In the search for the best left-handed drill bit? Then you are in the right place. If you need to remove a broken fastener, then the right tool for the job would be a reliable left-handed drill bit. Fasteners that have broken off can be complicated to repair. Left-handed drill bits ease the removal of the broken fastener. This is the reason why today we’ll be telling you all about the best left-handed drill bit.
Left-handed drill bits have flutes that twist in a left-handed or counter-clockwise direction. Having the right left-handed drill bit for the job will make your life so much easier and will save you some valuable time and, ultimately, money.
However, left-handed drill bits come in different sizes and lengths, with other uses and purposes for each kind. So with many options in the market, choosing the best left-handed drill bit may seem more complicated than what it really is. But do not worry because we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about left-handed drill bits and our top pick as the best option.
Left Handed Drill Bit FAQ
What are left handed drill bits?
A left-handed drill bit is simply the reverse to a normal drill bit. They have flutes that are built to twist in a counter-clockwise direction. This means you can use it in reverse, unlike typical twist drill bits.
What is a left hand drill bit used for?
Nowadays, left-hand drills are used to extract broken fasteners. While normal bits have clockwise twists, left-hand drill bits have counter-clockwise twists.
What kind of drill bit do you use to remove screws?
The Drill Hog 13 Pc NIOBIUM Left Hand Drill Bit Set is designed especially for removing broken screws and studs. The bits are made from an enhanced grade of HSS with a melting point of 4,475 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is a Left Handed Drill Bit better for repairing broken fasteners?
Fasteners that have broken off in a threaded hole can be time-consuming to repair. Left-handed drill bits can save time and money by easing the removal of the broken fastener. Ben Sellars has been writing for his personal website for two years and eHow for one year.
Why are split points important in drill bits?
These are features that allow for a smooth and mess-free drilling operation. This pointed end penetrates the material easily so that the entire operation requires minimum effort. Further, the split point design reduces chipping, which helps in an easier cleanup.
How do you use a reversible drill bit set?
Use these bits with a reversible drill (available separately) to remove studs, screws, and bolts without damaging threads in the hole. The left-hand drill bit set comes in a steel storage case for portability.
What factors to keep in mind to choose the best left handed drill bit?
- Material: The material used in making the bit is an essential factor to consider as it determines its durability and wear and tear resistance. Standard bits tend to be made of high-speed steel (HSS), while left-hand drills are usually from advanced forms of HSS such as Nb41 steel and M7 (molybdenum) HSS. These materials can withstand very high temperatures, and this probably stems from their high melting points.
- Bit Sizes: Ensure that you get a drill bit set whose tools are of varying size so that you can easily find the right dimensions for the job. The sizes usually range from 1/16 to ½-inches, while some have bits only up to ¼-inch.
- Bit Tips: One advantage of left-hand bits is that you do not have to worry about blunt tips. This is because most of them are characterized by a 135-degree angle, making them well-suited for drilling into the hardest materials.
- Case: A case is a useful addition to the drill bit set as it helps in keeping the tools organized. A sturdy metallic case would do an excellent job of ensuring that the bits do not get lost due to cracks or holes developing on it. Most drill bit cases are metal, so there is less risk of losing the bits from cracks or breaks. Also, good design includes labels for each size written in black or bold fonts for easy identification.
What is the best left handed drill bit, and why?
Most users would agree that the Drill Hog Left Handed Drill Bit Set is the current top pick. It is a superior USA-made left-handed drill bit set made with HI-Molybdenum M7 Steel, equipped with a 135-degree split point to prevent ‘walking’ and organized in a solid steel case.
The 15-piece set contains lengths from 1/16 to 1/2-inch, and all of them have a 135-degree split point to avoid the dreaded “walking” during drilling. All of them are arranged in individual slots in a solid steel case for easy access and durability; another great option is a flexible drill bit.
Drill Hog drills are made from HI-Molybdenum M7 steel which has a melting point of 4,753° degrees Fahrenheit! These bits will drill through the toughest steel like truck frames, stainless steel, farm implements, spring steel, grade 8 bolts, and more; In addition to that, the bits have a Titanium Nitride coating to boost their sturdiness and wear-resistance, which in turn enhances their durability.
Other Left Handed Drill Bit Options
NEIKO 10037A Left Hand Drill Bit
This drill bit set is constructed of high-speed steel with a titanium nitride coating, which gives it very high surface hardness to help penetrate tough materials while highly corrosion-resistant, reducing friction between bit and workpiece.
These drill bits come with a twist design to increase the cutting speed with an angled tip that is a 135-degree split point for precise self-centering and designed to cut holes faster as it prevents walking, clears chips and particles faster.
Special left-hand design can also be used with reversible drills with screw extractors to remove broken fasteners and to remove screws, bolts, and studs for home repairs, at your automotive garage, and more.
Features:
- High-Speed Steel
- Titanium Finish
- 135 Degrees Cutting Angle
AKM Screw Extractor with Drill Bit Set
The AKM screw extractor is high-quality, higher-quality chrome-molybdenum steel(CR-MO). High hardness, good toughness, higher strength than chrome vanadium steel. Easy-out style spiral flutes embed themselves to increase grip as resistance increases.
135-degree split point and twist design increases the cutting speed with self-centering and prevents walking, clears chips and particles faster.
13pcs most commonly used multi-spline screw extractors, 16pcs tough left-hand cobalt drill bits,6pcs spiral screw extractors.
Features:
- Spiral flutes
- Extra gripping power
- Spline Shank
COMOWARE 29 Pcs Left Hand Drill Bit Set
High-Speed Steel construction with black and gold finish for capability and durability. The cutting edge is hardened and honed for sharpness, chatter-free design with staggered cutting teeth ensures the precise countersinking and hole smooth clean.
135-degree split point and twist design increases the cutting speed with self-centering and prevents walking, clears chips and particles faster.
Great drill bits set for wood/plastic. Suitable for Home DIY and General Building / Engineering Use.
Features:
- High-Speed Steel
- Straight Shank
13 Piece Left-Hand Drill Bit Set HSS Double Flute
This left-hand drill bit set has a 135-degree split point for fast penetration. The bits are made of high-speed steel with a titanium coating to fight corrosion.
Use these bits with a reversible drill (available separately) to remove studs, screws, and bolts without damaging threads in the hole. The left-hand drill bit set comes in a steel storage case for portability.
Features:
- 135-degree split point for fast penetration
- High-speed steel
- Double flute
High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
This Chicago-Latrobe 150L Series left-hand spiral High-Speed Steel jobber length drill bit set contains 15 drills, including sizes 1/16 “-1/2″ by 1/32” increments.
Left-hand helix drills can substitute for screw extractors to remove the broken parts without damaging threaded holes.
The 118° conventional points are designed for use in general-purpose applications and are a good choice for carbon steel, alloy steel, and cast iron. The set includes a metal index case for identification and organization.
Features:
- High-Speed Steel
- Uncoated
- 118 Degrees Angle
What other types of drills are there? Check out this handy guide about the different types of drills and pick the one that best suits your needs.
