How to Use a Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit to Remove Broken Screws
By Welcome to Kreg Tool | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to remove broken screws with a left-hand stepped drill bit. Follow our step-by-step guide for safe extraction and avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Use a left-hand stepped drill bit in a reversible drill on low speed to center-punch and drill into the broken screw; the left-hand rotation will often catch and back the screw out. If it doesn't, follow up with a screw extractor.
Why a left-hand stepped bit works for broken screws
A left-hand stepped drill bit turns counterclockwise, which is the same direction you turn a screw to loosen it. As the bit bites into the broken screw, the friction and cutting action can spin the screw out without needing a separate extractor. The stepped design lets you start with a small pilot and enlarge the hole in controlled increments, reducing the risk of wandering off-center. This is especially useful in woodworking, where you often deal with broken screws in softwoods or hardwoods that have stripped heads or snapped shanks.
When to choose a stepped bit over a standard extractor
Standard screw extractors require drilling a pilot hole first, then tapping in the extractor. A left-hand stepped bit combines drilling and extraction in one step, which can save time and reduce the chance of breaking the extractor. However, stepped bits work best when the broken screw has a relatively flat top and is not too deeply embedded. If the screw is broken below the surface or is made of very hard material, a dedicated extractor may still be necessary. Also, left-hand stepped bits are not a substitute for a plug cutter or hollow-bit; they are for screws and bolts only.
Step-by-step: removing a broken screw with a left-hand stepped bit
- Prepare the workpiece and drill: Clamp the workpiece securely and set your drill to reverse (counterclockwise). Install the left-hand stepped bit. Common mistake: forgetting to switch to reverse, which will dull the bit and not extract the screw. Always test the drill direction on scrap material first.
- Center-punch the broken screw: Use a center punch or an awl to make a small indentation in the center of the broken screw. This prevents the bit from wandering. Common mistake: skipping the punch and letting the bit slip off the screw, damaging the surrounding wood. A sharp punch and a light hammer tap are enough; don't strike hard.
- Start drilling with the smallest step: Begin with the smallest diameter step of the bit. Apply light, steady pressure and low speed. Let the bit cut; do not force it. Common mistake: using high speed, which can overheat the bit and work-harden the screw. If the bit squeals, reduce speed and pressure.
- Progress to larger steps if needed: If the screw hasn't backed out after the first step, move to the next larger step and continue drilling. The left-hand rotation may catch and spin the screw out. Common mistake: jumping multiple steps at once, which can break the bit or strip the hole. Increase step size gradually, checking after each step.
- Switch to a screw extractor if the screw remains: If the screw is still stuck after using the largest appropriate step, stop and switch to a dedicated screw extractor. Follow the extractor's instructions. Common mistake: continuing to drill and enlarging the hole too much, making extraction harder. Know when to stop drilling and change tools.
Product facts
- Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit: For exclusive use with the Kreg DK3100 Pocket-Hole Machine. This bit is designed specifically for that machine, so it may not fit other drills or applications without an adapter.
Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit - Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit: Made from heavy-duty, cobalt-steel. Cobalt steel offers heat resistance and durability, which helps when drilling into hard screws.
- Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit: One-piece design eliminates clogging. A one-piece bit reduces the chance of chips packing in flutes, leading to smoother drilling.
- Left-Hand Stepped Drill Bit: Provides a much smoother, faster drilling stroke. The design can reduce vibration and speed up the extraction process.
