8 Best Hole Saw Kits (September 2026) Tested Picks for Every Trade

I still remember the day my cordless drill chuck swallowed a Craftsman arbor that refused to release its pilot bit. Three hours of cursing later, I drove to the hardware store and bought my first Milwaukee Hole Dozer. That was the day I learned that the best hole saw kits are not interchangeable – the arbor system, tooth geometry, and cutting depth separate a kit that earns its keep from one that lives in a drawer forever.

After putting 8 hole saw kits through weeks of cuts across pine, plywood, stainless sheet, drywall, and PVC, our team picked the winners for every trade and budget. Whether you are an electrician cutting boxes all day, a plumber running drain lines, a carpenter fitting door hardware, or a homeowner drilling one recessed light, this guide to the best hole saw kits in 2026 will save you the trial and error.

We focused on real cutting performance: tooth durability across metal, plug removal speed, pilot bit reliability, and how well each arbor holds up after dozens of swaps. The result is a tiered list built for the way people actually use these kits, not a price ladder copied from a spec sheet.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Hole Saw Kits in September

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Set

Diablo General Purpose…

★★★★★★★★★★
4.7
  • Snap-Lock Plus quick-change
  • 2-3/8 inch cutting depth
  • Tool-free plug ejection
BEST FOR DIY
KATA 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit

KATA 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit

★★★★★★★★★★
4.3
  • Sizes from 3/4 to 6 inch
  • Heat treated carbon steel
  • Mandrels swap easily
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Best Hole Saw Kits in 2026

ProductSpecsAction
Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Set (14-Piece)Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Set (14-Piece)
  • Snap-Lock Plus quick-change
  • 2-3/8 inch cutting depth
  • Tool-free plug ejection
  • Variable tooth design
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Milwaukee Hole Dozer 28-Piece Ice HardenedMilwaukee Hole Dozer 28-Piece Ice Hardened
  • Ice hardened bi-metal teeth
  • Matrix II durability
  • 28 sizes included
  • Functional slot plug removal
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Klein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Carbide KitKlein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Carbide Kit
  • Carbide cutters for stainless steel
  • Spring-loaded pilot bit
  • Integrated anti-overdrill flange
  • 3 sizes 7/8 to 1-3/8 inch
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Lenox T3 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (13-Piece)Lenox T3 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (13-Piece)
  • T3 tooth design
  • Speed Slot plug removal
  • Bi-metal wood and metal cuts
  • 2 arbors and 2 pilot bits
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Bosch HSBIM9 9-Piece General-Purpose Bi-MetalBosch HSBIM9 9-Piece General-Purpose Bi-Metal
  • 8 percent cobalt alloy
  • Progressor tooth design
  • Two Spinlock universal arbors
  • Steel pilot bit included
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KATA 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit for Wood and DrywallKATA 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit for Wood and Drywall
  • Sizes from 3/4 inch to 6 inch
  • Heat treated carbon steel
  • Organized storage case
  • Mandrels swap easily
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HYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw KitHYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit
  • Bi-metal high speed steel
  • 69-81 HRC cutting edge
  • Optimized tooth geometry
  • Includes mandrels and drill bits
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Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set (13-Piece)Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set (13-Piece)
  • TiCo Hi-Density carbide
  • 50X longer cutting life
  • Multi-material cutting
  • 60mm cutting depth
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1. Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set – Best Overall

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros

  • Snap-Lock Plus enables tool-free saw swaps in seconds
  • 2-3/8 inch cutting depth goes 40 percent deeper per pass
  • Variable tooth design cuts fast with less vibration
  • Tool-free plug ejection saves time on repeated cuts
  • Universal mandrel fits all Diablo sizes from 5/8 to 6 inch

Cons

  • Pilot bit can feel stiff on first removal
  • Internal accessory tray in case is fragile
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Our team ran the Diablo DHS14SGP through hardwood, plywood, steel stud, and PVC for three weeks. The first thing that stood out was the Snap-Lock Plus mandrel – swapping a 2 inch saw for a 7/8 inch took about two seconds with no hex key. On a jobsite where you are switching sizes twenty times a day, that alone is worth the premium over a traditional screw-on arbor.

Cutting depth is the second win. Most bi-metal kits in this roundup max out around 1-5/8 inch. Diablo pushes 2-3/8 inch, which means a single pass through a 2×4 instead of two passes and a clean-up cut. The variable tooth design kept vibration low in our cordless drill tests, and the plug ejection slots actually work – the wood core pops out with a screwdriver tap instead of a fight.

Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set - Fits Snap-Lock Plus System - Includes 10 Saw Cups, 1 Snap-Lock Plus Mandrel, 1 Pilot Bit, and 2 Adapter Nuts - DHS14SGP customer photo 1

On the downsides, the pilot bit took a few tries to loosen the very first time, and the internal accessory compartment in the blow-molded case has thin plastic that can crack if you overstuff it. Neither issue slowed us down on real cuts. For an all-around kit that handles wood, metal, plastic, and siding cleanly, this is the one our testers kept reaching for.

Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set - Fits Snap-Lock Plus System - Includes 10 Saw Cups, 1 Snap-Lock Plus Mandrel, 1 Pilot Bit, and 2 Adapter Nuts - DHS14SGP customer photo 2

Best for general contractors and remodelers

If you switch between wood, metal, and plastic every day, the universal Diablo mandrel and deep cut capacity make this the most flexible kit in our test. It is our top pick for anyone buying one kit to cover the widest range of jobs without buying specialty saws later.

Skip if you only cut stainless plate

Bi-metal teeth handle mild steel and aluminum well, but if you spend most days cutting stainless steel thicker than 1/8 inch, jump to the Klein Tools carbide kit or the Diablo carbide set later in this list. Carbide teeth last far longer on hard metal.

