What is HSS Left-hand Drill Bit?

Left-hand drill bit is a type of drill bit that is designed to rotate counterclockwise (or in a "left-hand" direction) when drilling. This is the opposite of a standard drill bit, which rotates clockwise (right-hand rotation). Left-hand drill bits are commonly used for specific applications, especially in situations where standard bits might not be effective.

◆Key Features of a Left-Hand Drill Bit:

1.Reverse Rotation: Unlike standard right-hand drill bits, left-hand drill bits rotate counterclockwise. This means they must be used with a drill that can be set to reverse rotation (counterclockwise).

2.Material: Typically made from the same materials as regular drill bits, such as high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, or carbide, making them durable and suitable for drilling through metal, wood, and other materials.

3.Tip Design: The tip is often the same as a standard drill bit, with a 118-degree or 135-degree point angle, making it suitable for a wide range of materials.

◆Common Uses of Left-Hand Drill Bits:

1.Removing Broken or Stripped Fasteners:

①One of the primary uses of left-hand drill bits is to remove broken bolts or screws. When drilling into the fastener in reverse, the bit can catch and, with the counterclockwise motion, help unscrew the fastener.

②The reverse rotation helps to prevent tightening the bolt or screw further into the material, which can happen if using a standard right-hand drill bit.

2.Drilling in Reverse: In some specialized applications, drilling in reverse may be necessary due to how certain materials or fasteners behave under torque.

3.Damaged Threads: When dealing with damaged or stripped threads, a left-hand drill bit can help avoid further damaging the threads and may assist in backing out the bolt or screw.

◆Advantages:

1.Helps Loosen Stuck Fasteners: The reverse direction can naturally help loosen bolts or screws, especially if they are corroded, rusted, or otherwise stuck in place.

2.Reduces Risk of Further Damage: Since left-hand drill bits turn counterclockwise, they won’t tighten a stuck fastener further, which can happen if using a standard bit.

3.Effective for Extracting Bolts: Left-hand bits, in combination with bolt extractors, can be very effective for extracting broken or damaged bolts.

◆How to Use a Left-Hand Drill Bit:

1.Select Reverse Mode: Ensure that your drill is set to reverse (counterclockwise) mode.

2.Drill at a Low Speed: Start at a low speed, especially when trying to remove stuck bolts or screws. This helps the left-hand bit grip the fastener.

3.Lubricate: If drilling into metal, especially when removing a fastener, using a lubricant can help ease the process and prevent the drill bit from overheating.

Summary:

A left-hand drill bit is a specialized tool designed to drill in the counterclockwise direction, which makes it particularly useful for removing broken, stuck, or damaged fasteners. While they look similar to standard drill bits, their reverse rotation makes them essential for tasks where a right-hand drill bit might tighten or damage the material further.