8 Best Hole Saw Kits (for Metal, Wood, and Other Material)

While it’s fine to skimp on some tools and hit your local Harbor Freight, you definitely get what you pay for with a hole saw. Sure you can replace a cheap hole saw that no longer cuts smoothly or has a broken tooth but if you plan on using a hole saw more than a handful of times, get yourself a good set.

The best hole saw kit for the money often depends whether you’re a professional that’ll use daily or a DIYer for various projects around the house. Either way, you want to get a quality set made by a good hole saw brand that covers a variety of common hole saw sizes.

The following are all top of the line kits worthy of a spot in your tool cabinet.

Our 8 Favorites

	Product	Pieces	Hole Saw Sizes	Teeth	Made In
	Lenox 308042000G	26	20	Bi-Metal	USA
	Milwaukee 49-22-4185	28	22	Bi-Metal	USA
	DeWalt D180005	14	11	Bi-Metal	"USA"
	Diablo DHS14SGP	14	10	Bi-Metal	China
	Spyder 600887	13	9	Bi-Metal	Netherlands
	Milwaukee 49-22-4025	13	9	Bi-Metal	"USA"
	Greenlee 660	7	5	Carbide	USA
	Milwaukee 49-22-4027	15	8	Bi-Metal	"USA"

#2 – Milwaukee 49-22-4185 28-Piece Kit

Another comprehensive set that’s tough enough for daily use, Milwaukee’s 28-piece set is arguably the best hole saw kit for plumbers, electricians, or woodworkers.

Also completely made in the USA, the included Matrix II bi-metal saw heads are ice hardened for improved durability and have a radiused tooth back to increase tooth lifespan. They have deeper gullets designed to make plug removal easier, allowing you to slip a standard slotted screwdriver in as a lever.

The set includes three arbors, three pilot bits, and 22 hole saws (3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″, 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2″, 2-1/8″, 2-1/4″, 2-1/2″, 2-5/8″, 3″, 3-1/4″, 3-3/8″, 3-5/8″, 3-3/4″, 4-1/8″, 4-1/4″, 4-1/2″, and 4-3/4″). The carrying case has slots to add additional saws.

Overall, this is a fantastic set and right up there with Lenox quality, but there’s one major red flag that must be taken into account.

Several third-party sellers are selling what appear to be knock-offs of this set. These kits aren’t ice hardened and usually carry a restocking return fee. Milwaukee’s warranty won’t cover products sold by these sellers (who claim they’re selling official Milwaukee products), so be sure to purchase from a reputable dealer before making any online purchases.

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#3 – DeWalt D180005 14-Piece Kit

Designed to be more heavy-duty than similar hole saws, each of these heads have hardened backing plates and a double-tooth design. The quick-change mandrels make swapping parts easy.

The kit includes two Pilot Point centering bits, small quick-change mandrel, large quick-change mandrel, 11 hole saws (3/4”, 7/8”, 1”, 1-1/8”, 1-3/8”, 1-1/2”, 1-3/4”, 2-1/8”, 2-1/4”, and 2-1/2”), and replacement parts in a sturdy carrying case.

Overall, this is another great set. It tends to cut even hardwoods quite well. However, the pilot bits seem to be a little on the soft side and are known to break. As with many other sets, some consumers have noted missing parts or lack of a sizing chart.

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#4 – Diablo DHS14SGP 14-Piece Set

Diablo makes some of the best saw blades for the money and their hole saws are no exception. These bi-metal hole saws (assembled in China but with Swiss made parts) are able to cut to a depth of 2-3/8 inches in a single pass while simultaneously providing a faster cut in hard materials.

Diablo uses a Snaplock Plus mandrel system complete with adaptors for universal compatibility and fast, toolless plug removal.

