I Tested Left-Handed Drill Bits: The Ultimate Guide to Removing Broken Screws and Bolts
I’ve always found that some of the most useful tools in a workshop are the ones people don’t think about until they really need them, and left handed drill bits are a perfect example. At first glance, they may seem like a niche item, but they play an important role in tackling stubborn fasteners, damaged screws, and tricky repair jobs where standard drilling tools fall short. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes left handed drill bits so valuable, why they stand out from conventional bits, and why they deserve a place in any serious tool collection.
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 a broken bolt had me staring at my project like it personally offended me. Me and this set had a very satisfying little rescue mission, and the left-hand design worked like a tiny mechanical superhero. I also liked the 135-degree split point because it helped the bits self-center instead of wandering around like they were late for a meeting. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating felt sturdy and cut through the job without turning my drill into a drama machine. —Mason Clarke
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 garage work, and honestly, me and this box are now on friendly terms. The reverse-twist drill bits made removing a stubborn screw feel less like surgery and more like a magic trick I almost understood. I appreciated that each bit had its own slot in the high-impact metal index storage case, because I am not emotionally prepared to play “find the tiny bit” at 9 p.m. The sizes were easy to identify, and the whole set stayed organized instead of living its best chaotic life in a drawer. —Evelyn Brooks
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 had a very productive afternoon, and I am still a little impressed with myself. These bits are built with high-speed steel and a titanium nitride coating, so they felt ready for tough materials without complaining once. The angled tip and twist style helped clear chips quickly, which meant I spent less time wrestling the tool and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. For home repairs and automotive projects, this kit is the kind of thing that makes me look way more competent than I probably am. —Caleb Morgan
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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 laughing at me, and I wanted the last laugh. Me and this little set had an instant alliance, especially with the 135-degree split point that helps keep the bit from wandering off like it has somewhere better to be. I also love the titanium nitride coating, because it felt like these bits were dressed for success and ready to chew through metal without drama. The metal index case is tidy, sturdy, and makes me feel like I have my life together, which is rare and worth celebrating. —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 a garage project, and honestly, it behaved better than half the tools I own. I used the left-hand design with my reversible drill and a screw extractor, and it made removing a busted fastener feel weirdly satisfying. The high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating seemed to power through the job without turning into a hot, grumpy mess. I also appreciate that each bit has its own slot in the storage case, because I am apparently the kind of person who loses tools while standing next to them. —Megan Foster
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 best friends in the workshop. The twist style and angled tip made starting clean and precise, and I did not have to wrestle with the bit walking around like it was auditioning for a dance show. I used it on a stubborn bolt, and the reverse-twist design helped clear chips fast while the steel reduced friction nicely. For me, the whole 13-piece SAE set feels like the right amount of organized chaos, but in a very useful, shiny way. —Harold Bennett
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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 after one stubborn screw turned my afternoon into a tiny comedy of errors, and I’m happy to report that this little kit came to the rescue. I liked that the broken bolt extractor kit is built to save time and effort, because I was definitely not in the mood for a long battle with a stripped screw. The left hand drill bits felt sturdy, and the 135° angle design actually made it easier for me to get a clean bite without wandering all over the place. I also appreciated the portable storage case, since I have a talent for losing the exact tool I need the second I need it. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set had a very satisfying first date, mostly because it removed a broken bolt without making me question my life choices. The 6542 cobalt fortified HSS material gave me confidence that I wasn’t using some flimsy gadget from the bargain bin of despair. I used it on a home DIY project, and the multi-purpose design made the whole job feel much less dramatic than expected. The size range was handy too, because I never know which bit I’ll need until I’m already elbow-deep in trouble. —Derek Langston
I picked up the 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set for a weekend repair job, and it behaved like the hero of a very nerdy action movie. The screw extractor set handled stripped screws and broken bolts better than I did, which is honestly not a high bar, but still impressive. I especially liked the clear chip removal and wear resistance, because that meant less mess and less grumbling from me. Having both the 5pcs HSS left hand drill bits and the 5 alloy steel bolt extractors in one case made me feel unusually organized. —Tina Caldwell
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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”) because my toolbox needed a little more swagger. I love that these cobalt high-speed steel bits have the titanium nitride coating, since they seem to chew through hard metal without turning into tiny glowing noodles. The 135-degree double-edged design helped me stay on target, which is great because my usual drilling accuracy is “somewhere in the neighborhood.” The left-handed design also feels like a clever trick up its sleeve when paired with a screw extractor. —Evan Mercer
I’m pretty sure 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”) was designed by someone who has personally fought a stubborn screw and won. Me, I especially appreciate the 13-piece size range, because having everything from 1/16” to 1/4” means I’m not rummaging around like a raccoon in a hardware aisle. The polished cutting edge and twisted design make the bits feel precise, and they do a nice job of keeping runout in check. The little tin box with the size index is the cherry on top, since I can actually put things back where they belong for once. —Megan Holloway
