I Tested Left Handed Drill Bits: The Best Way I Found to Remove Broken Bolts Fast

AvatarByThomas Calder

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, but they play an important role in solving frustrating drilling problems and making tough jobs a little easier. Whether I’m dealing with a broken fastener, a stubborn hole, or a project that calls for a more specialized approach, these bits stand out as a practical solution worth knowing about. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes left handed drill bits useful and why they deserve a place in the toolbox.

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

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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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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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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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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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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

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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

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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

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 little help with a stubborn broken screw, and these bits showed up like tiny metal superheroes. The left-hand design actually made me feel like I was outsmarting the problem instead of just wrestling with it. I also liked the 135-degree split point because it helped the bit stay put instead of skating around like it had somewhere better to be. The high-speed steel with titanium nitride coating feels tough, and the whole set in the metal index case is neatly organized enough to make my toolbox look almost responsible. —Megan Carter

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 turned my “uh-oh” repair into a surprisingly satisfying afternoon. I used it with a reversible drill and a screw extractor, and it handled a broken fastener like it had a personal grudge against stuck bolts. I appreciated how the twist style helped clear chips quickly, because I did not feel like I was constantly stopping to babysit the hole. The titanium nitride coating seems to give the bits a nice hard edge, and I love that each size has its own slot in the case. —Derek Holloway

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 garage projects, and now I am suspiciously confident around broken studs. These bits are sharp, steady, and oddly satisfying to use, especially with the self-centering 135-degree split point doing its best “I got this” impression. I also like that the set is available in a 15-piece SAE layout, which gave me plenty of options without making me feel like I was adopting an entire drill-bit zoo. The metal storage case keeps everything tidy, which is great because my workbench usually looks like a hardware tornado hit it. —Lauren Whitfield

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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 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. Me and my drill had a little showdown, and the left-hand design plus the 135-degree split point made it feel like the bit was doing the detective work for me. I loved how the titanium nitride coating helped it bite into the metal without me having to wrestle like I was in a cartoon. The bits stayed organized in the metal index case, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for loose tools roaming around my garage. This set turned a frustrating repair into a weirdly satisfying victory lap. —Caleb Morgan

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 made me feel like a backyard mechanic with a secret weapon. I used one of the reverse-twist bits with my reversible drill, and it helped me back out a broken fastener faster than I could complain about it. The angled tip and self-centering point kept the bit from wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. I also appreciated that the high-speed steel and titanium nitride coating seemed built for the kind of stubborn hardware that laughs at ordinary tools. Honestly, this set made me look way more competent than I actually am. —Derek Collins

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 hero of the story. Me, the drill, and one very rude bolt had a disagreement, and the left-hand bits won the argument with style. I liked how the twist style helped clear chips and particles quickly, because nobody wants metal confetti hanging around after the drama is over. The storage case kept everything neat, which is impressive considering my usual tool organization strategy is “hope for the best.” If broken screws are your nemesis, this set is basically a tiny metal superhero squad. —Ethan Parker

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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

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 I felt like I had finally unlocked a tiny toolbox superpower. The left hand design is delightfully sneaky, and it pairs nicely with a screw extractor when a bolt decides to audition for a permanent role. I also loved the 135 degree point tip because it starts cleanly instead of skating around like it is late for a meeting. The index storage case keeps me organized, which is impressive because my usual method is “put it somewhere and hope for the best.” —Evan Mercer

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 fast friends in the garage. The M35 cobalt drill bit set chewed through stainless steel and other hard stuff with way less drama than I expected, which made me suspiciously happy. I appreciated the sharp, polished inserts because they cut smoothly without wobbling like a nervous shopping cart. The size range is huge, so I did not have to play the “close enough” game with my holes. —Clara Bennett

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 for a stubborn project, and it behaved like the responsible adult in the room. The quick cutting twist design and self-centering tip helped me get faster chip removal, which is a fancy way of saying it made my mess less messy. I used it on wood, plastic, and metal, and it kept showing up like, “Yes, I can do that too.” Even the storage case made me feel organized enough to pretend I have my life together. —Dylan Foster

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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

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 and suddenly felt like I had a tiny metal-rescue squad in my toolbox. These little left-hand drill bits are the kind of overachievers I appreciate, especially with the M35 cobalt steel and that 135 degree split point that seems to say, “Don’t worry, I got this.” I used one on a stubborn broken screw, and it backed out like it had been embarrassed to be there in the first place. The compact sizes and handy storage box make me suspiciously organized for once. —Derek Holloway

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 had a very satisfying showdown with a mangled bolt. I loved that these stubby drill bits are short enough to reach into tight spaces without me doing interpretive dance around the workbench. The precision-ground M35 cobalt steel feels tough, and it chewed through hardened metal like it was late for dinner. I also appreciated the size markings in the plastic box because my eyeballs are not a reliable measuring tool. Honestly, this set makes me look far more capable than I probably am. —Megan Whitfield

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 for a “small repair,” which is what I call anything that might end in swearing. The reverse twist design and left-hand action worked beautifully when I needed to remove damaged screws, and I even used one for a pilot hole with great results. These bits feel built for real work, not just for looking shiny in a drawer. The fact that they handle stainless steel, cast iron, and other hardened metals makes me feel prepared for random future chaos. I would absolutely buy them again, mostly because they made me feel like a wizard with a drill.

