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5 Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits

5 Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits
Left Handed Drill Bits

Unconventional Uses for Left Handed Drill Bits

Stubby Left Hand Drill Bit High Speed Steel Hss 118 Degree Split

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?

5 Best Left Hand Drill Bits Set Machine Handyman
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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?

How To Use Left Handed Drill Bits 5 Steps
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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.

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