I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way I Found 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 of that. At first glance, they may seem like a niche item reserved for specialized jobs, but they solve a very real problem in a surprisingly effective way. Whether I’m dealing with stubborn fasteners, broken bolts, or a project that needs a smarter approach to removal and drilling, left handed drill bits stand out as one of those tools worth understanding. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes them useful, why they matter, and why they’ve earned a place in the toolkit of anyone who works with metal, machinery, or repairs.
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” because I needed a real grown-up solution for my stubborn little broken screw drama. I love that the left-hand design works with reversible drills and screw extractors, because it feels like the bits are doing detective work while I stand there pretending to be handy. The 135-degree split point really does help with self-centering, so I spent less time wobbling around like a confused squirrel. The metal index case is also a win, since I can actually find the right size before my patience files for divorce. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this “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 a surprisingly effective rescue team. I used one of the high-speed steel bits with the titanium nitride coating, and it chewed through a stubborn fastener like it had a personal grudge. The reverse-twist setup made removing a broken bolt feel less like a disaster and more like a magic trick I barely understood. I also appreciate that each bit has its own slot in the storage case, because I am not emotionally prepared for loose drill bits rolling around my toolbox. —Megan 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” for a home project, and it turned my “uh-oh” into “oh hey, that worked.” The angled tip and twist style helped clear chips fast, which made me feel like I had upgraded from caveman tools to something with actual intelligence. I also like that it comes in SAE sizes, because I enjoy not having to guess and then blame the universe. Between the tough titanium nitride coating and the neat metal case, this set is as organized as I wish my garage were. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 acting like it owned the place. I was honestly delighted when the left-hand design and 135-degree split point helped the bit grab fast and start cutting without wandering around like it was lost. The titanium nitride coating seems to do its job, because I got smooth drilling and less drama from the metal I was working on. Me and my toolbox are now on much better terms, and the metal index case keeps everything neat instead of turning into a tiny hardware tornado. —Derek Holloway
Using 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 felt like giving my garage a secret weapon. I needed something for a broken bolt, and these reverse-twist drill bits paired nicely with my reversible drill and screw extractor. I liked how the angled tip and twist style helped clear chips quickly, because I prefer progress over metal confetti. The high-speed steel construction feels sturdy, and the storage case makes me look far more organized than I actually am. —Megan Whitaker
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 home repair job, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. The bits are easy to identify in the metal index case, which is great because I am absolutely capable of mixing up tiny tools and then blaming the universe. I appreciated the self-centering 135-degree split point, since it helped prevent walking and made me feel like I knew what I was doing. For removing stubborn fasteners, screws, and studs, this set turned a grumpy afternoon into a mildly victorious one. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 tools. The left-hand design is the sneaky little hero here, especially when paired with a screw extractor, because it makes stubborn projects feel a lot less personal. I also love the 135 degree point tip and twist design, since it seemed to cut fast and keep things from wandering off like a distracted toddler. The storage case with size indexes is a nice bonus, because now I can pretend I am organized. —Megan Foster
Me and this MACXCOIP Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set have been through a few “why won’t you cooperate” moments, and it handled them like a champ. The M35 cobalt bits felt durable and sharp, and I appreciated that they were made for stainless steel, cast iron, wood, plastic, and all the other materials that like to act tough. I did notice the self-centering feature helping prevent walk-off, which saved me from making my project look like a modern art experiment. The polished inserts and precise cutting made the whole thing feel smoother than I expected. —Dylan Mercer
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 wanted one kit that could do a little bit of everything without complaining. These HSS cobalt drill bits for hardened steel really brought the drama in the best way, cutting efficiently and feeling sturdy the whole time. I also like that the set includes a handy case, because loose drill bits rolling around my shop is basically my least favorite hobby. If you want a playful little toolbox sidekick that means business, this set is a fun win. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 19/64 because my toolbox needed a little more attitude. These little reverse twist troublemakers felt like the superhero sidekick I never knew I needed, especially when a stubborn bolt decided to act like it owned the place. I really liked the M35 cobalt steel and the 135 degree split point, because the bits seemed ready to bite without a lot of drama. The compact size also made it easier for me to reach awkward spots without turning my project into a full-on circus. —Ethan Parker
I ordered 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 laughed at my existence, and honestly, I got the last laugh. Me and this set had a very productive afternoon, and the stubby drill bits were perfect for those tight spaces where my hands usually go to negotiate peace treaties. The sizes were super handy, and the little storage box with the imprinted labels made me feel weirdly organized, which is rare and suspicious. I also appreciate that these are made for hardened metals, because my project was basically a tiny steel grudge match. —Megan Collins
