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Create perfectly round holes in a range of materials—just add a power drill. Hole Saw
If you want to create perfectly round holes in wood, metal, or plastic, you’re going to need a hole saw. These cylindrical saws are powered by any corded or cordless drill, and their hollow shape allows you to remove the waste material in a single piece, or “plug,” which drastically cuts down on sawdust cleanup.
A pilot drill bit ensures that the saw is perfectly centered before it makes contact, reducing the chances of the blade skipping or walking across your workpiece. Hole saws come in a wide range of diameters, too, so whether you’re cutting a ¾-inch hole for conduit or a six-inch hole for can lights, you can find one that suits your needs.
To ensure that you choose the most effective hole saw for you and your projects, keep these factors in mind before purchasing.
Hole saws are typically made with either bimetal or carbide blades. Bimetal saws are more popular because they’re compatible with a variety of materials and cut quickly while resisting wear and tear.
Carbide saws are more robust and can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for use on heavy-duty materials like stainless steel. Diamond-tipped hole saws are also available for use with ceramics, glass, and stone.
The arbor connects the hole saw to your drill. This piece is either detachable or fixed to the saw itself.
If you don’t already have an arbor on hand, make sure you choose a saw or kit that includes one. If you do have an arbor already, you can usually get more bang for your buck by going with a saw that doesn’t include one.
Dislodging the plug inside the saw after cutting can be a frustrating and time-consuming task, so look for a saw that allows you to clear it quickly—some saws have large cutout slots that you can poke a screwdriver through, and others even feature spring-loaded ejection mechanisms.
I used hole saws extensively when working as a commercial carpenter, and have cut hundreds of holes in office desks, doors, and drywall. I kept this experience in mind when assembling this list, making sure to include brands that I’ve come to trust over the years, as well as avoiding frustrating design components and brands with poor quality control reputations.
If you’re tired of wasting time and energy removing stubborn plugs from your saws after drilling, you’ll appreciate the user-friendly design of these Disston saws.
A quick-change arbor sleeve quickly releases the saw after drilling, and their open-end design allows you to ram it backwards against the base to eject the plug in seconds. This arbor design also makes it easy to switch between saw sizes as you go, saving even more time.
These features make the Disston QuickCore saws especially useful for those who use hole saws frequently, since that extra time per plug can really add up over the course of a workday.
Despite the budget-friendly price, this Bosch kit still packs a ton of value. In addition to the high-quality construction found in Bosch products, you’re also getting two universal arbors and a steel pilot bit for maximum control and stability.
The proprietary tooth design uses alternating tooth sizes, and claims to increase both performance and durability. Made with an 8 percent cobalt alloy, these saws are a great choice for those who prioritize durability and extended blade life.
Boasting 28 individual saw sizes, this Milwaukee kit is prepared for a wide range of projects and tasks. A sturdy molded case keeps your saws protected when not in use, and their nested design allows the kit to take up minimal space in your toolbox or on your workbench.
Three arbors and three bits make this kit even more functional, and ensure that regardless of the size you’re using, you won't have to sacrifice control as you operate.
If you don’t have the need or budget for commercial-quality carbide hole saws, this three-piece DeWalt kit could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Its carbide teeth are strong enough to be safely and efficiently used on metal surfaces, and their ejection springs easily pop out plugs when you’re finished with a cut. A raised shoulder prevents you from over-drilling too, which is always a nice perk.
You’re only getting three sizes in this kit, but this does make it convenient to store and transport when not in use.
Greenlee has been a favorite of professional tradespeople for years, and these carbide-tipped saws are a great example of why they’re so popular. This carbide construction allows them to power through metal, and also cuts down on annoying squealing and saw chatter.
A handy quick-change arbor allows you to easily switch between sizes, and the split-point bit keeps it from walking as you start to drill. We’re also big fans of the flange stops on each cutter, so you don’t have to worry about over-drilling.
If you’re primarily using your hole saw to create holes for door locks or knobs, and don’t need the variety of a large kit, this Lenox Tools model is a great choice.
Its 2⅛-inch diameter has you covered for the majority of lock sizes, and the included arbor means you’ll be able to get to work right away. The large, staircase-style speed slot allows you to quickly remove plugs too.
I’ve been using Lenox tools for years and have always found them to be sturdy, reliable products.
If you need to make large holes for vents or can lights, consider this six-inch Lenox saw. The large teeth and thick walls maximize durability and efficiency, allowing you to confidently use it on both wood and metal applications.
The staircase-style speed slot will help cut down on plug removal time too. It’s not cheap, and you’ll need to supply your own arbor, but if you have the need, this saw could be a great investment.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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