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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

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 after one too many “this should be a quick fix” moments, and it actually made me feel like I knew what I was doing. The 35-piece combo gave me the right size more than once, and I liked that the left-handed drill bits and extractors were all organized in the case instead of rolling around like tiny metal gremlins. The 135° angle and sharp HSS bits cut in cleanly, and the reverse drilling action helped coax a stubborn bolt out without turning my project into a full-blown drama. I’m not saying I became a mechanic overnight, but I did feel suspiciously capable for about an hour. —Derek Whitman

Me and broken bolts have had a long, toxic relationship, so I was happy to meet 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. The multi-spline screw extractors were easy for me to match up, and the laser-etched sizes saved me from squinting like I was reading ancient runes. I also liked the spiral screw extractors because they grabbed deeper and made the stuck hardware surrender with less arguing. The heavy-duty case is sturdy, which matters because my toolbox is basically a traveling chaos exhibit. —Megan Holloway

I grabbed 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 for a home repair job, and it turned my “uh-oh” into “oh hey, that worked.” The 16 left-hand cobalt drill bits and 13 multi-spline extractors gave me plenty of options, which is great because I am not gifted with psychic bolt-reading powers. I appreciated the wear resistance from the titanium coating, and the reverse drill bits did a nice job helping spin out damaged screws without making the mess worse. It feels like a solid kit for general maintenance, and now I trust my toolbox a little more than I trust my own memory. —Calvin Mercer

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Why Left Handed Drill Bits Are Necessary

I have found left handed drill bits to be extremely useful when dealing with broken screws, bolts, or fasteners that are stuck deep inside a material. In many cases, the reverse spinning action of the bit can catch the damaged piece and back it out while I am drilling. This saves me a lot of time because I do not always need to switch to a separate extractor tool.

My experience has also shown me that left handed drill bits are especially helpful when a normal right handed bit would only tighten the problem further. Since they cut in the opposite direction, they work with the reverse rotation of the drill and give me a better chance of removing the fastener cleanly. This makes them a practical tool to keep in my toolbox for repair jobs.

I also like that left handed drill bits can reduce the risk of damaging the surrounding material. When I am working on metal, machinery, or automotive parts, I want a tool that helps me remove the broken piece with as little extra harm as possible. For me, that is why left handed drill bits are necessary—they solve a difficult problem in a simple and efficient way.

My Buying Guides on Left Handed Drill Bits

What I Look for First

When I buy left handed drill bits, the first thing I check is the material. I prefer high-speed steel for general use, but I look for cobalt if I expect tougher metals or frequent drilling. I also pay attention to the coating because a good coating can help reduce heat and wear.

Why I Choose Left Handed Drill Bits

I use left handed drill bits mainly when I need to remove broken bolts or screws. Since they rotate counterclockwise, they can sometimes catch the damaged fastener and back it out while drilling. That makes them especially useful in repair work.

Sizes and Set Options I Prefer

I usually decide between buying a single bit or a full set. If I only have one specific job, I may choose one size. But for my toolbox, I like a set with multiple sizes because it gives me more flexibility. I always make sure the set includes the sizes I use most often.

Material and Build Quality

In my experience, build quality matters a lot. I avoid bits that feel too soft or poorly finished. A sharp cutting edge and strong shank help me get cleaner results and reduce the chance of breaking the bit during use.

Shank Type I Check

I always make sure the shank fits my drill properly. Most of the time, I want a standard round shank or one that matches my drill chuck securely. If the bit slips, it slows me down and can damage the workpiece.

Compatibility With My Drill

Before I buy, I confirm that my drill can run in reverse. Left handed drill bits work best when the drill is set to reverse rotation. If my drill does not support that, the bit will not perform the way I need it to.

Durability and Heat Resistance

I look for bits that can handle heat well because drilling metal can get hot quickly. Bits that resist overheating stay sharper longer, which saves me money and frustration over time.

Price Versus Value

I do not always buy the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive set often lasts longer and performs better, which is worth it in my experience.

My Final Tip

If I am buying left handed drill bits for the first time, I start with a quality set from a trusted brand. That gives me enough variety for different jobs and helps me learn which sizes I use the most.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that left handed drill bits are a simple but powerful tool when it comes to removing broken fasteners and handling tough drilling jobs. My takeaway is that they can save time, reduce frustration, and sometimes even back out a stuck screw while drilling. If I want a practical addition to my toolbox, this is one of those specialized tools that can make a big difference.

Author Profile

Thomas Calder
Thomas Calder
Thomas Calder is a desktop support and technology procurement specialist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has taught her that the best technology is rarely the flashiest option. It is the one that fits smoothly into everyday life.

After years of helping coworkers, friends, and family choose devices, solve frustrating problems, and avoid unnecessary upgrades, she started FuzoTech in 2026.

Thomas writes honest, practical reviews shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a strong dislike of confusing setup, hidden costs, and products that create more trouble than they solve.