Able to handle a wide range of materials, this set includes the Snaplock Plus mandrel with a 5/8” threaded adaptor (1-1/4 to 6”), 1/2” threaded adaptor (9/16 to 3-1/16”), and pilot bit; plus 10 bi-metal saw heads (7/8”, 1”, 1-1/8”, 1-3/8”, 1-1/2”, 1-3/4”, 2”, 2-1/8”, 2-1/2”, and 2-9/16”).

This is an excellent, fast-cutting set that provides clean, straight holes. However, it suffers the same major problem that plagues the online tool market: lesser-known sellers shipping refurbished tools as new.

Always inspect your tools as soon as they arrive to ensure you have a brand new set to avoid costly disappointments.

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#5 – Spyder 600887 13-Piece Kit

Not exactly a household name, Spyder makes surprisingly good hole saws. Made in the Netherlands, there are a lot of quality features packed into this kit.

The universal arbors come with two adaptors and two matching pilot bits, allowing you to use them with just about any hole saw in your collection. The arbors also feature Rapid Core Eject technology, allowing you to release the core with a simple button press.

The bi-metal steel heads can handle a range of materials and will last longer than a regular carbon steel head. The set includes two pilot bits (8” and 10”), two arbor adaptors (8” and 10”), and 9 saw heads (3/4”, 7/8”, 1-1/8”, 1-3/8”, 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/8”, 2-1/4”, and 2-1/2”).

While there are some better options out there for metal, this set is the go-to for most of its owners when it comes to wood. Go to any major tool related online forum and you’ll discover that Spyder has a reputation for quality hole saws. These will take some abuse before they need to be replaced.

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#6 – Milwaukee 49-22-4025 13-Piece Kit

When it comes to bang for the buck, it’s hard to beat this Milwaukee set. Priced for DIY use yet durable enough for some jobsite use, these bi-metal cobalt-toothed saws in this set have undergone cryogenic treatment, a process that aligns the molecules of a material to make them far more durable.

Each head features angled, wide holes at an offset to aid in plug removal. Paired with the quick-release arbors, this means fast plug management. The set includes two pilot bits, two arbors, and nine hole saws (3/4”, 7/8”, 1-1/8”, 1-3/8”, 1-1/2”, 1-3/4”, 2”, 2-1/8”, and 2-1/2”).

It should be noted up front that this set is meant for the average DIYer and works incredibly well in that regard. However, the blades will not stand up to heavy use or last long against metal surfaces. That said, it’s one of the best selling kits on the market.

Also, there have been a few QC issues regarding poor welding that sometimes leads to the hole saws becoming misshapen or wobbling during use. These problems aren’t universal, but warrant inspection upon arrival to ensure you aren’t getting defective pieces.

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#7 – Greenlee 660 7-Piece Carbide Kit

This small 7-piece kit is fantastic for cutting stainless steel or other metal and is proudly made in the USA. It has a removable arbor that comes with an ejector spring for quick plug removal and its replaceable cobalt steel pilot drill features a split point tip to prevent slippage.

The hole saws have tough carbide teeth to cut cleanly and quickly while being more durable than many other materials. The set includes a quick change auger with pilot drill, hex key, and five heads (7/8”, 1-1/8”, 1-3/8”, 1-3/4”, and 2”).

This set works extremely well, although it’s a common warning to use lower speeds and oil when using them on metal. They’ll give far more mileage that way, and when a head finally dulls, it’s easy to replace it due to the removable arbor.

However, the one big issue people have is that the arbor’s quick release has a habit of ejecting parts if you’re not careful to avoid the release button.

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#8 – Milwaukee 49-22-4027 15-Piece Kit

Last on our list is another set from Milwaukee, this time a 15-piece general purpose kit. While more pieces overall, it has one less hole saw size than the 49-22-4025 kit above.

The bi-metal Rip Guard teeth have extra steel behind the cutting edge as well as 8 percent cobalt for extra durability. The Plug Jack improves plug removal so you’re spending less time between tasks. The set includes: two arbors, one hex key, four pilot bits, and eight hole saws (3/4”, 7/8”, 1-1/8”, 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/8”, 2-1/4”, 2-1/2”).

