You’ve been there. This can cause your work to stop. You are not equipped with the tools necessary to remove the fastener.
These situations are possible because of a few secrets weapons. The left-handed drill bit is the best. We’ll be taking a closer look at the indispensable tool today and revealing some of the most popular left-handed drill bits on the market.
Top Five Left-Handed Drill Bit Sets
Let’s get right to it. These are our top five left-handed drill bits sets.
EAZYPOWER 82380 5-Piece Bit Set
This 5-piece EAZYPOWER kit is a great option if you’re looking for a low-cost, simple bit set that can be used to extract broken fasteners.
The bit set contains five sizes: 1/20 cm to 3/41 cm, 1/10cm, 1/10cm, 5/41cm, 3/20cm, and 5/41cm. This is a great assortment for drilling smaller fasteners. These bits are jobber-sized and made from M2 high speed steel. They also have a 135 degree split-point. This means that they can drill into almost all fastener materials easily.
This set is solid, but it lacks the larger bit sizes. For drilling larger fasteners, larger bits can be helpful. They are also not coated. There is a possibility that you will run into material that these bits are not strong enough to drill through.
13-piece Comoware M2 Titanium Coated Bit Set
This titanium-coated set by Comoware is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive set at a reasonable price.
This kit comes with 13 sizes, ranging from 1/41 cm to. Each bit contains durable M2 HSS. These bits are ideal for drilling into hard fastener materials because they are coated with titanium. It also comes with a handy case and a metal index holder.
These bits are also extremely affordable. This kit is a great addition for any toolbox, no matter how tight your budget.
You shouldn’t have any trouble drilling out different materials thanks to the titanium coating and 135-degree twist point on each bit.
What could be better?
- The titanium coating is thin
- Thinner bits are more prone to breaking
Irwin 35-Piece Extractor & Bit Set
This comprehensive, 35-piece Irwin set is great for those who want to be prepared for any situation.
Although left-handed bits are a great tool for fastener removal you will likely encounter situations where a single bit is not enough. Extractor bits are the answer. The kit contains a large assortment of 19 extractors in addition to the left-handed bits.
Each bit is made from M42 steel and has a 8% cobalt percentage. This amount of cobalt is enough to make these bits able to chew through any material without sending their price into the stratosphere.
The extractors are not the only thing included. There are 15 left-handed bits in various sizes, ranging from 5/163 cm up to an attractive case that organizes your bits. You can also find the handy chart in the case that shows you which bits are compatible with which extractors.
This kit, while more expensive than a basic bit set is still worth it. It includes everything you need to extract any fastener that you find.
What We Like
- A comprehensive selection of bits and extractors
- For strength and durability, 8% Cobalt is used
- Included carry case
What could be better?
- Expensive
Drill Hog 13 Piece Niobium Bit Set
Drill Hog is known for being a leader in extraction and this set of 13 pieces is proof of that.
The 13 bits range in size from 5/163 cm up to. Each bit is made of Niobium which has a remarkable melting point of more than 4,260 C. It’s ideal for challenging projects, such as working on cars, heavy machinery, and grade 8 bolts.
Although they are a little more expensive than other 13-piece sets they can save money over the long term because these durable bits are less likely to be broken than traditional HSS bits.
A metal case includes a guide showing each size and its conversion in metric. The bulletproof, lifetime warranty on Drill Hog bits comes from America.
What could be better?
- Still susceptible to breaking
Neiko 10037A 15 Piece Titanium Coated Bit Set
The Neiko 15-piece set is our final pick. It offers a wide range of sizes and a great price.
The kit contains 15 sizes ranging from 1/41 cm up to. Each bit comes in its own case with a guide that shows the exact size. Each bit is coated with titanium-nitride for extra durability and M2 HSS.
This bit set is affordable and complete, but they aren’t as durable as high-end bits. They are still suitable for occasional or light duty use.
What could be better?
- Breakage is not an option
Here’s What You Need To Know About Left-hand Drill Bits
Perhaps I’m just a tool geek, but I find left-handed drill bits fascinating. These drill bits are unique because:
What Is A Left Handed Drill Bit?
The left-handed drill bits (also known as reverse bits) are identical to standard twist bits. However, there is one important difference. Left-handed bits are different from regular twist drill bits, which have flutes that twist in a clockwise direction. Instead, they twist in a counterclockwise direction.
Left-handed bits can be threaded in reverse. If the bit is used in a drill that’s reverse, it will bite into the fastener when you drill into it. Fasteners can also be used in the right-hand direction. Once the bit has bitten into the fastener, the torque of the drill should allow it to release the bolt or screw and allow you to continue your project.
Guide To Buying Left-Handed Drill Bits
There are a lot fewer things to worry about when you shop for drill bits. There are not many things to worry about and nothing that is proprietary between companies. To ensure that the pieces you buy will last, there are a few things to remember.
Drill Bit Materials
Drill bits can be made from many different materials. This is important because certain bits may be better suited to drilling into particular substrates.
HSS (High Speed Steel)
HSS bits are some of the most common and affordable bits on the market. These bits are made of steel and can be used to quickly cut through most materials, including wood, plastic and softer metals. These bits are great for basic drilling but they don’t hold up to drilling into fasteners or other materials.
Black Oxide Coated HSS
Black oxide coated bits offer a step up to regular HSS and are better at resisting corrosion than regular HSS. They also last longer than uncoated HSS. Although this material is not ideal for drilling fasteners, it is a step in the right directions.
Titanium Coated HSS
HSS bits can be coated with titanium to make them stronger and last longer than black oxide or non-coated bits. This material is an excellent choice for left-handed bits.
Cobalt
It is extremely strong and dissipates heat quickly. This makes it an excellent choice for drilling into very hard substrates like fasteners. Cobalt can be used to make left-handed drill bits but can be costly.
Niobium
Niobium is one of the most innovative and exciting materials for drilling bits. These bits are coated with a hard, durable metal that is made to drill through tough materials like steel. These bits are becoming more popular among metalworkers such as gunsmiths and locksmiths. However, the jury is still out about whether they’re better than cobalt for extraction.
Drill Bit Tips
The tip of the drill bits is an important factor that determines which type of work it is best suited for.
There are many tips that can be used with standard twist bits. There are many tips available, including some that are more sharp than others, others that are less blunt and specialty tips that can be used to bore into different materials.
Left-handed bits are easier to use and less stressful. For drilling into harder materials, bits with tips at a 135 degree angle are best. These are the most useful and popular tip for left-handed bits.
Final Verdict
Each of these left-handed bit sets are a great addition to your toolbox. These bits will come in handy when you have to remove a broken bolt or screw.
The Irwin 35-piece left-handed drill bit kit is our top choice. This kit contains everything you need. This kit includes a wide range of extractor bits. You can save money by purchasing the Drill Hog 13 piece set if this kit is too comprehensive. This is also a great choice.
