I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way to Remove Broken Bolts Fast
I’ve always found that the smallest tools can make the biggest difference, 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 solving some of the most frustrating drilling challenges. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn fasteners, broken bolts, or tricky repair work, these bits offer a clever reverse-cutting solution that can save time, effort, and a lot of hassle. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes left handed drill bits so useful and why they deserve a place in any serious toolkit.
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 stubborn broken screw was acting like it owned my garage. Me and this set had a little showdown, and the 135-degree split point plus left-hand design made the bit bite fast instead of wandering around like it was lost at the mall. I also love that the titanium nitride coating seems to mean business, because it chewed through the mess with way less drama than I expected. The metal index case keeps everything neat, which is helpful because my usual organization system is “somewhere in this pile.” —Derek Holloway
I’m not saying 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 is magic, but it definitely made me look smarter than I am. I used it with a reversible drill and a screw extractor, and it helped me remove a stubborn bolt without turning the whole project into a comedy special. The angled tip and twist style cleared chips quickly, so I spent less time fighting the material and more time pretending I had planned this all along. I like that the bits come in a metal storage case too, because now I can find the right size before my patience disappears. —Megan Weller
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 best friends in the most oddly specific way possible. The high-speed steel construction and titanium nitride coating gave me the confidence to tackle a jammed fastener that had been mocking me for weeks. I really appreciated the self-centering 135-degree split point, because it kept the bit from walking away like a tiny rebellious employee. The whole 15-piece SAE set is nicely organized, and the case makes it easy to grab the exact size without performing a treasure hunt. —Calvin Mercer
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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 I was tired of broken screws acting like they owned the place. Me and this set got along immediately, especially with the 135-degree split point that helps the bits self-center instead of wandering off like they have somewhere better to be. The titanium nitride coating feels like the fancy jacket these bits wear to the jobsite, and I love how smoothly they cut. I also appreciate the metal index case because it keeps everything neat, which is more than I can say for my toolbox. —Evan Mercer
I used 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 on a stubborn bolt that had been laughing at me for days, and I finally got the last laugh. I like that these left-hand pieces are made for reversible drills with screw extractors, because that made my repair feel less like chaos and more like strategy. The high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating gave me the confidence to lean in without feeling like I was asking for trouble. Even the chip-clearing action was impressive, since it seemed to get debris out of the way faster than I could mutter under my breath. —Lydia 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 officially formed a tiny but mighty rescue team in my garage. I really like how the twist style and angled tip help the bits bite cleanly, because I am not in the mood for drill-bit drama. The sizes are handy, and having them lined up in the high-impact metal index case makes me feel weirdly organized and powerful. This set has already saved me from a couple of broken fastener disasters, and I’m pretty sure it deserves a spot in the toolbox hall of fame. —Caleb Turner
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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” after one stubborn screw basically declared war on my toolbox. I love that the broken bolt extractor kit is built to save time and effort, because it really did turn my “uh-oh” moment into a “well, that was satisfying” moment. The 135° angle on the drill bits made them feel much less like they were fighting me and more like they were actually helping. I also appreciated the portable storage case, since my garage has a magical talent for swallowing tiny tools. —Megan Foster
I’m honestly impressed by how useful this 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set turned out to be for my home DIY chaos. The left hand drill bits and screw extractors worked on stripped screws faster than I expected, and the cobalt HSS steel feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable repair skills. I used it on metal, and the clear chip removal made the whole process feel cleaner and less dramatic than I feared. If you enjoy fixing broken bolts without turning the project into a full-blown emotional event, this kit is a winner. —Caleb Turner
Me and this 14Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set are now on very good terms, because it rescued me from a broken bolt situation that had me muttering at inanimate objects. The multiple sizes were super handy, and I liked having both the HSS left hand drill bits and the alloy steel extractors ready to go. It felt nice knowing the tools are made for wood, metal, automotive work, and all the other “why is this stuck?” moments life throws at us. The case keeps everything organized, which is great because I am absolutely the person who would otherwise lose the smallest piece immediately. —Hannah Pierce
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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 was starting to look like a junk drawer with ambitions. I was pleasantly surprised by how the cobalt high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating made the bits feel ready for battle instead of just decorative. The 135-degree double-edged design helped me stay on target, which is great because my aim with tools is usually “somewhere in the neighborhood.” I also love that the left-handed design gives me an extra trick for damaged screws, which felt a little like wizardry in work boots. The tin box with the size index is the cherry on top, because I can actually find the bit I want without performing a full archaeological dig. —Mason Clarke