Not only have customers found this to be a great kit overall, but its hard plastic carrying case has been the unexpected star of the show. Several customers have mentioned receiving this set with one to two pieces missing, although it’s possible they’re referring to additional slots in the case designed to hold any add-on sizes you choose to purchase.

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Choosing the Perfect Hole Saw Kit

Finding the best hole saw kit is a little more complicated than grabbing the kit with the most parts. The ideal hole saw in your collection may not be the best hole saw for wood and vice versa.  The following guide will give you a better idea of which kit will best suit your needs.

What Is a Hole Saw Used For?

Hole saws allow you to create round holes in a variety of materials without having to also cut the interior of the hole. As a result, the round cut surrounds a plug (sometimes called a slug) which can then be chipped away safely or (if the saw cuts completely through) removed from the saw as a single piece.

What Materials Are Hole Saws Made Of?

The materials used to create a hole saw are directly related to what they’re used for. The majority of saws are made of carbon steel (CS). High Speed Steel (HSS) is a more rigid but more durable alternative to high carbon.

Bi-metal saws use a high carbon steel body with teeth made of HSS or another material and are more durable and efficient than a single metal hole cutter. Tungsten Carbide Tip (TCT) saws are designed for extra hard materials.

Coated hole saws commonly have a carbon or diamond coating instead of teeth and make great cuts but require a little skill and frequent cooling.

What Materials Can a Hole Saw Cut Through?

Hole saws can cut through a surprisingly diverse number of materials. The following are some common materials and which hole saw materials are compatible:

Can a Hole Saw Be Sharpened?

In a word, yes. The teeth of any saw blade, including hole saws, can be sharpened using a triangular file. Sharpening a coated hole saw is not advisable, however, since the coating is what gives its bite in the first place.

Are Hole Saw Arbors Universal?

This is one of those “It depends” questions which depends largely upon the arbor you’re using. Some arbors are fixed, meaning they’re integrated into the hole saw and cannot be removed. Removable arbors either include adaptors for attaching smaller hole drills or are designed to be universal.

No matter which way you go on detachable arbors, aim for one that includes an ejector spring, as these make plug removal a lot easier.

Hole Saw vs Spade Bit

The perfect tool kit will likely contain a combination of hole saws and spade bits, as the two actually compliment each other. Both are great at cutting round holes without damaging the material around it. However, there are some important distinctions as well.

Spade bits are made for smaller holes ranging from 1/4″ to about 1″ in size. The newest ones are self-sharpening, and the bits scrape away the material inside the hole so there’s no risk of clogging.

Meanwhile, the most common hole saw sizes range from 9/16″ to about 6″, and the selection of material compositions allow for a wider range of jobs. The cylindrical design removes the interior as a single plug, although the saw overheats faster than spade bits and can clog.

Hole saw sets will generally include a wide range of sizes, but it’s generally best to reserve hole saws for jobs requiring holes over 1 inch and using spade bits for smaller holes unless you’re working with a material the spade bit can’t handle.

Related: 41 Different Types of Drill Bits

How to Use a Hole Saw

Using a hole saw is a bit more complicated than other hole-making tools, but the results are worth the effort. Any corded or cordless drill will do the trick, and all other supplies will be included in your kit.

Begin by using the pilot bit to create a guide hole in the middle of your planned cut. You can then align your arbor so that it’s centered and the hole saw’s edge or teeth touches the material evenly.

Note that you may have to assemble the arbor and hole saw if you’re not using a fixed arbor. Be sure to add a drop or two of cutting oil to the hole saw when working with metal.

Using a low speed, cut into the material. You’ll want to be very careful to keep the saw perfectly aligned so the resulting hole is straight. When cutting a material that’s too thick for the hole saw, you’ll need to pause occasionally to  remove any dust or debris from the cut to avoid clogging.

Finally, try to finish up by drilling from the opposite side. This creates a much smoother cut. Finally, remove the plug from the saw.