LH drill bits?

[challenger]

Can folks please recommend a LH drill bit purchase for the home shop?
Many thanks

[boslab]

I bought a set once, then I realised I didn’t have reverse on the drilling machine ( it’s a very bad joke btw, most of mine are)
mark

[Beazld]

Mcmaster has them. https://www.mcmaster.com/drill-bits/

[vectorwarbirds]

Can folks please recommend a LH drill bit purchase for the home shop?
Many thanks

I got mine from Drill Hog, guaranteed replacement if they break, so far I like them. https://drill-hog.myshopify.com/coll...and-drill-bits

[Dan Dubeau]

I bought a bunch from KBC a few years back, in fractional sizes from about 1/8" - 3/8". I also bought some LH taps from 4-40 - 3/8" on the same order just to have around. They stocked a bunch, and were reasonable prices.

[Fasttrack]

Don't forget: you need a left hand drill if you're going to tap a left hand thread

I bought a partial set through McMaster. I've forgotten the brand, but McMaster generally stocks quality goods and I've been happy with them. Much better than the left handed drill bits I got in a crappy "EZ Out" set from the local big box store!

[deltaenterprizes]

I bought a cheap set from Harbor freight and the one time that I used one it worked without a problem.

[reggie_obe]

I bought a cheap set from Harbor freight and the one time that I used one it worked without a problem.

I bought and tried the set from Horrible Fright as well.
No Thank you, please.
First bit I used untwisted and looked like a welded up Paki crankshaft.

[MichaelP]

Guys,

What do you use the LH drills for except for removal of broken bolts and for screw machines (every home shop must have one)? I don't know any other situation where they would be needed.

[reggie_obe]

Drilling of eyeglass frame blanks prior to milling the fame shape and lens pocket. Dual head drill made specifically for this process, spindles geared together, no room for an idler gear. Both right and left lens pilot and fixture holes drilled simultaneously. Left hand drills are easier to resharpen than a end mill.

[Dan Dubeau]

Guys,

What do you use the LH drills for except for removal of broken bolts and for screw machines (every home shop must have one)? I don't know any other situation where they would be needed.

That's the only thing I've ever used mine for. I've had a 1/4" lh drill bit in my toolbox for years, and it's great for removing 4-40 flat head capscrews when the socket gets wallered out. I've sharpened the end with a steep angle and it really bites into the socket. If it doesn't bite it will drill the head off, and let me grab the thread with pliers after I remove what it was holding. I only bought more because I needed to buy a 6-32 lh tap for a special turnbuckle fixture at work, and figured since I was in a lh mood i'd just buy some more lh drills and lh taps just to have around. They were pretty cheap, and by having them in my toolbox, it guarantees I'll never run into a job that will need them again .

Like Reggie said, I'm pretty sure they are mostly used in production geared gang drills.

[jmm03]

ditto on the mcmaster drills. I sprung for the titanium nitride coated ones and i only use them for drilling out broken bolts. They have worked well for my purposes. Jim

[challenger]

Don't forget: you need a left hand drill if you're going to tap a left hand thread

I bought a partial set through McMaster. I've forgotten the brand, but McMaster generally stocks quality goods and I've been happy with them. Much better than the left handed drill bits I got in a crappy "EZ Out" set from the local big box store!

I shoot. I'm looking for a set just Bacause I'm left handed! I got a great deal recently on a LH hammer, shovel and lawn mower. 😁

[MichaelP]

I got a great deal recently on a LH hammer...

Just make sure you use LH nails with your hammer. Or drive the regular ones from the opposite side.

[nickel-city-fab]

When I first started in the trade, the Master sent me for a left-handed screwdriver. Philips-head, naturally.
Took until about lunch time before I figured it out.
We went to the pub across the street, cashed our pay checks, and ordered the pasta dinner with a pitcher of beer.