I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way I Found to Remove Broken Bolts Fast
When I first started working with stubborn fasteners and broken screws, I quickly learned that the right tool can make all the difference. That’s where left handed drill bits come into the picture. At first glance, they may seem like just another variation of a standard drill bit, but they serve a very specific and surprisingly useful purpose. Whether I’m dealing with extraction challenges or trying to avoid making a frustrating repair even worse, these bits have become one of those tools I appreciate more each time I use them.
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
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″
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″
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” for one of those “this should be simple” repair jobs that immediately turned into a tiny disaster movie. I loved that the 135-degree split point helped the bit center itself instead of skating around like it had somewhere better to be. The left-hand design actually made my extractor setup feel smarter than I am, which is always a nice bonus. The metal index case keeps everything organized, so I spent less time hunting for bits and more time pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. —Calvin Mercer
Using 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” made my garage project feel way less dramatic than it deserved to be. I was especially impressed by the high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating, because it chewed through stubborn material without acting like it needed a coffee break. The reverse-twist design is perfect for removing broken screws and bolts, which is exactly the kind of problem that makes me question all my life choices. I also like that the bits are neatly sorted in the storage case, since my toolbox usually looks like a tornado with opinions. —Marlene Foster
I picked up 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 immediately felt like the hero of my own home-repair sitcom. The angled tip and self-centering design kept the bit from wandering off, which was great because I was not in the mood to chase it around the metal. I used it with a reversible drill and screw extractor, and it handled a stubborn stud like it had a personal grudge. The SAE sizes in the 15-piece set gave me the right option every time, and the case makes the whole kit easy to grab, carry, and show off unnecessarily. —Derek Langston
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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 broken screw had me feeling personally attacked, and honestly, this set came to the rescue like a tiny metal superhero squad. I love that the bits have a 135-degree split point, because they actually start where I want them to instead of skating around like they’re late for dinner. The left-hand design made my reversible drill and screw extractor combo feel way more useful, and I finally got to remove a stubborn fastener without a full-blown tool tantrum. The metal index case is also neat and organized, which is a small miracle in my garage. —Caleb Morgan
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 are now on a first-name basis, because this little kit helped me win a battle against a bolt that had clearly chosen violence. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating gave me the confidence to go after tough material without feeling like I was using a butter knife. I also appreciate how the twist style helps clear chips and particles, since I prefer my drilling to be productive instead of confetti-based. The case keeps every bit in its own slot, so I can find the right size without digging around like a raccoon in a toolbox. —Dylan Harper
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 it has officially upgraded me from “panicked DIYer” to “slightly more competent DIYer.” The angled tip and self-centering 135-degree split point made starting holes feel almost suspiciously easy. I especially like the reverse-twist left-hand bits for working with broken screws and studs, because they make stubborn hardware feel less invincible. The set is compact, portable, and organized in a metal case, which means I can actually keep track of my tools for once. —Evan Caldwell
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3. 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 instantly felt like I had upgraded from caveman tools to wizard gear. The left hand design is the kind of clever twist that makes me grin, especially when paired with a screw extractor for those stubborn little drama-queen screws. I also like the 135 degree point tip because it starts cleanly and does not wander around like it missed its coffee. The storage case keeps all 29 bits in order, which is a miracle for someone like me who usually treats tool organization as a mythical concept. —Ethan Marshall
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” because I needed something tough enough to handle metal without turning into a sad, blunted souvenir. These M35 cobalt drill bits feel sharp, sturdy, and ready to bully stainless steel into cooperating. I appreciate that the twist design helps with faster chip removal, because nobody has time to babysit metal shavings like they are tiny pets. Me and this set are now on excellent terms, and the index case makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Olivia Bennett
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” has been a surprisingly fun addition to my toolbox, which is not something I say lightly. I used it on a few mixed materials, and the bits handled wood, plastic, and metal like they were all invited to the same party. The polished inserts and self-centering action really helped keep things from walking off on me, which is a small miracle in my hands. I also love that the case has size indexes, because I can finally find the right bit without playing “guess and squint.” —Caleb Turner
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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 grabbed the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits, and honestly it felt like I had tiny mechanical superheroes in my toolbox. I used one on a stubborn broken screw, and the left-hand reverse twist design seemed to stare it down until it gave up. The M35 cobalt steel feels seriously tough, and I love that the bits are precision ground for extra durability. The little plastic box is a nice bonus because now I am not playing hide-and-seek with my drill bits anymore. —Derek Holloway
I bought the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits because my project had more “stuck forever” energy than I could handle. These stubby drill bits are great for tight spaces, which is perfect because my workspace looks like a raccoon built it. The 135 degree split point made starting clean and easy, and I felt weirdly victorious when the bit centered itself like it had manners. I also like the size markings in the storage box, since I can actually find the one I want without squinting like a detective. —Megan Carlisle
