Left-handed drill bits are not as standard as right-handed drill bits, but they can be helpful if you need to use your left hand for other tasks while you are drilling. These bits can save a lot of time and frustration when working with wood.
Are you frustrated by the task of using a left-handed drill bit? You may be trying to insert a left-handed drill bit into your hole with your right hand, but you’re having trouble driving it deep enough. It is not an uncommon experience for people who are new to using a left-handed drill bit. Well, I have the solution for you. This article will discuss how to use a left handed drill bit properly without getting frustrated. Let’s Get Started!
What Makes A Drill Bit Left-Handed?
Left-handed drill bits help reduce hand fatigue and enhance drilling precision. Most drill bits are usually made to cut on the left-hand side, but this is not by default. The left-handed drill bit’s cutting action produces smoother and cleaner finishes than a right-handed drill bit. Left-handed drills can be used in hand and power drills, depending on shank size and type.
What Is a Left-Handed Drill Bit Used For?
A left-handed drill bit is used for creating a spiral indentation in wood to provide a space for screws. The shaft is rotated counterclockwise to drill with this type of drill bit. This drill bit’s design eliminates a guide or template and allows quick mounting. A left-handed drill bit with carbide teeth can use to remove porous materials like concrete or tile adhesives.
The main components used in making a left-handed drill bit include a body, tip, roller bearings, shaft, and flutes. Some of the materials used in manufacturing these components include high-speed steel (HSS) and carbides.
The body of the drill supports and stabilizes the left-handed drill bit. These include roller bearings and shafts, which connect to a standard chuck and flutes. A left-handed drill bit is made of a particular material to drill into concrete, mortar, tile, or softwood. There are several different types of left-handed drill bits available. Various bearing strengths are required to drill through multiple materials. Their high-speed steel bodies allow them to drill through varied materials.
What Is the Purpose Of Reverse Drill Bits?
Reverse drill bits help carve grooves, drilling small holes in larger surfaces. The purpose of reverse drill bits is to clean up irregular surfaces. It is usual to clean rough edges or huge holes before filling with concrete or mortar. Assembling a machine or assembly line requires precision honed and polished metal parts.
In electronics, reverse drill bits are used to drill holes in painted metal surfaces. After painting, it is often done by grinding off with a saw or forming with a punch because paint tends to attract dirt and is tough to keep clean. The exact process can also use when drilling into painted wood surfaces or plastic parts. Reverse bits can be used to clean up concrete blocks and drill small holes. They are great for tiny areas to prepare but where the finish is difficult to maintain once the concrete has dried.
How to Remove A-Bolt with Left-Hand Drill Bits?
Have you ever tried to remove a bolt with a left-handed drill bit only to have it slip out of your grasp and into the floor? This guide will walk you through how to use a left-handed drill bit.
Step 1: Prepare the Proper Equipment
You will need the following tools:
- A left-handed drill bit for left-handed people
- A drill equipped with a reverse gear
- Hammer
- A punch in the center
- Gloves for protection
- Protective eyewear
Step 2: Turn the Bolt Clockwise
Make sure the current drill bit is correctly positioned in the drill. Use your torque wrench to tighten the nut on one bolt end. Please do this by hand, as using a power tool would break it. Once you have secured the bolt with a wrench, you can use your drill to turn it clockwise by hand. If it slips from your grip, do not worry about it because now you can use an impact driver to remove it.
Step 3: Insert the Drill Bit in the Bolt
To insert your drill bit into the bolt, you will need to start by pushing down on both sides of your tool. It would help if you pushed down with force until you felt a very slight amount of resistance. But no resistance when you try to pull it out from your hole.
Step 4: Tighten the Bolt with a Wrench
Once you have inserted your bit into the bolt, you can use a wrench to tighten the bolt. First, back off your torque wrench to be loose enough to accommodate a change in tightness.
