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Best Drill Bit for Drilling Out Broken Bolts [Buying Guide] 2022
For handymen and DIY enthusiasts, perhaps nothing is as frustrated as a broken bolt. Not only does it hinder the speed and progress of a project, but it can also render the project useless if not extracted. With welding and all, the process of removing a broken bolt becomes quite tedious.
Luckily, the market is brimming with drill bit kits that help you extract broken bolts. These kits will drastically reduce the time needed to remove damaged fasteners and help you complete tasks in a jiffy. However, how do you find the best drill bit for drilling out broken bolts in such a saturated market?
Fret not, we’ve got your back! In this guide, we will be recommending to you five incredible drill bit kits that we believe are the best for the job. Quality, value, performance, and several others factors were considered to give you the best of the best.
BEST OVERALL
IRWIN Screw Extractor/Drill Bit Set, 10-Piece (11119)
- Great gripping power
- Compatible with all drills
- Sizes are etched on the tools
- Good performance at all speeds
- Bits can be sharpened easily
BEST FOR MONEY
DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set, 21-Piece (DW1361)
- Long service life
- Titanium coating and pilot points
- Tapered to prevent breaking off
- Strong plastic package
- Compatible with various materials
BEST FOR VALUE
Craftsman 100 Piece drilling and driving kit
- Sturdy carrying case
- Can be used with masonry
- Hardened alloy steel
- Durable
- All standard bits for DIY included
5 Best Drill Bit for Drilling Out Broken Bolts Reviews
To kick off this guide, let us delve into the great list of recommendations we have for you. These 5 drill bit sets have passed our tests and check all the boxes – we hope you will love them just as much as we do!
1. IRWIN Screw Extractor/ Drill Bit Set, 10-Piece (11119): Best Overall
To start off, we would like to introduce you to the best overall drill bit for extracting broken bolts. This ten-piece set contains five drill bits and five extractors. Due to the limited yet effective tools included in the set, this is also a great set for beginners and seasoned handymen alike.
What makes the set even more beginner-friendly is the fact that all sizes are etched into the drill bits and extractors. With tools that are easier to identify and the need to eyeball eliminated, the possibility of error is reduced several folds. To make it even easier, the sizes of recommended drill bits are etched on as well.
The components are all made to measure and compatible with all drills thus, you will not face any problems with misfits. As for performance, the spiral extractors have extra gripping power. This allows the tool to hold on to the broken fasteners well and pull them out efficiently.
Broken bolts, screws, and all other types of fasteners can be removed effortlessly, thanks to the incredible gripping power. The spiral flute design helps battle increasing resistance with increased grip.
This product is made of great materials and has features both novices and experts can enjoy – this truly is the best overall set!
✓ Pros
- Great gripping power
- Compatible with all drills
- Sizes are etched on the tools
- Good performance at all speeds
- Bits can be sharpened easily
✕ Cons
- Does not come with instructions
- Not heavy duty
2. DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361): Best for the Money
It is not uncommon for tools such as drill bits to leave a searing hole in your pocket. However, we firmly believe that you should not have to splurge beyond your budget to get a great product. Thus, we are recommending to you this 21 piece set that affordable and budget-friendly but not subpar in performance or quality.
What we love is that you do not have to forgo durability for a good price. The drill bits in this set are titanium-coated. Additionally, the tips are tapered, which prevents them from breaking off if too much pressure is exerted on them. These two features make the drill bits extremely durable.
As for versatility, the 21 drill bits range from ½ to 1/6 inches in size. They are best compatible with plastic and wood and may be used with metals as well. Keep in mind that you may have to sharpen the bits frequently if you are drilling hard materials on a regular basis.
All the components of the set come neatly packaged in a strong ABS material case with a clear lid. You can easily identify the bits without having to remove them individually. The casing can also double as a storage unit, thanks to the sturdy construction of it. You need not invest in a separate storage bag or box.
✓ Pros
- Long service life
- Titanium coating and pilot points
- Tapered to prevent breaking off
- Strong plastic package
- Compatible with various materials
✕ Cons
- Coating may come off with heavy exertion
- Requires frequent sharpening
3. Craftsman 100 Piece drilling and driving kit: Best for Value
A total of a hundred different tools and components make up the next set we recommend to you. You will find a plethora of useful parts in the set, including 9 nut drivers, 61 driver bits, and an Allen key, among many more. Torx power bits, flat bits, and Phillips bits are all part of this well-rounded set.
