Best Hole Saw Kit: Options for Metal and Wood
Contents
- The Best Hole Saw Kits Are:
- 1. Milwaukee 49-22-4185: Best Overall Hole Saw Kit
- 2. Greenlee 660 Hole Saw Kit: Best Hole Saw for Aluminum
- 3. DEWALT DWACM1802 Hole Saw Kit: Best Hole Saw for Metal
- 4. Bosch HB25M 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit
- 5. LENOX Tools 308042000G Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit
- 6. DEWALT D180005 14-Piece Holesaw Set
- 7. Meccion Hole Saw Kit
- 8. Hole PHS01C Hole Saw Kit
- 9. Diablo DHS14SGP Hole Saw Kit
- Buying Guide
- Your Intention
- Sizes
- Price Range
- Material
- Safe Use
- Brand
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
The best hole saw kit is a must-have for carpenters, construction workers, electricians, and do-it-yourself (DIY) persons. It cuts clean round holes in wood, plastic and metal for wiring, plumbing, door locks and fixtures. Masonry and concrete need diamond or carbide core bits instead.
Kits differ a lot in tooth material, sizes and plug ejection. Below are nine kits, from bi-metal sets for metal and wood to budget carbon steel kits for wood and plastic.
OUR TOP PICK
The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 is our first choice. It is a 28-piece bi-metal kit that covers the common sizes for electrical, plumbing and carpentry work.
The Best Hole Saw Kits Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Milwaukee 49-22-4185 | 1. Milwaukee 49-22-4185 Top Pick | - Pieces in the kit: 28 - Bits design: Bi-metal hole saws - Item weight: 14.65 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. Greenlee 660 Hole Saw Kit | 2. Greenlee 660 Hole Saw Kit | - Number of cutters in the case: 11 - Weight: 1.3 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. DEWALT DWACM1802 Hole Saw Kit | 3. DEWALT DWACM1802 Hole Saw Kit | - Pieces in the kit: 3 - Teeth: Carbide - Weight: 1.7 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. Bosch HB25M 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit | 4. Bosch HB25M 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit | - Pieces in the kit: 25 - Material: Bi-metal with 8% cobalt teeth - Item weight: 6.61 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 5. LENOX Tools 308042000G Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit | 5. LENOX Tools 308042000G Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit | - Number of cutters in the kit: 26 - Hole sizes: ¾” to 4 ¾” - Material: Bi-metal - Weight: 2 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 6. DEWALT D180005 14-Piece Holesaw Set | 6. DEWALT D180005 14-Piece Holesaw Set | - Pieces in the kit: 14 - Material: High-speed steel - Dimensions: 3 x 9.8 x 7.3 inches | Check Current Price |
| 7. Meccion Hole Saw Kit | 7. Meccion Hole Saw Kit | - Number of cutters in the kit: 19 pieces - Cutting depth capacity: 1 inch - Material: carbon steel - Weight: 2.03 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 8. Hole PHS01C Hole Saw Kit | 8. Hole PHS01C Hole Saw Kit | - Number of pieces: 16 - Material: Carbon steel - Cutting depth: 25 mm - Cutting range: Wood and plastic | Check Current Price |
| 9. Diablo DHS14SGP Hole Saw Kit | 9. Diablo DHS14SGP Hole Saw Kit | - Number of pieces in the kit: 14 - Hole sizes: 7/8” to 2-9/16” - Hole depth: 60 mm - Material: Bi-metal | Check Current Price |
1. Milwaukee 49-22-4185: Best Overall Hole Saw Kit
Top on our list is the Milwaukee 49-22-4185, a 28-piece general purpose kit of bi-metal hole saws, arbors and pilot bits. Bi-metal saws cut wood, plastic and most metals.
Milwaukee now sells this kit as part of its HOLE DOZER line. It says the 3.5-TPI tooth design gives the longest life in metal, and the saws carry a lifetime tooth break warranty, per Milwaukee's 49-22-4185 page.
