I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way to Remove Broken Bolts and Screws
When I first started working on stubborn fasteners and broken bolts, I quickly realized that the right tool can make all the difference. One tool that often surprises people is the left handed drill bit. At first glance, it may seem like just another drill bit, but it serves a very specific and valuable purpose in repair and extraction work. I find it fascinating how something so simple can help solve problems that regular bits often can’t, especially when dealing with damaged hardware that refuses to budge.
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 for a stubborn broken screw that was acting like it owned the place. Me and this set had a little showdown, and the 135-degree split point really did the self-centering thing without wandering off like a distracted shopping cart. I liked that the high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating felt serious enough to bully tough material into cooperating. The metal index case also makes me feel weirdly organized, which is not my natural state. —Dylan Mercer
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 one snapped bolt had turned my garage into a tiny soap opera. I used it with a reversible drill and a screw extractor, and the left-hand design helped me back the problem child right out. The bits cut cleanly, cleared chips fast, and did not make me wrestle the tool like it was a raccoon in a trash can. I also appreciate that the sizes are easy to find in the storage case, so I spent less time hunting and more time pretending I know what I am doing. —Megan Holloway
I am officially impressed with 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 it turned my “uh-oh” moment into a “well, that was easy” moment. The twist style and angled tip made starting the hole feel smooth, and the bits seemed to bite in before the metal could argue back. Me and this set also had a nice cleanup afterward thanks to the high-impact metal index case, which kept everything snug and ready for the next rescue mission. If you do home repairs or automotive work, this little kit feels like the helper I wish I had years ago. —Caleb Thornton
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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 I was tired of losing arguments with stripped screws, and honestly, this little kit showed up ready to win. I liked that the left-hand drill bits have that 135° angle, because it felt like the set was doing the hard part before I even had time to complain. The storage case kept everything neat, which is shocking because my toolbox usually looks like a hardware tornado. Me and this kit are on speaking terms now, and that is a compliment. —Evan Mercer
I used 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” on a stubborn bolt that had clearly decided to become part of the furniture. The 6542 cobalt fortified HSS material felt tough and confident, like it had a personal grudge against damaged screws. I also appreciated the multiple sizes, because I am apparently the kind of person who needs options when the hardware starts acting dramatic. It saved me time and a whole lot of muttering under my breath. —Clara Benson
Me and 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” had a very satisfying afternoon removing a broken screw that had been mocking me for weeks. The reverse drill bits bit in cleanly, and the bolt extractors made the whole process feel weirdly civilized for something this destructive. I liked that it works for wood, metal, and DIY projects, because apparently my problems are now officially multi-purpose too. If you enjoy turning frustration into victory, this set is basically a tiny toolbox superhero. —Dylan Carter
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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 thought it was the boss, and I was ready to disagree. The 135-degree split point really did help the bit center itself without wandering around like it was late for a meeting. I also liked the titanium nitride coating, since it felt like the bits were built to chew through tough stuff without throwing a tantrum. The metal index case keeps everything neat, which is amazing because I am apparently capable of losing a drill bit in a six-inch radius. —Derek Holloway
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 had a very productive afternoon together. I used the left-hand design with a reversible drill and screw extractor, and it acted like a tiny mechanical superhero for broken fasteners. The twist style cleared chips fast, so I was not constantly stopping to babysit the hole like an overprotective parent. I also appreciated how the sizes were easy to identify in the storage case, because my workshop already has enough chaos to qualify as a minor weather event. —Megan Carter
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 immediately made me feel more competent than I actually am. The high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating gave me the confidence to tackle rusty, stubborn hardware without whispering apologies to the toolbox. I really liked that the angled tip and self-centering point kept the bit from walking away from the mark like it had somewhere better to be. The metal case is sturdy, organized, and basically the opposite of my junk drawer. —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 bought 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 because my toolbox needed a little less drama and a lot more rescue power. I was impressed by how the M35 cobalt steel feels seriously tough, like it could stare down a stubborn bolt and win. The stubby size is perfect for those cramped spots where my regular bits act like they’ve never met a tight space before. I also love the 135 degree split point because it starts cleanly and does not wander around like it is lost at the mall. —Derek Holloway
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 after a screw decided to become one with my project forever. These reverse twist drill bits made me feel like a tiny mechanical wizard undoing cursed hardware. The fact that they work on stainless steel and other hardened metals gave me the confidence of someone who brought a superhero to a screwdriver fight. The little plastic box with the sizes printed on it is also delightfully organized, which is great because I am usually one spilled tool away from chaos. —Megan Carter