These tools will allow you to work with a range of materials like wood, plastic, metal, and even masonry. The components in this set will have you ready to deal with all light to medium-weight DIY projects.
Masonry being on this list tells us a lot about the construction of the drill bits. They are made of hardened alloy steel and durable enough to withstand general tasks in woodwork and construction. However, it is worth mentioning that the bits are not made to carry out heavy-duty work and may not last long if you over-exert.
All 100 pieces of the set come housed in a folding case with built-in storage compartments. This case can also be used to carry the bits from one place to another, making it a versatile and portable option.
Professional handymen can greatly benefit from this set as it comes at a reasonable price, is portable, and has a wide array of tools.
✓ Pros
- Sturdy carrying case
- Can be used with masonry
- Hardened alloy steel
- Durable
- All standard bits for DIY included
✕ Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty application
4. NEIKO 10037A Left Hand Drill Bit Set: Best for durability
A fifteen-piece set may, from the first impression, sound too limited. However, if the set has such well-rounded bits with unique features (that we will dig into in just a bit), it is guaranteed to become a favorite among many. Let us take a look at all the features that give this set its well-deserved place on a list of our favorites.
First and foremost, the bits are constructed from hi-speed steel, which is then coated in titanium nitride. The material, also known as HS or HSS, can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making these bits incredibly durable.
One of its essential features is being able to withstand high temperatures, which is crucial for power and cutting tools.
The durability of the bits is further heightened with the titanium nitride coating. This to the coating, the bits have a very high surface hardness which allows it to easily cut through strong materials.
It also makes the bits highly resistant to corrosion. Another important function of the coating is to reduce friction between the bit and the object.
As for performance, the bits have a unique 135 degrees split along with a twist design. This allows for the bit to center itself well and cut through tougher materials quickly.
Left-handed users will definitely appreciate this set as all fifteen pieces have a special left-hand design. For convenience, the holder has assigned spaces for each bit, making them easier to identify.
✓ Pros
- Titanium nitride coating
- Hi-speed steel construction
- Strong resistance to corrosion
- Budget-friendly
- All standard sizes, versatile
✕ Cons
- Bits need to be sharpened often
- Not for heavy-duty exertion
5. Milwaukee 48-89-4631 Shockwave Drill Bit Set: Best for Quality
Last, but far from the least is a 23 piece drill bit set from a widely loved manufacturer. The manufacturer claims that this set has three times the lifespan of other drill bits. Having seen the features, we can vouch that these drill bits are superior in quality, thus earning them a place on our list.
The high-speed steel bits are coated in titanium nitride. This coating gives the bits a plethora of different abilities. Firstly, it makes the bits highly resistant to corrosion. Not only that, it allows the bits to dissipate heat better which is a very useful feature for cutting tools.
Tougher surfaces can be cut through easily by these titanium nitride-coated bits. The bits are suitable for use with wood and steel as well as some metals such as iron, aluminum, and magnesium. Thanks to a 135-degree split, these bits are easy to place on the targeted spot without having them skid off and make wrong cuts.
Each bit has a chip breaker. This feature allows the heat build-up to be reduced which lessens the wear and tear on the tip of the bits. All 23 pieces come in a sturdy and portable plastic case. The plastic case has dedicated spots for all the bits, marked size-wise.
✓ Pros
- Corrosion resistant
- Stays sharp for longer
- Penetrates hard surfaces easily
- 3x longer lifespan
- Suitable for wood, steel, iron and some metals
✕ Cons
- Not suitable for masonry
- Titanium nitride coating will eventually wear off
Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying
In your search for the best product, you would be best off armed with not only our recommendations but also a guide to help you identify the features and attributes your purchase should have!
Construction Material
The first important factor for any power tool is the material the model is constructed with. Drill bits that are meant to extract broken fasteners need to be made of hard material. High-speed steel is one of the best options for such bits. There are several premium as well as affordable options affordable for high-speed steel bits.
