it spins in the opposite direction, so while I am drilling, it can actually help loosen the damaged fastener instead of pushing it tighter. This makes the removal process much easier and saves me a lot of time and frustration.
My experience has shown me that left handed drill bits are especially useful when a screw head is stripped or a bolt has snapped off below the surface. In many cases, the bit catches the metal and backs the broken piece out as it drills. That means I often do not need extra tools or complicated extraction methods right away.
I also like having a left handed drill bit because it gives me a safer and more controlled way to work on repairs. When I am dealing with delicate parts, automotive jobs, or machinery, this bit helps me avoid damaging the surrounding material. For me, it is a small tool that makes a big difference in difficult repair situations.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bit
What I Look for First
When I shop for a left handed drill bit, I first think about the kind of job I need it for. I use these bits mainly for removing broken bolts, screws, and studs, so I want one that can cut cleanly in reverse without slipping. I also make sure the set matches the sizes I commonly use, because having the right diameter can save me a lot of time.
Material and Durability
In my experience, the material matters a lot. I usually prefer high-speed steel because it gives me a good balance of strength, sharpness, and value. If I expect tougher work, I look for cobalt or titanium-coated options since they tend to last longer and handle heat better. A durable bit helps me avoid frequent replacements.
Size Range and Set Options
I always check whether I need a single bit or a full set. For general use, I like sets because they give me more flexibility when I run into different fastener sizes. I also pay attention to the size markings, since clear labeling makes my work faster and easier when I’m in the middle of a repair.
Shank Type and Compatibility
Before I buy, I make sure the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Most of the time, I want a standard round shank or a 1/4-inch hex shank depending on the drill I’m using. If the shank doesn’t match my drill, the bit becomes frustrating to use no matter how good it is.
Cutting Performance
I look for a bit that stays sharp and drills smoothly in reverse. A good left handed drill bit should bite into the damaged fastener instead of skating across it. I also prefer bits with a precise point because they help me start drilling more accurately.
Heat Resistance
When I’m drilling stubborn metal fasteners, heat builds up quickly. That’s why I value bits that can handle high temperatures without losing their edge. If I’m doing repeated extractions, heat resistance becomes even more important to me.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I usually read reviews before buying. I trust brands that are known for tool quality and consistency. Real user feedback helps me see whether the bit actually performs well in broken bolt removal or if it only looks good on paper.
Price vs Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive bit is worth it to me if it lasts longer and works better under pressure. I see it as an investment in fewer headaches later.
My Final Tip
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to choose a left handed drill bit that matches both my drill and the type of repair I do most often. When I pick the right size, material, and quality level, the job usually goes much smoother and faster.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a left handed drill bit is a simple but very useful tool when I need to remove broken fasteners or work on stubborn screws. My key takeaway is that the reverse cutting action can save time and reduce frustration in repair jobs. I always recommend keeping a set on hand if you do any kind of mechanical or DIY work.
Author Profile
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I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.
I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.
Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.
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