Step 5: Remove the Bolt
Once the bolt tightens and is at a certain level, remove the bit from your drill and insert it into your wrench. Use this opportunity to tighten your wrench down on the bolt so that your wrench will fit tightly around it. After you have inserted the bit into your twist, you can use a hammer to strike it out of the nut. To avoid slipping while hammering your wrench, hold both sides.
If you remove your bolt, replace it with a new one. Be sure you tighten your bolt by hand to avoid breaking it in two. Remove it with a wrench or socket, but be sure to eradicate it to avoid stripping it.
How Do You Drill Out A Screw Without an Extractor?
Find the intersection of the screw thread and the mating piece’s line to remove a screw without an extractor. It is a minimal angle, something as in one quarter to one half of a degree. Instead, ignore that point and focus on a tiny sliver midway between those points. There are four possible ways to twist out or unscrew a screw within that sliver.
The first and most common of these is the most obvious: twist out your screw. When the sliver is the midpoint between the intersecting points, you may find that twisting the screw breaks it off in its hole. Then lay your screwdriver or drill bit on the silver as close to the screw as feasible.
Similar twisting motion prying at the head of the screw instead of tugging on it can also remove screws without an extractor. The direction by which these screws are removed is more perpendicular than parallel to their mating piece.
This last method is the same as the first, but you can lift it out instead of twisting to remove the screw. It is beneficial when a piece fuses into a place by using small screws and generally works best with long screws that come to a point.
Tips & Tricks for Keeping Left-Hand Drill Bits Sharp
When you work with a drill bit, it’s not cutting straight or burrowing into the wood? It is what can happen when your left-hand drill bits are not sharp. A dull left-hand drill bit will cause frustration trying to complete your work. Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping your left-hand drill bits awake to get the best results.
- Take out time to sharpen your bits. I like to have a few blades ready to make quick work of sharpening. You can find a good variety of sharpeners for left-hand drill bits here. Keep a good supply of left-hand drill bits on hand, and prepare to keep them sharp.
- Use the correct grinding wheel for your left-hand drill bit. You can find left-hand drill bits with a flat or square blade, a round blade, and even one with a combination of edges. If you are using a tool that has a flat or square blade, you should grind the bit down to a point. Your bit should cut into an X or square shape if it is about or a combined edge. Use a diamond stone to achieve the best results on those blades.
- Use the Correct Cutting Motion when using your left-hand drill bits. The proper cutting action is required to avoid burrs on one side of the bit.
Left Handed Drill Bit: FAQs
Can You Get Left-Hand Drill Bits?
Yes! Ensure that the drill bit’s size label is in millimeters (mm). Some online retailers specialize in such products. If you can’t find one, try an automotive store.
Are Left-Hand Drill Bits Challenging to Use?
Generally, not, but they require more effort and precision than right-hand drill bits. But this is because their teeth are closer together. Be careful not to let your fingers get too close to avoid injury.
What Is the Difference Between A Right and Left-Handed Drill Bit?
The primary distinction is in the rotational axis. In most right-handed drill bits, the cutting edge and the direction of rotation are on the same side of the drill bit as the user’s right hand. The cutting edge of most left-handed drill bits is oriented in the opposite direction of the bit’s handle.
Are There Any Warnings About Using Left-Hand Drill Bits?
There are two types of left-hand drill bits. The more common type has sharp blades. This bit is relatively safe but will require a lighter touch and less grip strength. The other left-handed bit is usually sandpaper that does not have sharp blades. These are the safer types to use but require a firm grip and a little more strength to use.
Final words
Finally, if you’re tired of using a right-handed drill bit, there’s an easy solution. You can always purchase a left-handed drill bit. When you use a left-handed drill bit that gives accurate and efficient work. It will be handier, more durable, and fit more sockets. If you choose a left-handed drill bit, consider the size and shape of the bit to get the best results. Always use caution when working with power tools, and be sure to follow all safety instructions. With a bit of practice, you will be able to use a left-handed drill bit like a pro!
