The BEST Drill Bits for Drilling Out Broken Bolts – Top 7 Picks

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A broken bolt mid-project is frustrating!  Whether you’re reading this because you’re in this situation or preparing for a just in case, we have advice for you!  Below we will help you how best to deal with a broken bolt and review our favorite bits for drilling out broken bolts!  Let us know your go-to strategy for broken bolts!

Comparison Chart of Top Quality Broken Bolt Drill Bits (2023)

Before diving into each item on the list, review the below comparison chart. This will give you an overview of each product’s specs and help you determine the right one for you.

 

Review of the Best Drill Bits for Drilling out Broken Bolts (Ranked)

 

1. Topec 35-Piece Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set

 

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This product sits at the top of our list for multiple reasons. 

First, the extractor set features 35 different tools, allowing you to easily pick out the appropriate tool for the job. The extractors are constructed out of heat-treated carbon steel to make them sturdy.

We also liked the spiral design that gives the tool a better grip.

Lastly, there is a competent customer support team at your call in case of any problems.

 

2. Irwin 11135ZR Screw-Extractor/Drill Bit Set

 

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Irwin offers a premium set of 35 screw extractors to remove broken studs, bolts, and socket screws. The set also comes in a plastic case.

The extractor has a left-hand design to equip it with extra gripping power.

On top of that, the spiral flutes embed themselves deeper into the fasteners as they turn to increase the grip as the resistance increases.

You may also like how the bit size is etched onto each tool for easy identification of the appropriate size for the job.

 

3. Irwin Hanson 11119 Screw Extractor/Drill Bit Set

 

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Next, is the Irwin Hanson set, which includes five screw-extractors and five drill bits. The tools come in four different sizes, which are etched on each tool and the recommended drill bit size.

Both the extractors and drill bits have an easy-out spiral flute design to allow for deeper insertion into the metal during the drilling process. This design is also crucial for increasing the grip as the resistance increases for speed and gripping power.

Lastly, the metal index case helps with secure storage and transportation of the set.

 

4. Drill Hog Niobium Left Hand Drill

 

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The Drill Hog left-hand drill set comprises thirteen pieces of drill bits ranging from 1/16″ to 1/4″ in 1/64″ increments to help you find the appropriate size for your task.

All the bits are constructed out of niobium Nb41 steel to make them long-lasting and sturdy. On top of that, the tools have a left-hand thread to give them the capability to remove bolts, studs, and screws.

Lastly, the set comes in a sturdy case for easy transportation and storage.

 

5. OEMTools 24373 Extractor and Drill Bit Combo Pack

 

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OEMTools has the right drill bit set for you if you have auto-repair or construction work ahead. This left-hand set comes in a range of sizes including 5/64”, 7/64”, 1/4”, and 19/64”.

The drill bits are well-built to ensure you have an easy time drilling into the toughest materials.

A notable aspect of these bits is how they embed themselves deeper into the metal as you turn the tool. Therefore, as the fastener’s resistance increases, so will the extractor’s grip.

To top it all off is the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty to cover your losses in case of any damage during use.

 

6. Neiko 10037A Drill Bit Set

 

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Neiko constructed this set of well-built drill bits that will serve you for a decent period of time.

The high-speed M2 steel with titanium nitride coating aims to give the tools impressive durability.

We like the 135-degree split point and twist design that prevents bit walking so that you can remove the bolts with ease. On top of that, the left-hand design ensures that you can use the bits with screw extractors to remove fasteners.

The set comes with a metal index case for easy storage.

 

7. ABN Screw & Bolt Extraction Remover Tool Kit

 

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The last item on our list is from ABN and is a useful set of drill bits that you ought to consider investing in. With this kit, you can remove broken fasteners and studs from recessed bolts or screws without causing breakages or jamming.

The drill bits are built to last and are sturdy enough for high-torque applications without expansion. We attribute this to the high-speed steel construction with polished finished for added durability.

You are likely to find these bits very easy to use. This is due to the flutes and ridges that grip onto the broken bolts when driven into a new hole.

The last notable thing is the plastic carrying case that offers safe storage and organization. It features labels that you can use to categorize each compartment.

 

The Buying Guide 

If you want to get the appropriate drill bit for drilling out broken bolts, there are some factors you should consider. In this section, we are going to point out and discuss them in brief.

I) Sturdiness

Drill bits needed for this job have to be very sturdy, which depends on the materials used in their construction. We recommend that you go for bits made out of high-speed steel.

Then, cobalt or titanium nitride coating would help in boosting the bit’s longevity.

II) Split Point

If your bits have 135-degree split points, you can expect the drilling operation into the broken bolt or screw to be an effortless affair.

III) The Brand

Certain brands have an almost perfect record of producing high-quality drill bits. These are the ones that you should go for, and they include DEWALT, Irwin, Neiko, Bosch, and OEMTools.

These brands do not compromise on the quality of construction of their products.

IV) The Flute Length

The length will determine the ease with which you will get the bolt chips that you are drilling out of the hole. The appropriate length would ensure that your bit can evacuate chips without packing them inside the flutes.

FAQs

Before we conclude, we will list some frequent queries and their responses. We hope that you can learn something from this brief Q&A.

Q: What does a drill bit do on an extractor?

A: It helps in removing a screw whose head has been stripped. As you attempt to turn the screw’s head and there is no friction, the screw won’t turn. Therefore, the drill bit will create threads on the screw, and the extractor will remove it by turning the screw in the opposite direction of the threads.

Q: What factors should I focus on as I search for the ideal drill bit for drilling out broken bolts?

A: The main aspects to pay attention to include the construction quality, split points, the brand, the flute length, and the warranty service.

Q: Do all drill bit sets come with a box?

A: Most of them do, and the box helps with storage, transportation, and overall organization of the tools.

Top Pick

The product which we felt stood out from the rest is the Topec 35-Piece Screw Extractor and Drill Bit Set. The drill bits and extractors are designed to deliver satisfactory performance, and in case of any problems, there is a competent customer support team to respond to the issues.

Final Word

We believe we have touched on the outstanding aspects of drill bits that would help you drill out broken bolts. If you have taken the time to go through this article, you will likely land the perfect product to suit your needs.

The only other thing we can do is wish you the best of luck in your search.