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# Best Left Hand Drill Bits 2025: Buyer’s Guide
left hand drill bits are specialized tools designed for removing broken bolts, screws, and studs. Unlike standard drill bits that rotate clockwise, these bits rotate counterclockwise. This reverse rotation, combined with thier sharp cutting edges, frequently enough causes the embedded fastener to loosen and back out during the drilling process. They are an essential part of any serious mechanic’s or repair person’s toolkit, saving time and preventing damage when dealing with stubborn or broken fasteners. This guide dives into the best left hand drill bits available in 2025, providing insights to help you make an informed purchase.
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## Key Features Analysis
The effectiveness of left hand drill bits hinges on several critical features. Selecting bits with the right characteristics can considerably impact the speed, efficiency, and success of yoru repairs.
**Material Composition**
The material used in manufacturing left hand drill bits drastically affects their durability and performance. High-speed steel (HSS) is a common choice, offering a good balance of hardness and toughness for general use.Cobalt steel, which incorporates cobalt as an alloy, offers superior heat resistance and hardness, making it ideal for drilling into harder materials like stainless steel and hardened fasteners. Titanium-coated bits offer increased wear resistance and reduced friction, prolonging the life of the bit, especially when used frequently. Carbide-tipped bits offer the highest performance in very hard materials.
**Point Geometry**
the point geometry of a drill bit influences its ability to center accurately and initiate a cut without wandering. Split-point tips,also known as pilot-point tips,feature a notched or bifurcated point that aids in self-centering and reduces walking,especially on curved or uneven surfaces. This geometry also contributes to faster cutting and helps to prevent chipping or splintering, particularly when working with brittle materials. A 135-degree split point is generally preferred for drilling harder materials, while a 118-degree point is better suited for softer metals and plastics.
**Bit Set Sizes**
left hand drill bit sets typically come in various sizes, ranging from small fractional sizes for delicate work to larger diameters for removing larger studs and bolts. A comprehensive set offers greater versatility, allowing you to select the appropriate bit size for the task at hand. Common sets include sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, or even larger, in increments of 1/64 inch or 1/32 inch. Having a wide range of sizes prevents the need to purchase individual bits for specific, less common applications, saving time and money in the long run.
**Flute Design**
The flute design of a drill bit is critical for chip removal and efficient cutting. Spiral flutes, the most common type, effectively evacuate chips from the cutting zone, preventing clogging and overheating. Variations in spiral flute design, such as parabolic or high-helix flutes, are optimized for specific materials. For example, high-helix flutes are often preferred for drilling aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, as they efficiently remove the softer, more gummy chips that these materials produce. The depth and width of the flutes also impact the bit’s ability to withstand torsional stress during drilling.
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## Core Benefits
Using left hand drill bits offers distinct advantages in specific repair scenarios. These benefits extend beyond simply removing broken fasteners, impacting efficiency and preventing further damage.
**Simplified Broken Bolt Removal:** The primary benefit of left hand drill bits is their ability to remove broken bolts and screws without causing further damage to the surrounding threads. The counterclockwise rotation often causes the seized fastener to unscrew itself during the drilling process. This avoids the need for more aggressive extraction methods that may damage the tapped hole, requiring costly repairs or thread replacement.
**Reduced Risk of Damage:** Compared to using standard drill bits or EZ-outs on broken fasteners, left hand drill bits minimize the risk of further damage to the workpiece. The gentle, controlled drilling action, combined with the potential for the fastener to unscrew itself, prevents the need to apply excessive force.This is particularly important when working on delicate or difficult-to-replace parts.
**Increased Efficiency and Time Savings:** Left hand drill bits can significantly reduce the time required to remove broken fasteners. By eliminating the need for complex extraction procedures, you can quickly and efficiently remove damaged bolts and screws, minimizing downtime and increasing overall productivity. In situations where time is critical, this can translate into substantial cost savings.
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## FAQs Section
**are left hand drill bits compatible with all drill types?**
Yes, left hand drill bits are compatible with most standard drills that have a variable speed and reversible function. It is indeed critically important to ensure that your drill has the capability to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Using a drill without reverse functionality will render the left hand drill bits ineffective. Cordless drills, corded drills, and drill presses are all commonly used with left hand drill bits.
**How do I select the correct size left hand drill bit for a broken bolt?**
Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller then the minor diameter (the smallest diameter of the threaded part) of the broken bolt or screw. A good rule of thumb is to select a bit that is about half the diameter of the bolt. Starting with a smaller initial pilot hole before using a larger bit is often helpful for centering the bit and preventing wandering. Use a bolt size chart to determine the correct minor diameter for the given fastener.
**can left hand drill bits be used on hardened bolts?**
Left hand drill bits made from cobalt steel or carbide-tipped bits are suitable for drilling into hardened bolts. Standard high-speed steel (HSS) bits may dull or break quickly when used on hardened materials. It is essential to use a slow drilling speed, apply consistent pressure, and use cutting fluid to prevent overheating and prolong the life of the bit when working with hardened bolts.
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## Competitor comparison
### Product Comparison Overview
#### Drill Hog Left Hand Drill Bit Set
– **Material:** M7 High-Speed Steel (HSS)
– **Point Geometry:** 135-degree split point
– **Set Sizes:** 13-piece set, 1/16″ to 1/4″ in 1/64″ increments
#### Irwin Tools Screw-Extractor/Drill Bit combination Set
– **Material:** High-Speed Steel (HSS)
– **Point Geometry:** Standard point
– **Set Sizes:** 5-piece set, various sizes with extractors
#### Viking Drill and Tool Left Hand Drill Bit Set
– **Material:** M2 High-Speed Steel (HSS)
– **Point Geometry:** 135-degree split point
– **Set Sizes:** 29-piece set, 1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ increments
### Key Differences Summary
The Drill Hog set uses M7 HSS, which offers slightly increased wear resistance compared to the M2 HSS used in the Viking set, but the Irwin set lacks the split point geometry which will make it harder to keep centered. The Irwin set includes extractors making it a convenient all-in-one solution if the drill bit fails to remove the fastener.the Viking set offers the widest range of sizes, making it more versatile for various applications. For users prioritizing durability and precision with a wider range of sizes, the Drill Hog and Viking sets are superior choices, while the Irwin set is a budget-kind option for occasional use and provides an integrated extraction solution.
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## Ideal User Profile
**Automotive Mechanics:** Left hand drill bits are indispensable for automotive mechanics who frequently encounter broken or seized bolts in engine compartments, suspension systems, and other vehicle components. Their efficient removal of broken fasteners without damaging threads saves notable time and money compared to conventional extraction methods, and also prevents having to scrap parts that could have been salvaged, making this an crucial component of their toolkit.
**Machinists and Metalworkers:** Machinists and metalworkers frequently enough work with materials where bolts or screws may snap during the manufacturing or assembly processes. Left hand drill bits allow for quick and easy removal of these broken fasteners,minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth workflow. Their ability to center accurately and cut through hard metals makes them highly reliable in demanding workshop environments.
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## Buying Recommendations & Conclusion
When selecting the best left hand drill bit set, consider the types of materials you will be working with, the range of sizes needed, and the frequency of use. Cobalt steel bits are preferable for hardened metals, while HSS bits are suitable for general use. A split-point tip improves accuracy and reduces walking. Look at the overall material and make sure you check reviews to see if customers are satisfied with the bits.
left hand drill bits are an invaluable tool for anyone dealing with broken bolts and screws. They save time, reduce the risk of further damage, and offer a reliable solution for fastener removal. Investing in a high-quality set ensures that you have the right tool for the job, making repairs easier and more efficient.
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