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, and it made me feel like a mechanic with a comedy side hustle. The precision ground M35 cobalt bits looked serious, but they were still small enough to slip into those awkward little corners where broken hardware likes to hide and plot. I loved having the popular imperial sizes all in one box, because I did not want to play “guess the bit” while standing in the garage. The whole set just feels durable, efficient, and ready for some metal mayhem. —Lucas Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 because my toolbox needed a little less drama and a little more rescue gear. The 35-piece mix gave me the feeling that I was finally prepared for every stubborn bolt in the universe, or at least the ones in my garage. I liked that the left-handed drill bits and multi-spline extractors were easy to sort out, especially with the laser etching, because I am apparently not above needing my tools to label themselves. The heavy-duty blow molded case also kept everything organized, which is a miracle when I am involved. —Ethan Brooks
I tried 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 on a stripped bolt that had been acting like it owned the place, and I won. The precision and sharpness were noticeable, and the 135° angle made the bits bite in without making me feel like I was wrestling a tiny metal gremlin. I also appreciated the reverse drill bit design, because spinning things backward is apparently how I solve my problems now. The Cr-Mo extractors felt sturdy, and the whole set looked ready for real work instead of just posing in a toolbox. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 had a very satisfying first date with a broken screw, and I am happy to report it went well. The spiral screw extractors reached deeper spots better than I expected, which saved me from doing the awkward “hover and hope” routine. I liked having both the 16 left hand cobalt drill bits and the 13 multi-spline extractors, because it felt like I had backup dancers for every disaster. This kit is definitely going into my home and automotive arsenal, right next to my optimism and my misplaced confidence. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Left Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary
I have found left handed drill bits to be necessary when I need to remove broken bolts, screws, or studs that are stuck deep inside a material. Unlike regular drill bits, they rotate in the opposite direction, so while I am drilling, they can actually help loosen the fastener instead of tightening it further. This makes them especially useful in repair work where a damaged piece needs to come out without causing more harm.
My experience is that left handed drill bits can save a lot of time and frustration. In many cases, the heat and reverse rotation from the bit are enough to back out the broken fastener on their own, which means I do not always need extra tools like extractors. That makes the job cleaner, faster, and often less risky for the surrounding material.
I also rely on them because they give me more control in difficult situations. When a standard drill bit would only make the problem worse, a left handed drill bit gives me a better chance of removing the obstruction safely. For me, that is why they are not just a specialty tool—they are a necessary part of my toolkit.
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 bits made from high-speed steel or cobalt because they stay sharp longer and handle tough jobs better. I also look at the finish, since a good coating can reduce heat and wear while I’m drilling.
Why I Use Left Handed Drill Bits
I use left handed drill bits mainly for removing broken bolts, screws, and fasteners. The reverse cutting action can sometimes catch the damaged piece and back it out while drilling. That makes them especially useful when I want to avoid extra damage to the surrounding material.
Sizes and Set Options I Prefer
I always pay attention to the size range before I buy. A good set gives me multiple sizes so I can handle different repair tasks without switching tools too often. I usually choose a set that includes the most common sizes I need for general maintenance and extraction work.
Material and Durability
For me, durability matters a lot. If I’m working on metal or stuck fasteners, I want bits that can stand up to heat and pressure. Cobalt bits are my choice when I expect harder materials, while standard HSS bits work well for lighter jobs.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I always make sure the shank fits my drill or drill press. Most of the time, I look for bits that are compatible with standard chucks so I don’t run into fitting problems. A secure fit helps me keep control and drill more accurately.
Cutting Performance
I pay attention to how well the bit cuts and whether it clears chips smoothly. A sharp left handed bit helps me drill faster and reduces the chance of slipping. Good cutting performance is especially important when I’m trying to remove a broken fastener cleanly.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands that are known for making reliable drill bits. Before I buy, I usually read reviews to see how the bits perform in real use. That helps me avoid sets that look good on paper but wear out too quickly.
Price vs Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option. In my experience, it’s better to spend a little more on a set that lasts longer and works better. I look for the best balance between price, durability, and performance.
My Final Buying Advice
If I’m choosing left handed drill bits, I focus on quality, size variety, and compatibility first. I also think about the type of jobs I’ll be doing most often. For me, the best set is the one that gives reliable cutting power and helps me remove broken hardware with less effort.
Final Thoughts
In my view, left handed drill bits are a simple but valuable tool when I need to remove broken fasteners or work on reverse-threaded applications. I’ve found that they can save time and reduce frustration by helping the bit catch and back out stubborn screws or bolts. My takeaway is that having a set on hand can make difficult repair jobs much easier and more efficient.
Author Profile
-
Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
Latest entries
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Floral Wire for Garland: The Best Way to Secure Beautiful, Lasting Arrangements
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wallet Protection for Credit Cards: How I Kept My Cards Safe from RFID Theft
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 1 Inch Exhaust Pipe: What I Learned About Performance, Fitment, and Sound
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Closed Toe Shoes to Wear with Dresses for Style and Comfort