Poor chip and plug removal causes jamming and overheating. Milwaukee's large slots make it easier to pry out plugs and clear chips.
Specs
- Pieces in the kit: 28
- Bits design: Bi-metal hole saws
- Item weight: 14.65 pounds
Pros
- Cuts wood, plastic and metal
- Lifetime tooth break warranty
- Large slots for easy plug removal
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- The kit is expensive
- Heavy case
2. Greenlee 660 Hole Saw Kit: Best Hole Saw for Aluminum
Greenlee is a well-known electrician's tool brand. The 660 kit is built for cutting holes in boxes, panels and sheet metal as well as wood and plastic.
One of the top features of this hole saw is the well-positioned ejector spring that makes creating and completing holes easy. It also makes removing the chippings or slug easy, which is crucial if you target making fast and smooth holes.
The pilot drill is cobalt steel, and it is replaceable when it wears out.
Specs
- Number of cutters in the case: 11
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
Pros
- Designed with a big flange that helps to prevent over-drilling
- The teeth are designed with hardened carbide for optimum performance
- Its Greenlee Quick Change arbor can be used with cutters of different sizes
- Cuts both wood and metal
Cons
- Cases of the ejector spring springing out are common
- Generates a lot of heat when cutting tough materials
3. DEWALT DWACM1802 Hole Saw Kit: Best Hole Saw for Metal
The DEWALT DWACM1802 is a small kit of carbide-tipped hole saws for metal. Carbide teeth hold up better than bi-metal in steel and stainless steel.
It is designed to clear chips well, which reduces binding.
Furthermore, it is designed with an ejection spring for easy ejection. This design will come in handy to help you make clean holes faster.
Specs
- Pieces in the kit: 3
- Teeth: Carbide
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
Pros
- Its toughened teeth allow you to cut holes even on metals
- Comes with a raised shoulders that helps to reduce breakthrough
- Carbide teeth last longer in metal
Cons
- Only comes with three pieces.
- Costs more per hole saw than bi-metal kits
4. Bosch HB25M 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit
The Bosch HB25M is a 25-piece bi-metal kit with quick-change arbors. The pilot bit snaps into the mandrel, so changing sizes is fast. Like our first pick, it cuts most materials.
The teeth use 8% cobalt steel, which handles heat better in metal.
The variable tooth pitch cuts smoothly, and reinforced shoulders help reduce wobble.
Specs
- Number of hole saw heads in the kit: 25
- Material: Bi-metal with 8% cobalt teeth
- Item weight: 6.61 pounds
Pros
- Can be used to make holes in different workpieces
- Changing the saw heads is easy using the patented Quick Change Universal Hole Saw System
- 8% cobalt teeth handle heat in metal
- Easy to use
Cons
- Gets blunt fast when cutting metal
5. LENOX Tools 308042000G Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit
This LENOX bi-metal kit is a favorite with electricians and contractors who cut metal and hardwood.
LENOX markets its T3 hole saws as lasting longer than its earlier bi-metal saws.
Thicker walls make the saw body stronger and help reduce tooth loss.
SPEED SLOT openings in the side of each saw let you lever the plug out with a screwdriver.
Specs
- Number of cutters in the kit: 26
- Hole sizes: ¾” to 4 ¾”
- Material: Bi-metal
- Weight: 2 pounds
Pros
- Uses patented “speed slot” design that makes removing the plug easy and fast
- Made with thicker walls for extra strength and durability
- Good for making deep and smooth cuts
Cons
- The warranty is pretty short
6. DEWALT D180005 14-Piece Holesaw Set
The DEWALT D180005 is a 14-piece set for electrical, woodworking and plumbing jobs.
Its deep-cut saws go through thicker stock in one pass.
The saws use high-speed steel teeth with hardened backing plates that help prevent warping and thread stripping.