Cobalt bits are also a great option as it dissipates heat very fast. Such bits are great for use with tough materials like aluminum and stainless steel. For wood, fiberglass, and PVC, we recommend black oxide-coated high-speed steel bits. A great bonus is that these bits stay sharper than regular high-speed steel bits.
Split Point
Now comes the design of the bits. Ideally, the bits should have a 135-degree split point. This angle will allow you to align the tip of the bit perfectly with the faster without too much effort on your part.
Regular vs. Left
Drill bits come in two types: left-hand spiral and regular spiral. Generally, we recommend purchasing a left-hand spiral since it offers extra gripping power.
It allows you to complete more difficult tasks comfortably than regular spirals would. However, if you are not at all able to use your left hand for such tasks, the regular spiral with suffice.
Material to Be Used on
The performance of drill bits can vary depending on the material it is being used on. They can be optimized for use on plastics, wood, steel, or metals. We highly recommend purchasing drill bits that are compatible with different materials.
How Do You Drill Out a Broken Bolt?
For beginners reading this article, we include a guide on how to remove broken bolts below. There are a number of methods, however, we will be explaining the simple yet effective extracting kit method.
Center Punch
The very first step is to center punch the broken bit. You should attempt to get as close to the center as possible to make the rest of the process a breeze. Getting as close to the center as you can will prevent the threading of the broken bolt from being altered. This can be done by lightly tapping a punch using a hammer.
Pilot Hole
Next, drill a pilot hole following the center punch. This must be done using a left-handed drill bit as the threading of a left-handed bit is in the opposite direction – this will prevent the broken bit from being drilled further in the next steps. An important part of this step is using the correct size drill bit!
In some cases, the drilling of the pilot hole will loosen the broken fastener and pull it out. If that does not happen, all you have to do is take it a step further and use an extracting bit.
Placing the Bit
Use an extractor bit of the appropriate size. Extractor bits have a tapered end which will eventually catch onto the broken bolt as you keep tightening it. Once that happens, the bolt will slowly loosen and come out. Taking your time with this is key as you may end up damaging the bit or the surface you are working on in a hurry.
Clean Up
Once the broken bolt has been removed, clean the surface of any leftover debris or metal filings, so it is ready for another bolt to be drilled in, if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are sure you still have some burning questions. Thus, answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about drill bits and related topics.
What are left-handed drill bits used for?
Right-handed or regular drill bits tighten fasteners. Thus, when you are looking to remove a fastener, you would need to twist it in the opposite direction to help it reverse. This is where left-handed drill bits come in. They apply torque in the opposite direction to help fasteners come out.
Do all drill bits fit all drill machines?
No, drill bits come in different sizes and types that do not match with all drills. Some tools can help a bit adapt to drills it would otherwise be incompatible with – for example, a hex shank can help you use regular bits as an impact driver bit.
What is an HSS drill bit?
HSS or high-speed steel is a very high-quality material that is used to make drill bits. They are very hard and can take quite the beating. These bits can also be sharpened when needed. We highly recommend HSS drill bits.
What are diamond-tipped drill bits?
Such drill bits are meant to be used with stone, glass, bones, ceramic, glazed pottery, and so on. Their precision also makes them compatible for use with something as sensitive as fossils.
How can I clean or maintain my drill bits?
Maintenance is very important for all power tools and components. To keep your drill bits in top shape at all times, you can follow some simple shapes. Firstly, do not use the bits continuously. Take a break every 5 to 7 minutes to wipe the bits. This prevents stray bits from hurting the bits.
Allow drill bits to cool completely. You can also get rid of any debris that is difficult to wipe off using dry and clean toothpaste. Applying a thin coat of machine oil will prevent rusting and other elemental damage.
Final Words
As promised, that was our comprehensive guide. At the end of the guide, we hope you know how to navigate the market and find the best product for you. Not only that, we hope you have gathered knowledge about drill bits, in general, to help you with a plethora of other tasks.
In case you wish to make a purchase outside of the five recommended products, you can always refer to the buying guide to help you identify the best models on the market. If you have stumbled upon our guide in your search for the best drill bit for drilling out broken bolts, we hope we have been able to help you a great deal!
Coastin Carl
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