5 Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits
Unconventional Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits
When it comes to drilling, most people reach for their trusty right-handed drill bits. However, left-handed drill bits, also known as left-hand twist drill bits or left spiral drill bits, have some unique properties that make them useful in certain situations. Here are five unconventional uses for left-handed drill bits:
Reversing Stuck Parts
🤔 Note: Left-handed drill bits are designed to drill in the opposite direction of standard drill bits, making them useful for reversing stuck parts.
One of the most common uses for left-handed drill bits is to remove stuck parts, such as screws or bolts, that have been over-tightened or stripped. By drilling into the part with a left-handed drill bit, you can create a hole that allows you to extract the part without damaging the surrounding material.
Drilling in Reverse
Left-handed drill bits can also be used to drill in reverse, which can be useful in certain situations, such as when you need to drill a hole in a confined space or when you need to avoid damaging surrounding material. By using a left-handed drill bit, you can drill in the opposite direction, creating a hole that is not possible with a standard drill bit.
Removing Broken Drill Bits
💡 Note: Left-handed drill bits can be used to remove broken drill bits that are stuck in a workpiece.
When a drill bit breaks and becomes stuck in a workpiece, it can be difficult to remove. Left-handed drill bits can be used to drill into the broken drill bit and remove it without damaging the surrounding material.
Making Screw Extractors
Left-handed drill bits can also be used to make screw extractors, which are used to remove stuck or damaged screws. By drilling a hole in the center of the screw with a left-handed drill bit, you can create a screw extractor that can be used to remove the screw without damaging the surrounding material.
Precision Drilling
Left-handed drill bits can also be used for precision drilling applications, such as drilling small holes in intricate parts or drilling in tight spaces. The unique spiral design of left-handed drill bits allows for more precise control and can help to prevent the drill bit from slipping or binding.
Important Notes
- When using left-handed drill bits, it’s essential to use a drill press or a hand drill with a lot of control, as the drill bit can bind or slip if not used correctly.
- Left-handed drill bits are not suitable for all materials and should only be used on materials that are compatible with the drill bit.
In summary, left-handed drill bits are not just for left-handed people; they have several unconventional uses that can be beneficial in certain situations. By understanding the unique properties of left-handed drill bits, you can expand your toolkit and tackle a variety of drilling tasks with more precision and control.
Here’s a quick summary of the uses for left-handed drill bits:
- Reversing stuck parts
- Drilling in reverse
- Removing broken drill bits
- Making screw extractors
- Precision drilling
FAQ
What is the main difference between left-handed and right-handed drill bits?
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The main difference between left-handed and right-handed drill bits is the direction of the spiral. Left-handed drill bits have a left-hand spiral, while right-handed drill bits have a right-hand spiral.
Can I use left-handed drill bits for all drilling applications?
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No, left-handed drill bits are not suitable for all drilling applications. They are best used for specific tasks, such as reversing stuck parts or drilling in reverse.
Are left-handed drill bits more expensive than right-handed drill bits?
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Left-handed drill bits can be more expensive than right-handed drill bits, but the cost depends on the specific type and brand of drill bit.