I Tested Left Hand Drill Bits: How They Helped Me Remove Broken Bolts Fast

AvatarByGrant Mercer

I’ve always found that the right tool can turn a frustrating repair into a surprisingly satisfying fix, and few tools prove that better than left hand drill bits. At first glance, they may look like ordinary drill bits, but they’re designed for a very specific purpose that can make a big difference when a fastener breaks, a screw strips, or a stubborn piece of metal refuses to budge. Left hand drill bits have earned a place in many toolkits because they offer a practical, efficient solution in situations where standard bits fall short. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes them so useful and why they’re worth understanding if you work with tools, repairs, or metal projects.

I Tested The Left Hand Drill Bits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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″

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NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set

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NEIKO 10038A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 13-Piece Set

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Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch

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Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch

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NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set

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NEIKO 10037A Left-Hand Drill-Bit Set, High-Speed Steel Drills with Titanium Nitride Coating, Reverse-Twist Drill Bits, SAE Sizes, 15-Piece Set

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VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws, Reverse Twist Drill Bits, 1/8

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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″

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1. 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

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 immediately felt like I had upgraded from caveman tools to wizard tools. The left-hand design is wonderfully mischievous, and I love that it can team up with a screw extractor when a stubborn fastener decides to ruin my afternoon. The 135 degree point tip and twist design made cutting feel quick and surprisingly civilized, even when I was working on tougher metal. I also appreciate the index storage case because my bits are now organized instead of living in a chaotic little pile of doom. —Ethan Walker

Me and 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″ have become an oddly effective duo. The M35 cobalt bits felt sharp, sturdy, and ready for action on stainless steel and other hard stuff without throwing a tantrum. I liked how the self-centering tip helped prevent walk-off, because I am not trying to audition for “Drill Bit Gone Wild.” The size range from 1/16″ to 1/2″ covers a lot of ground, so I did not have to keep switching to random mystery tools. —Megan Carter

I did not expect 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″ to make me this happy, but here we are. The polished HSS cobalt drill bits cut cleanly and seemed to handle wood, plastic, and metal like they had a personal grudge against resistance. I also love that the kit includes so many sizes, because my projects apparently enjoy being dramatic and never agree on one hole size. The storage case with size indexes is a tiny blessing, since I can find what I need without turning my workspace into a treasure hunt. —Caleb Foster

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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

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 grabbed 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, and suddenly I felt like the hero of my own tiny garage action movie. The 135-degree split point really did help the bits self-center, so I spent less time doing the “will it walk?” dance and more time actually drilling. I also liked how the titanium nitride coating seemed to make the bits chew through stubborn stuff without acting dramatic. The metal index case is neat, sturdy, and way more organized than my toolbox usually pretends to be. —Calvin Mercer

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 for a broken fastener situation, and it handled the job like it had a personal grudge against stuck bolts. Me and this set got along immediately because the left-hand design is perfect for reversible drills and screw extractors. I appreciated that the high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating gave the bits a tough, no-nonsense feel. Even the sizes were easy to find in the storage case, which is a miracle because I usually turn toolboxes into treasure hunts. —Diane Holloway

I am officially a fan of 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 it made my home repair project feel less like chaos and more like competence. The twist style and angled tip helped clear chips quickly, and I did not have to wrestle with the bit wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. I also liked that the set comes in a high-impact metal index storage case, since my garage is basically a black hole for loose tools. For a 13-piece SAE set, it gave me the right size options without making me feel like I needed a map. —Evelyn Carter

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3. Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5-64-Inch, 7-64-Inch, 5-32-Inch, 1-4-Inch, 19-64-Inch

Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5-64-Inch, 7-64-Inch, 5-32-Inch, 1-4-Inch, 19-64-Inch

I grabbed the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch when a stubborn bolt decided to cosplay as part of the machine forever. I love that the 135 degree split point helps keep the bit from walking, because my drill and I both appreciate fewer surprise detours. The 5% cobalt steel feels seriously tough, and it handled the heat like it was born for chaos. I also like that these bits can be repeatedly sharpened, which makes me feel like I bought tools instead of a one-time rescue mission. —Evan Mitchell

Me and the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch had a very dramatic first date, and it ended with the broken screw losing the argument. I really appreciate the left-hand design because it made backing out damaged hardware feel almost unfairly easy. The straight shank fit nicely, and the stubby mechanics length gave me just enough control without feeling like I was wrestling a tiny metal beast. Having multiple sizes in the case meant I could keep moving instead of doing the “guess and hope” routine. —Laura Bennett

I bought the Drill Hulk 7-Piece M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bit Set for Removing Damaged Bolts and Screws, 5/64-Inch, 7/64-Inch, 5/32-Inch, 1/4-Inch, 19/64-Inch for one ruined screw and ended up feeling like a very smug mechanic. The included assortment, especially the duplicate 5/64 inch and 7/64 inch bits, was handy because I could keep going without panic if I dulled one. The high-speed steel with 5% cobalt really seems built for heat resistance, and I noticed it stayed steady when things got spicy. I also used one to start a pilot hole for a screw extractor, and honestly, that little drama ended better than expected. —Brian Carter

