Left hand drill and screw extractor sets: buy a complete kit or small kit

[skernv99]

I found a good deal on a like new Snap On 35 piece left hand drill and screw extractor set. I remember last year while changing my spark plugs, one of the bolts snapped off on one of the coil packs. I lacked any left hand drill and screw extractors so I had to drive my truck to the local dealership and have them drill it out and replace the bolt for $125. Other local mechanics were closing up shop when this happened on a Friday before a holiday weekend.

given that my truck has almost 170k miles on it and I plan on keeping it and driving it into the ground, I'm sure there will be other bolts that will break off when replacing things.

Can I get by with buying a bolt and extractor kit that is only composed of 7 to 10 pieces or is it worth to splurge a little and buy something like this Snap on kit? In addition, would it be helfpul to buy a right angle drill too (I have a dewalt cordless 20v drill driver)?

 

[SteveCh]

Well, for me it would depend on what "a good deal" translates to. I have several extractor sets of four sizes each. I use mine mainly on my aircraft and so only need two of those sizes. So it would need to be a really good deal for me to get it. Maybe once a year or so I might need some other size.

 

[skernv99]

The seller wants $200 for a like new set. These retail for $375 from Snap on...prices are all over the place on ebay.

 

[TXpintail]

Check the Epstein Day sticky. Looks like HJE is offering a Norseman 10-piece LH/Extractor set for $32.

Specs on the set to come, but may be an option for you.

 

[purplezr2]

Irwin sells the same kit,

FYI


Here is the 35 pcs set, on zoro, with a 25% coupon can be had cheaper
Here is the 48 piece set

 

[ChevyEFI]

Base your purchase on when you last used the tool / frequency of use. Extractors tend to sit, so common sizes are likely all you (and I) need. You can buy extra tools, overnight shipping, an extra vehicle, an extra employee, but $125 (only needed when truly needed) and not having to touch it is cheap and easy.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Check the Epstein Day sticky. Looks like HJE is offering a Norseman 10-piece LH/Extractor set for $32.

Specs on the set to come, but may be an option for you.

I have that same set. It's nice. Saved my **** the one time I needed it. The right drill bit next to the right extractor...so easy. And the Epstein's Day price is a good one:
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/10-pc-bolt-extractor-set.html

 

[TXpintail]

I have that same set. It's nice. Saved my **** the one time I needed it. The right drill bit next to the right extractor...so easy. And the Epstein's Day price is a good one:

Lol, if L.Cheapo endorses you flat out know it’s a good deal........

 

[Danglerb]

I've got various sets of bolt removers. I wanted some, and just clicked over to acquire mode where I buy things by opportunity and price. Somehow I think you will ignore my suggestion of the $8 set of HF left hand drills, but another $5 or so is very well spent on a set of "hinge drills", drill bits inside a sleeve with the sleeve end designed to fit and center the bit on a door hinge screw hole. Lets you quickly and safely drill out a screw with no risk to the threads.

 

[rockettgpw]

I've got various sets of bolt removers. I wanted some, and just clicked over to acquire mode where I buy things by opportunity and price. Somehow I think you will ignore my suggestion of the $8 set of HF left hand drills, but another $5 or so is very well spent on a set of "hinge drills", drill bits inside a sleeve with the sleeve end designed to fit and center the bit on a door hinge screw hole. Lets you quickly and safely drill out a screw with no risk to the threads.

Thanks for the tip, I have some of those and hope I can remember this when the time comes.

 

[vavet]

I remember asking the same question of one of instructors when I was in auto tech school. There are two schools of thought:
1. Things have already gone terribly wrong when you need this kit. The last thing you want is to try to make something work that is close to what you need. That's a recipe for disaster.
2. You won't be using it very much. Spend the money on tools that can help you prevent the need for this instead.

I went down the path of #2 and I have not regretted it. With an old truck...eh, maybe it's worth it just to have in your hip pocket.

 

[TXpintail]

I maintain a Chevy Truck that spent its first 12 years in the northeast, so more rust and corrosion than I typically deal with. The problem with approach 1 is where do you draw the line? Torch, large selection of drill bits, large extractor set, welder if you don’t have one, all to be prepared in case something happens.

I think approach 2 is wise, unless broken bolts are a common (like monthly) occurrence for you.

 

[Superbec]

I have several bolt extractor kits .. I do need them , no kit will work for any situation

if the bolt is really stuck the extractors will not work, other measures must be taken .

from my experience , a left hand drill set will extract more bolts than the extractors , if the LH drill bits don't work the extractors will do about 50% of the time.

I would get a very good brand LH drill bits set, not tool truck stuff, I mean the brand that actually makes the drills.

 

[Danglerb]

Rule number one, don't break the extractor, the metal is usually much harder than a bolt is to drill. If a shot of penetrating oil and modest force with an extractor after a left hand drill doesn't work, you may be stuck with gradually increasing the size of the drill until the bolt is nothing but threads. Or skip to the chase and drill it out clean and put in a timesert.