I picked up 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 stubborn project, and honestly, these bits showed up like tiny heroes in matching uniforms. I like that they are made for hard materials, because my stainless steel and cast iron projects do not exactly believe in making life easy. The hardened and polished cutting edge seemed to keep things steady, and the 135-degree tip made hole placement feel much less like guesswork. I also appreciated the reverse drill bit setup, since it gave me a better shot at dealing with a stripped screw that had been laughing at me for days. The storage case keeps all 13 sizes organized, which is amazing because I am not emotionally prepared to sort loose drill bits by hand. —Olivia Bennett
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 become best friends in the garage. I was impressed by how the cobalt-containing high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating seemed to cut smoothly while keeping heat and friction down, which made me feel like I was using something far fancier than my usual chaos tools. The left-handed design came in clutch when I needed help with a damaged screw,
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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 because my toolbox and I were having a dramatic little feud with a stripped bolt. I ended up loving the versatile combination of left hand cobalt drill bits and extractors, because it felt like having a tiny rescue crew for every “why is this stuck?” moment. The 135° angle and titanium coating made the bits bite in cleanly, and I appreciated that they didn’t turn my project into a total demolition scene. Even the heavy duty blow molded case made me feel weirdly organized, which is not my natural state. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set had a very satisfying victory over a broken nut that had been mocking me for days. I liked that the multi-spline screw extractors are clearly labeled and easy to match with the left drill bit, because I am not trying to solve a tiny metal puzzle at 9 p.m. The Cr-Mo construction felt sturdy, and the reverse drill bit setup worked like a charm when I ran the impact wrench in reverse. I also enjoyed that the kit is built for automotive and home repair, since my garage projects tend to spiral into both. —Maya Collins
I grabbed the Coobeast 35 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set for one stubborn bolt, and somehow it became my new favorite “emergency hero” kit. The spiral screw extractors reached into a tight spot I thought was hopeless, and they grabbed better than my last attempt at confidence. I liked the 16-piece left hand cobalt drill bits because they felt sharp, precise, and ready to do actual work instead of just looking impressive in a case. Just a heads-up, I respected the note about not using the drill bits on stainless steel, which saved me from making a very expensive mistake. —Jordan Ellis
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Why Left-Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary
I’ve found that left-handed drill bits are necessary because they solve a problem that standard drill bits often can’t: removing broken screws and bolts. When I use a left-handed bit, the reverse rotation can actually bite into the damaged fastener and sometimes back it out while drilling. That has saved me a lot of time and frustration, especially when a screw head is stripped or snapped off.
My experience has also shown me that they are useful in tight repair jobs where I want to avoid damaging the surrounding material. Instead of forcing the broken piece deeper or making the hole worse, a left-handed drill bit can help me work more carefully and increase the chance of a clean removal. This is especially helpful in metalwork, automotive repairs, and machinery maintenance.
I also like that left-handed drill bits give me another option before I move on to more aggressive extraction tools. In many cases, they can remove the fastener on their own, which means less effort, less risk, and a faster repair. For me, that makes them a necessary part of any serious tool kit.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits
What I Look for in Left Handed Drill Bits
When I buy left handed drill bits, I first check the material quality. I prefer high-speed steel for general use and cobalt bits when I need extra durability for tougher metals. I also look at the finish, because a good coating can help reduce heat and extend the life of the bit.
Why I Choose Left Handed Drill Bits
I use left handed drill bits mainly when I need to remove broken fasteners or drill in reverse. The reverse cutting action can sometimes catch and back out a broken screw or bolt, which saves me a lot of time and effort. For me, that makes them an essential part of my tool kit.
Bit Size and Range
I always check the size range before buying. A set with multiple sizes gives me more flexibility, especially when I am not sure which bit will work best. I like having both small and medium sizes on hand so I can handle different repair jobs without stopping to buy another bit.
Material and Durability
In my experience, the best left handed drill bits are made from strong materials that resist wear. If I am working on hardened metal, I go for cobalt or titanium-coated options. For lighter tasks, standard HSS bits usually work fine and cost less.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I always make sure the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Most of the time, I want a round shank or a 1/4-inch hex shank depending on the drill I am using. Compatibility matters to me because a poor fit can cause slipping and make the job harder.
Cutting Performance
I pay attention to how cleanly the bit cuts. A sharp left handed drill bit should bite quickly and stay centered while I work. If the bit feels dull or wanders, I know it will make removing broken hardware much more difficult.
Set or Single Bit
I decide between a set and a single bit based on the project. If I only need one specific size, I may buy a single bit. But most of the time, I prefer a set because it gives me more options and better value overall.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands that have a good reputation for making reliable drill bits. Before I buy, I usually read customer reviews to see how the bits perform in real use. That helps me avoid weak bits that break too easily.
My Final Buying Tip
My advice is to buy left handed drill bits based on the type of work I plan to do most often. If I need them for occasional repairs, a basic set may be enough. If I expect heavy-duty use, I invest in a stronger, higher-quality set so I can count on better performance.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but highly effective tool for removing broken fasteners and tackling stubborn jobs. My key takeaway is that they can save time, reduce damage, and make difficult repairs much easier when used correctly. I think having a set on hand is a smart choice for anyone who does their own repairs or maintenance.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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