Me and the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits have officially become best friends in a very nerdy way. I needed something for hardened metal, and these M35 cobalt bits handled the job like they were born for chaos. The assorted sizes, from 1/8″ to 19/64″, gave me the right option without making me guess like I was on a game show. I also appreciate that they work for removing damaged bolts and screws, because my toolbox has a long history of dramatic rescue missions. —Tina Whitaker
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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 after one too many “why won’t this bolt just cooperate?” moments, and honestly, I felt like a tiny mechanic wizard. I liked that the kit gives me 16 left hand cobalt drill bits plus multiple extractor styles, so I wasn’t stuck with a one-trick toolbox pony. The 135° angle and sharp HSS steel bits made it easier for me to get a clean bite without turning the surrounding metal into a tragic art project. The heavy duty case also keeps everything organized, which is great because I am not naturally blessed with “where did I put that thing?” skills. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and stubborn screws have had a long, dramatic relationship, but this Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set brought the peace treaty. I really liked the multi-spline screw extractors and spiral screw extractors because they gave me options when one size just wasn’t the hero of the day. The laser-etched sizes made it easy for me to grab the right piece fast, and I appreciated not having to play extractor roulette. It feels sturdy, useful, and weirdly satisfying when a broken bolt finally gives up and leaves the chat. —Maya Thornton
I used the Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set on a busted bolt that had clearly committed to being difficult, and I won the argument. The reverse drill bit design actually helped me work in reverse like some kind of hardware time traveler, and the Cr-Mo extractors felt tough enough for serious jobs. I also liked that the set is meant for home, automotive, and mechanical repairs, because my projects love to wander across categories. The blow molded case is neat, sturdy, and much better than my usual “pile of tools and hope” strategy. —Logan Pierce
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Why Left Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are necessary whenever a broken screw, bolt, or fastener gets stuck and refuses to come out. In my experience, the biggest advantage is that these bits can sometimes grab the damaged piece and spin it loose while I’m drilling. That means I can often remove a stubborn fastener without making the problem worse or spending extra time with more aggressive tools.
I also like that left handed drill bits give me a safer, more controlled option during repairs. When I’m working on metal, machinery, or automotive parts, I don’t always want to force an extractor right away. Using a left handed bit first can save the threads, reduce damage to the surrounding material, and sometimes eliminate the need for more complicated repair steps.
My reason for keeping them in my toolbox is simple: they solve problems that regular drill bits cannot. Since they rotate in the opposite direction, they are especially useful for reverse-threaded removal and for situations where I need both drilling and loosening in one step. For me, that makes left handed drill bits a small tool with a very big purpose.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits
What Left Handed Drill Bits Are
When I first started looking into left handed drill bits, I realized they are not the same as standard drill bits. These bits are designed to rotate counterclockwise, which makes them especially useful for removing broken bolts, screws, and studs. In my experience, this feature can save a lot of time when a fastener is stuck or damaged.
Why I Would Choose Left Handed Drill Bits
I find left handed drill bits most helpful when I need both drilling and extraction in one step. As the bit spins in reverse, it can sometimes catch the broken fastener and back it out while drilling. That makes them a practical addition to my tool kit, especially for repair work and automotive projects.
Material and Build Quality
When I shop for these bits, I pay close attention to the material. High-speed steel is common, but I prefer cobalt or titanium-coated options for tougher jobs because they tend to last longer and handle heat better. In my experience, a strong build makes a big difference when drilling into hardened metal.
Size Range and Set Options
I always check whether the set includes the sizes I use most often. Some sets come with just a few common sizes, while others offer a wider range for more flexibility. I like having a complete set because it prepares me for different fastener sizes without needing to buy extra bits later.
Shank Type and Compatibility
Before I buy, I make sure the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Most left handed drill bits work with standard drills that can run in reverse, but I still confirm compatibility with my tools. This helps me avoid frustration and makes the bits easier to use right away.
Cutting Performance
From my experience, sharp cutting edges and precise manufacturing matter a lot. A good left handed drill bit should cut cleanly and stay centered while working on a broken fastener. I look for bits that feel stable and accurate because that improves both speed and results.
Ease of Use
I prefer bits that are straightforward to use, especially if I am dealing with a difficult extraction. Clear labeling and a well-organized case help me work faster. I also appreciate bits that perform well without requiring too much force, since that reduces the chance of damaging the surrounding material.
Durability and Longevity
In my opinion, durability is one of the most important factors. I want a set that can handle repeated use without dulling too quickly. Investing in better quality bits usually pays off for me because they remain reliable over time.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I focus on value rather than just the lowest cost. A cheaper set may seem attractive, but if it wears out quickly, I end up replacing it sooner. I usually choose a set that balances price, quality, and the number of sizes included.
My Final Advice
If I were buying left handed drill bits today, I would choose a set made from durable material, with a useful size range and reliable cutting performance. For me, the best option is one that makes extraction easier, works with my drill, and holds up well over time. That combination gives me the confidence to handle broken fasteners more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but effective solution when dealing with broken fasteners and stubborn screws. My main takeaway is that they can save time, reduce frustration, and sometimes remove the damaged piece without needing extra tools. If I’m working on repairs, I always see them as a smart addition to my toolkit.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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