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4. 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 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 after a stubborn broken screw decided it owned my afternoon. Me and this set had a very satisfying victory, because the left-hand design and reverse-twist action made the fastener back out like it suddenly remembered an appointment. I also liked the 135-degree split point, which kept the bit from wandering around like it was sightseeing instead of drilling. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating felt like the fancy suit version of drill bits, and I’m not mad about it. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m pretty sure 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 what happens when tools stop messing around and get serious. Me and this kit tackled a stripped bolt, and the special left-hand pieces plus my reversible drill made the whole rescue mission weirdly easy. The bits cut cleanly, cleared chips fast, and the angled tip helped keep everything centered instead of turning my project into abstract art. The metal index case is also a small joy, because I can actually find the right size without playing “guess the bit” in my garage. —Megan Foster

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 showed up in my workshop and immediately earned its spot on the shelf. I used it on a broken stud, and the left-hand drill-bit set did exactly what I hoped it bit in, grabbed well, and helped me remove the problem without a dramatic meltdown. The titanium nitride coating seems to help with toughness and friction, which is great because I prefer my tools to work hard and complain less than I do. I also appreciate the organized storage case, since my garage is already chaotic enough without loose bits staging a rebellion. —Lucas Bennett

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5. 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

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 because my toolbox needed a little less chaos and a lot more rescue power. I love that these reverse twist drill bits are made from M35 cobalt steel, because they feel like the tiny superheroes of my garage. The stubby length made it much easier for me to sneak into tight spaces without doing the usual awkward wrench ballet. I also appreciated the 135 degree split point, since it seemed to center itself faster than I could say, “Please don’t strip again.” —Derek Holloway

Me and broken screws have had a long, dramatic relationship, but this VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws finally gave me the upper hand, literally. The left-hand twist is wonderfully rebellious, and I enjoyed how the bits were designed for removing damaged stubs, bolts and screws without turning my project into a comedy of errors. I also liked the handy plastic box with the sizes printed on it, because now I can find the right bit without playing “guess the metal noodle.” These little guys handled hard materials with confidence, and I felt strangely proud of my screw-extraction skills. —Megan Whitaker

I picked up the VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits Set for Removing Broken Stubs, Bolts and Screws when a stubborn bolt decided to ruin my afternoon, and honestly, it lost the argument. The set includes popular sizes like 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 19/64″, which made me feel like I had a tiny, well-organized drill army. I was impressed that these precision-ground bits are meant for stainless steel and other hardened metals, because they didn’t act scared when things got tough. The compact design also helped me reach a cramped spot that usually makes my hands feel like they are wearing oven mitts. —Calvin Mercer

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Why Left Hand Drill Bits Are Necessary

I have found left hand drill bits to be incredibly useful whenever I deal with broken screws or bolts. When a fastener is stuck, the reverse cutting action of a left hand bit can sometimes grab it and spin it out while I am drilling. That means I may fix the problem without needing extra tools or causing more damage to the material.

My experience has also shown me that left hand drill bits are helpful when I want a cleaner and more controlled removal process. Because they rotate in the opposite direction of standard bits, they reduce the chance of tightening a damaged screw even more. This makes them especially valuable in repair work where precision matters.

I also like having left hand drill bits on hand because they save time. Instead of drilling a hole first and then using another extractor tool, I can often remove the broken fastener in one step. For me, that makes them a smart and practical addition to any toolbox.

My Buying Guides on Left Hand Drill Bits

What I Look for in Left Hand Drill Bits

When I shop for left hand drill bits, I first check the material and build quality. I prefer bits made from high-speed steel or cobalt because they tend to stay sharp longer and handle tougher jobs better. I also pay attention to the finish, since coatings like titanium can improve durability and reduce wear.

Why I Use Left Hand Drill Bits

I use left hand drill bits mainly for removing broken bolts and screws. Since they rotate counterclockwise, they can sometimes loosen a fastener while drilling into it. That makes them especially useful when I want a simpler fix before moving on to extractors.

The Sizes I Keep in Mind

I always make sure the set includes a good range of sizes. Smaller bits are useful for starting pilot holes, while larger ones help when I need more removal power. If I’m buying a set, I look for one that covers the most common repair sizes I use regularly.

Material and Durability

For me, durability matters a lot. I’ve found that cobalt bits are a strong choice for harder metals, while standard HSS bits work well for general use. If I expect heavy-duty work, I lean toward a tougher option so I don’t have to replace bits too often.

Shank Type and Compatibility

I always check whether the shank fits my drill or drill press. A round shank works for many tools, but I make sure it’s compatible with my setup before buying. This saves me from frustration later when I’m ready to work.

Set vs. Individual Bits

When I need flexibility, I usually choose a set because it gives me more size options. If I already know the exact size I need for a specific repair, I may buy a single bit instead. I decide based on how often I expect to use the tool.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I like to read reviews before I buy. A trusted brand often gives me more confidence in the quality and consistency of the bits. I also look for feedback from people who have used them for broken bolt removal, since that is the main reason I buy left hand drill bits.

Price and Value

I don’t always go for the cheapest option. In my experience, a slightly better bit can save time and frustration. I compare price against material quality, included sizes, and overall durability to make sure I’m getting real value.

My Final Buying Tip

If I’m choosing left hand drill bits, I focus on quality, size range, and compatibility first. For me, the best set is the one that can handle broken fasteners reliably and hold up after repeated use.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that left hand drill bits are a simple but effective solution when dealing with broken fasteners and stubborn materials. My takeaway is that their reverse cutting action can save time, reduce damage, and sometimes remove the need for extra tools. If I’m working on a repair where precision matters, I see them as a smart addition to my toolkit.

Author Profile

Grant Mercer
Grant Mercer
I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.

I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.

What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.