10 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Bolts in 2026

This ten-piece set relies on a simple mechanical principle: its spiral flutes dig in harder as turning resistance increases. That self-wedging action provides extra gripping power when a broken stud or bolt refuses to move. The set includes extractors in sizes EX-1 through EX-5, and the recommended pilot drill bit size is etched directly onto each tool for clear reference. For a mechanic or DIYer facing a stripped fastener, the kit delivers a straightforward, corded-electric-drill-compatible solution.

The trade-off is in specialization. You get extractors and the right-hand bits to pilot the holes, but not the left-hand drill bits found in sets like the NEIKO. Those can sometimes walk a bolt out during the initial drilling phase. This set is purely for extraction, and its compact case reflects that focused purpose. It’s a lean, task-specific toolkit, not a sprawling collection. For a comprehensive first-attack strategy, you’d need to supply the left-hand bits separately.

The 135° angle on these left-hand bits is designed to cut into the workpiece with less axial resistance and a thinner cutting layer. This geometry can increase the working length of the cutting edge, which in practice aims to provide a better cutting effect without damaging surrounding areas when removing a damaged fastener.

You must follow the included usage guide, which warns against using these bits on hardened alloys like 440 stainless steel and recommends running your drill in reverse at a low speed. The set is very light, at 0.1 pounds, and comes in a portable storage case, so it’s easy to toss into a toolbox without taking up much space.

A durable metal index case is the standout feature here, keeping a matched set of ten left-hand bits and extractors organized and protected in a toolbox or job site bag. For the mechanic or DIYer who values a compact, hard-shell kit that won’t spill in transit, this set delivers a solid core selection. The cobalt-fortified HSS steel provides the necessary durability for drilling into hardened bolts, and the clearly labeled sizes mean you can grab the right tool without fumbling.

The NEIKO set includes five paired sizes of left-hand drill bits and extractors, which provides a narrower range for different bolt diameters than larger kits like the 41-piece VEVOR set. Its compact red metal case organizes these ten pieces, so everything stays in place for the next job. This kit is designed for extracting broken fasteners, not for offering a broad selection of sizes.

A stubby length ranging from 2-1/4 to 3-5/8 inches defines this set, allowing a drill to reach into tight spaces where longer bits cannot fit. Its M35 cobalt steel construction is intended for drilling hardened metals like stainless steel and cast iron. The left-hand twist can sometimes back out a damaged fastener while drilling a pilot hole.

The trade-off for that compact profile is reach; these bits won’t help if the broken bolt is recessed several inches deep. You’re also getting just the drill bits. If you anticipate needing a full extraction system for severely seized hardware, a more comprehensive set like the NEIKO Screw Extractor and Left-Hand Drill Bit Set bundles the necessary extractors. For pure, compact drilling power in confined quarters, however, this Valyriantool set has a clear and practical advantage.

Made from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, these bits have high red hardness, which allows them to retain their cutting edge under the heat generated by drilling into tough metals. Their 135-degree split point is designed to reduce drill walking, helping the bit stay centered on a damaged fastener. This combination makes them suited for drilling pilot holes for screw extractors or removing damaged bolts and screws.

This set contains only left-hand drill bits, a focused offering compared to combo sets like the NEIKO Screw Extractor and Left-Hand Drill Bit Set which include extractors. The bits are a stubby mechanics length with a straight shank. Their cobalt construction provides higher heat resistance than typical high-speed steel, and the uniform hardness allows them to be repeatedly sharpened without damaging the cutting edge.

The inclusion of six matched pairs of cobalt left-hand drill bits and extractors makes this a complete kit for tackling a common range of broken fastener sizes. The cobalt-enhanced steel resists heat and wear, which is crucial when drilling into hardened bolts. This set is ideal for the DIYer or mechanic who wants a single, well-organized solution for most broken bolt scenarios, backed by the direct support of a family-run business.

The extractors in this set go up to size #6, and the largest left-hand drill bit is 3/8 inch. According to the product list, a kit like the VEVOR 41-Piece set contains a wider variety of sizes for comparison.

Left-hand drill bits with a hardness up to 63 HRC are specified to handle materials like carbon steel and cast iron. This FMENTOOLS set is intended for frequent, heavy-duty removal of broken fasteners in automotive shops or factory maintenance. A center punch is included for marking a precise starting point, addressing a common first step in extraction. The extractors are made from 35# CR-MO steel, which the manufacturer states offers good strength and toughness for durability.

Material compatibility is a defined limit, as the manufacturer states these bits cannot handle extremely hard alloys like 440 series stainless steel. For the common industrial and household screws from M3 to M18 that it covers, the set combines high-speed steel bits with matching spiral flute extractors. This provides a focused solution for removing stripped or broken fasteners where standard tools fail.

The 35-piece set includes 16 left-handed cobalt drill bits, 13 multi-spline extractors, and 6 spiral extractors, offering a versatile combination for different broken fastener problems. The left-handed bits are designed to run in reverse, which can help spin out a broken bolt while you drill. Having two extractor types means you can choose a multi-spline tool for general use or a spiral model that digs in deeper as resistance increases.

The trade-off for that extensive coverage is physical bulk and potential overkill. The substantial blow-molded case is sturdy but isn’t pocket-sized. If your needs are more occasional or specific, a focused set like the VALYRIANTOOL M35 Cobalt Left Hand Drill Bits might be a more streamlined choice. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s note to avoid using these bits on stainless steel is a real limitation for anyone working on marine or kitchen projects, where hardened stainless fasteners are common. This is a shop-anchor kit, not a field-service pouch.

With 41 pieces, this set provides a complete system for removing damaged fasteners, covering more sizes than many smaller kits. It includes both spiral and multi-spline extractors alongside drill bits, so you have options for stripped, rusted, or broken screws. The tools are made from selected steels with controlled hardness, balancing grip and strength for repeated high-torque use. Clear laser-etched markings in an organized case let you find the right size quickly during a repair.

That comprehensive approach comes with a physical footprint. The case is over eleven inches long and the kit weighs several pounds, making it a workshop anchor rather than a portable pocket set. For a professional mechanic or a serious DIYer facing a steady stream of tough bolt-outs, this organized arsenal justifies its bulk. If your needs are more occasional, a more compact set like the Irwin 10-piece might save you space without sacrificing capability for simpler tasks.

With 49 pieces, including 13 lug nut removers and 16 left-hand drill bits, this set tackles a wider variety of broken fasteners than most kits on the bench. It’s the logical choice for a mechanic or serious DIYer who encounters everything from small machine screws to larger, seized lug nuts and wants one kit to handle it all. The inclusion of specific, size-graduated lug nut removers speaks directly to automotive work, where rounded lug nuts are a common headache.

This 49-piece extractor set covers a wide range of fastener sizes, from a 1/8-inch extractor up to a 3/4-inch lug nut remover. That range means you’re less likely to be caught without the right tool for a broken bolt. Its left-hand cobalt drill bits are designed to bite and turn counter-clockwise to help loosen stuck hardware. The kit’s limitation is that the cobalt bits are not for use on stainless steel, so it’s best suited for standard ferrous metals in automotive or home repair.