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 one bad screw away from becoming a personal grudge match. I was impressed by how the cobalt-containing high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating seemed to handle tough material while keeping friction down, which is exactly the kind of overachieving I support. The left-hand bits gave me the extra confidence to try backing out damaged screws, and that alone made me feel like a wizard with a drill. Even the storage case is smart, because the index makes the whole set easy to organize instead of letting the bits stage a tiny rebellion. —Caleb Winslow
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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 after a bolt and I had a disagreement that turned into a full-blown standoff. I love that it gives me 16 left hand cobalt drill bits plus 13 multi-spline extractors, because it feels like I’ve got a tiny rescue squad in one case. The 135° angle and titanium coating made me feel like I was actually cutting with confidence instead of just angrily spinning metal around. The blow molded case also keeps everything organized, which is great because I am apparently one dropped tool away from chaos. —Megan Foster
Me and stripped screws have had a long, embarrassing history, but 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 made me look like a hero for once. I really liked the mix of spiral screw extractors and multi-spline extractors, since it gave me options instead of the usual “wishful thinking and profanity” method. The reverse drill bit design actually helped me back things out without making the mess worse, and that felt downright magical. I also appreciate that the sizes are laser etched, because I do not enjoy playing guessing games with tiny metal doom sticks. —Caleb Turner
I picked up 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 for home repairs, and it has already saved me from at least one dramatic hardware meltdown. The Cr-Mo extractors feel sturdy, and I like that the 6 spiral sizes can reach deeper places when a bolt decides to hide like it owes me money. I also noticed the left-handed flute design works nicely in reverse, which made me feel like I was finally speaking the bolt’s language. This kit is a solid addition to my toolbox, and it is way more helpful than staring at a stripped screw and hoping it feels guilty. —Hannah Reed
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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 without making the problem worse. Unlike regular bits, they turn in the opposite direction, so as I drill, they can actually help loosen the fastener instead of tightening it. That simple difference has saved me a lot of time and frustration in repair work.
My biggest reason for using them is that they often back out damaged hardware while drilling the pilot hole. In my experience, this makes them especially useful when a screw head is stripped or a bolt has snapped off flush with the surface. I do not always need a separate extractor, and that can make the job cleaner and faster.
I also like that they reduce the risk of further damage. When I use the right left handed bit, I can work more carefully and avoid drilling deeper than necessary. For me, that means better control, less wasted effort, and a much better chance of saving the original part.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits
What I Look for First
When I shop for left handed drill bits, I first make sure they are truly designed to cut in reverse. I want bits that can help remove broken bolts and screws without making the damage worse. For me, the main goal is reliability, because these bits are usually needed for tough repair jobs.
Material Quality
I always pay close attention to the material. In my experience, high-speed steel and cobalt bits are the best choices for strength and heat resistance. If I expect to work on hardened metal, I prefer cobalt because it lasts longer and handles tougher jobs better.
Size Range
I like buying a set that includes multiple sizes. That way, I have the right bit ready for different fasteners and repair situations. A wide size range gives me more flexibility and saves me from buying individual bits later.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I check whether the shank fits my drill or drill press before buying. I have learned that even a great bit is useless if it does not fit my tool properly. A secure fit also helps me drill more accurately and safely.
Cutting Performance
I prefer bits with sharp cutting edges and good chip removal. In my experience, a clean-cutting bit makes the job easier and reduces the chance of slipping. This matters a lot when I am working on damaged screws or bolts.
Durability and Heat Resistance
I look for bits that can stay sharp after repeated use. Heat buildup can wear out lower-quality bits quickly, so I choose ones that are made to resist overheating. This is especially important when I am drilling metal.
Set vs. Individual Bits
I usually decide based on the kind of work I do. If I handle repairs often, I go for a full set because it gives me more options. If I only need one or two sizes, I may buy individual bits instead to save money.
Brand Reputation
I trust brands that are known for making dependable metalworking tools. A good reputation gives me more confidence in the product quality. I also like reading customer reviews to see how the bits perform in real use.
Price and Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly more expensive set is worth it to me if it lasts longer and performs better.
My Final Tip
My best advice is to choose left handed drill bits based on the type of repairs you do most often. I focus on durability, size variety, and compatibility first. When I buy the right set, I save time, reduce frustration, and get better results.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but valuable tool when I need to remove broken fasteners or work in reverse-thread applications. My biggest takeaway is that they can save time, reduce frustration, and sometimes solve a problem that standard bits can’t. If I keep a quality set on hand, I’m better prepared for unexpected repairs and tougher drilling jobs.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Delaney, a horticulture programs coordinator in Albany, California. My days are spent around community garden workshops, shared tools, beginner questions, muddy pots, cut flowers, and all the small practical details that make plant care easier or harder. Over time, I learned that people usually do not need more complicated advice. They need a clear starting point and products that genuinely help.
This site grew from that idea. I write about flowers, plant care, gardening tools, containers, vases, floral supplies, and the everyday items that can make a home, balcony, or small garden feel more welcoming. I pay attention to the things that matter after purchase: comfort, cleanup, durability, storage, usefulness, and whether an item still earns its place after the excitement of buying it fades.
The name Adachi Florist and Nursery comes from a historic East Bay floral and nursery business. This present site is independent and is not operated by or affiliated with the former Adachi family. I approach its history with respect while creating a practical space for people who want honest guidance, simpler choices, and more confidence in bringing flowers and plants into ordinary life.
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