Specs
- Number of cutter heads: 14
- Material: High-speed steel
- Dimensions: 3 x 9.8 x 7.3 inches
Pros
- Deep-cut design
- Pretty easy to use
- The kit allows you to make holes of different sizes
Cons
- Fewer sizes than larger kits
7. Meccion Hole Saw Kit
If you are looking for a hole saw kit to use on different materials but sold affordably, this Meccion Hole Saw Kit could be the best option.
It is sold for wood, plastic and thin soft metals like aluminum.
The hole saw is designed with an enhanced tooth geometry that makes cutting your materials easy and fast. Besides, the cutter heads have wide slots and multiple leverage points that make it easy to work out plugs using a screwdriver.
The saw can be used with a wide range of machines. So, whether you have an impact drills, electric drill, or bench drill, you will be able to easily make well-rounded holes in your workpiece.
Specs
- Number of cutters in the kit: 19 pieces
- Cutting depth capacity: 1 inch
- Material: carbon steel
- Weight: 2.03 pounds
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide slots for plug removal
- Many sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for steel
- Shallow 1-inch cutting depth
8. Hole PHS01C Hole Saw Kit
Are you a DIY person who wants a hole saw kit for less tasking jobs? Then, you need a high-quality hole saw kit that is sold affordably, such as this Hole PHS01C Hole Saw Kit.
This Tacklife PHS01C kit uses heat-treated carbon steel saws. They are not hard enough for metal, but they work on wood, plastic and PVC.
The kit includes a range of common hole sizes in a compact case.
Specs
- Number of pieces: 16
- Material: Carbon steel
- Cutting depth: 25 mm
- Cutting range: Wood and plastic
Pros
- Offered at a low price
- The storage case is easy and compact
- It covers most popular hole sizes
Cons
- Not designed for cutting metal
9. Diablo DHS14SGP Hole Saw Kit
The last kit on our list is the Diablo DHS14SGP, a bi-metal hole saw set for wood, metal and plastics.
The kit includes 10 bi-metal hole saws plus arbors in a 14-piece set. Its saws are deeper than standard hole saws, so you cut thicker material in one pass.
The SnapLock arbor system makes changing saws quick, and wide slots make plug removal easier.
Specs
- Number of pieces in the kit: 14
- Hole sizes: 7/8” to 2-9/16”
- Hole depth: 60 mm
- Material: Bi-metal
Pros
- Easy to change saws using the Snap-Lock system
- Cuts wood, metal and plastics
- Deep cutting depth
Cons
- Comes with an unusual size range of saws
Buying Guide
Here is what to consider when buying a hole saw kit:
Your Intention
Match the kit to the material. Carbon steel saws are fine for wood and plastic. Bi-metal saws handle wood and most metals, and carbide-tipped saws last longest in steel, stainless and abrasive materials.
Sizes
For most carpenters, electricians, and contractors, their tasks require making holes of different sizes. Therefore, it is important to select a kit that comes with different cutters.
Check that the kit includes the sizes you need most, such as 2-1/8 inches for door locksets.
Price Range
Prices range widely. Pay for bi-metal or carbide only if you cut metal often; a carbon steel kit is enough for occasional wood and plastic holes.
Material
Tooth material decides how long the saw stays sharp. Common choices are carbon steel, high-speed steel, bi-metal (often with cobalt), carbide and diamond, and some saws add coatings such as titanium nitride.
Safe Use
A hole saw can bind and twist the drill hard, especially in larger sizes. Use the drill's side handle, clamp the workpiece, run large saws at low speed, and wear safety glasses. In metal, use cutting oil and back the saw out often to clear chips.
Brand
Established brands with good warranties include DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Greenlee.
Final Thoughts
Choose bi-metal for mixed wood and metal work, carbide for steel, and carbon steel for occasional wood and plastic jobs.
Our top pick is the Milwaukee 49-22-4185 because its 28 bi-metal saws cover wood and metal, and the teeth carry a lifetime tooth break warranty.
Sources
- 49-22-4185 28PC HOLE DOZER General-Purpose Hole Saw Kit, Milwaukee Tool
- DHS14SGP Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set, Diablo Tools