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 have become fast friends, and by friends I mean it saves me from yelling at broken bolts. I really appreciate the efficient design, because those shorter bits let me sneak into tight spaces without performing weird hand yoga. The popular sizes cover the jobs I actually run into, so I am not constantly hunting for some mythical bit in the garage abyss. For me, this set feels durable, practical, and just mischievous enough to make stuck hardware surrender. —Brian Whitaker
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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 glow-up and my stubborn screws needed a reality check. I love that the cobalt high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating make these bits feel like tiny metal ninjas instead of ordinary drills. The 135-degree double-edged design gave me cleaner starts and less wandering, which was a big win for my very uncooperative project. The index storage case is also a hero, because I am apparently the kind of person who loses drill bits if I so much as blink. —Megan Foster
Me and 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”) have become best friends in the workshop. The left-handed design is brilliant for backing out damaged screws, and I felt like a wizard every time a stuck fastener finally gave up. I also appreciated the full size range from 1/16″ to 1/4″, because I like options almost as much as I like pretending I know what I am doing. The bits cut through hard material with surprising confidence, and the polished edges helped keep things tidy instead of turning my project into a comedy of errors. —Derek Collins
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 repair job, and it behaved like the overachiever of drill bits. The hardened, polished cutting edges and 135-degree point made drilling feel smoother and more precise than I expected. I especially liked that the reverse bits worked well with a screw extractor, because my last project had a screw that seemed personally offended by tools. The tin box with the size index is also wonderfully organized, which is great because my usual storage method is “somewhere in the garage, probably.” —Tina Marshall
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Why a Left-Handed Drill Bit Is Necessary
I’ve found that a left-handed drill bit is especially useful when I need to remove broken bolts, screws, or studs. Since it spins in the opposite direction of a regular drill bit, it can sometimes catch the damaged fastener and back it out while drilling. That saves me a lot of time and frustration, especially when a standard extractor might slip or make the problem worse.
My experience is that left-handed drill bits are also great for working in tight or delicate situations. They let me drill and potentially remove the fastener in one step, which reduces the chance of damaging the surrounding material. This is really helpful when I’m dealing with metal parts, automotive repairs, or old hardware that has seized up over time.
I also like having one in my tool kit because it gives me another option before I move to more aggressive methods. In many cases, the left-handed bit solves the problem faster and more cleanly. For me, that makes it a necessary tool rather than just a specialty item.
My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bit
What I Look for First
When I shop for a left handed drill bit, I first make sure it is truly designed to rotate in reverse. I have found that this is the main feature that makes these bits useful for removing broken bolts, screws, and studs. If the bit is not made for left-hand rotation, it will not give me the same benefit.
Material and Durability
I always pay attention to the material because it affects how long the bit lasts. In my experience, high-speed steel is a common choice, and cobalt bits are even better when I need extra toughness. If I expect to work on hard metal, I prefer a stronger material so I do not wear out the bit too quickly.
Size Range
I like buying a set that includes multiple sizes. This gives me more flexibility when I am not sure what size I will need. A good size range helps me handle different repair jobs without stopping to buy another bit.
Shank Design and Fit
I always check the shank to make sure it fits my drill securely. A poor fit can cause slipping, which makes the job harder and less safe. I prefer bits with a design that holds firmly and gives me better control while drilling.
Sharpness and Cutting Performance
From my experience, sharp bits make a big difference. A clean cutting edge helps me work faster and reduces the chance of damaging the material. I look for bits that are known for smooth cutting and reliable performance.
Best Use Cases
I usually buy left handed drill bits when I need to remove broken fasteners or when I want to drill in reverse. They are especially helpful during repair work on machinery, vehicles, and metal surfaces. If I do a lot of maintenance work, keeping a set on hand saves me time.
Brand Reputation
I trust brands that are known for making durable tools. A good reputation often tells me the bits will perform better and last longer. I also like reading reviews from other users before I make my final choice.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. In my experience, a slightly higher price can be worth it if the bit lasts longer and performs better. I look for the best balance between cost and quality.
My Final Tip
If I were buying a left handed drill bit today, I would choose a set with strong material, multiple sizes, and a reliable brand. That way, I would be ready for different repair tasks and get better value from my purchase.
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 with reverse-threaded applications. My key takeaway is that using the right bit can save time, reduce damage, and make a frustrating repair much easier. I always recommend keeping a set on hand if you do any kind of mechanical or maintenance work.
Author Profile
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Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.
With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.
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