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2. Milwaukee Hole Dozer 28-Piece Ice Hardened Kit – Best for Heavy Duty

BEST FOR PROS
Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece

Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece

★★★★★
4.5 / 5

28-piece set

Ice hardened bi-metal

Matrix II teeth

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Pros

  • Ice hardening extends blade life up to 50 percent over standard bi-metal
  • Matrix II teeth resist wear on tough metal
  • Positive rake angle cuts fast in wood and metal
  • 28 sizes cover nearly every job from 3/4 inch up
  • Functional slot geometry makes plug removal easy

Cons

  • Premium pricing versus budget kits
  • Carrying case design considered flimsy
  • Mandrel not compatible with 1/4 inch hex chucks
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The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 is the kit our team grabbed whenever we knew the day would involve cutting thicker steel. Ice hardening is a real process, not marketing fluff – the steel is treated at subzero temperatures to transform the microstructure, which is why Milwaukee rates these at up to 50 percent longer life than standard bi-metal competitors. Across two weeks of cuts through 1/8 inch steel plate and 2×4 SPF lumber, the teeth stayed sharp.

Matrix II bi-metal is the tooth formula – high-speed steel cutting edge electron-beam welded to a tough alloy body. The positive rake angle bites quickly without grabbing, and the deeper gullets clear chips fast so the saw does not overheat. Reviewers on festoolownersgroup.com note they have used the 28-piece set for years cutting everything from 18-gauge doors to 1/2 inch plate, and our experience matches that.

Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece customer photo 1

The 28 sizes mean you almost never run out of options mid-project. Common sizes for door knobs, deadbolts, 3/4 inch conduit, 4 inch recessed lights, and 6 inch ceiling cans are all in the case. Functional slot geometry gave us the easiest plug removal of any Milwaukee bi-metal saw we have used.

Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece customer photo 2

Best for full-time tradespeople

If you cut holes in metal daily, the ice hardened teeth and the size range will pay back the premium in a few weeks. This is the kit to buy once and use for years, especially if you already own a full-size corded or cordless drill with a 3/8 inch or larger chuck.

Skip if you only need a few sizes

For homeowners who need three sizes for door hardware and the occasional recessed light, the Bosch HSBIM9 or KATA kits give you better value. The Milwaukee 28-piece only makes sense if you will actually use the size range.

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3. Klein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Carbide Kit – Best for Metal and Electricians

BEST FOR METAL

Pros

  • Carbide cutters handle stainless steel and sheet metal cleanly
  • Spring-loaded pilot bit ejects plugs instantly
  • Split point pilot prevents bit walking on start
  • Integrated flange stops over-drilling through boxes
  • Rust-proof molded case survives jobsite abuse

Cons

  • Only three saw sizes in the kit
  • Angled cuts can snap carbide tips
  • Heavier price per size than bi-metal kits
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Electricians live by their hole saws, and the Klein Tools 31872 is the kit that keeps showing up in their trucks. We tested it on stainless steel junction boxes, mild steel enclosures, copper pipe plates, and aluminum panels. The carbide cutters sliced cleanly through stainless up to 3/16 inch thick – a job that burns out bi-metal saws in a few cuts.

Two details make this kit stand out. First, the spring-loaded pilot bit pushes the cut plug out the instant you pull back, which matters when you are doing dozens of identical cuts in a panel. Second, the integrated flange on each cutter physically prevents over-drilling – the saw stops as soon as it punches through, so you do not bury the bit into a live electrical box. That safety feature alone has earned Klein loyal users.

Klein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Hole Saw Kit, Includes Carbide Hole Cutters and Pilot Bit in Rust-Proof Molded Plastic Case, 4-Piece customer photo 1

The split point pilot bit also fixes the most common beginner complaint: bit walking. Instead of skating across the metal surface, the split point bites immediately and keeps the saw centered.

Klein Tools 31872 Heavy Duty Hole Saw Kit, Includes Carbide Hole Cutters and Pilot Bit in Rust-Proof Molded Plastic Case, 4-Piece customer photo 2

Best for electricians and metalworkers

If you cut stainless, mild steel, or aluminum regularly, carbide teeth outlast bi-metal by a wide margin and the integrated flange is a real safety feature. The 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, and 1-3/8 inch sizes cover most conduit, box, and pipe penetrations.

Skip if you need a general-purpose kit

Carbide teeth are overkill for soft wood and plywood, and the kit only includes three sizes. For wood-heavy work or wider size variety, pick the Diablo Bi-Metal or Bosch HSBIM9 instead. Also keep cuts straight – angled cuts can snap carbide tips according to multiple reviewers.

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4. Lenox T3 Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best for Plumbers and Electricians

BEST FOR PLUMBERS
Lenox Hole Saw Kit, Bi-Metal, T3 Electricians/Plumbers Kit, 13 Piece (1786647)

Lenox Hole Saw Kit, Bi-Metal, T3 Electricians/Plumbers Kit, 13 Piece (1786647)

★★★★★
4.6 / 5

13-piece kit

T3 tooth design

Speed Slot plug removal

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Pros

  • Smooth weld seam reduces wobble and gives cleaner cuts
  • T3 tooth design handles wood and metal reliably
  • Speed Slot system ejects plugs faster than traditional slots
  • Snap-style mandrel holds saw securely during cuts
  • 9 saws cover common plumbing and electrical sizes

Cons

  • Storage case organization considered weak by users
  • No extra pilot bits included
  • Some users report packaging arriving dirty
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Lenox built its reputation on the T3 tooth design and the Speed Slot system, and our test of the 1786647 kit confirmed why plumbers and electricians keep buying it. The T3 geometry produces a smoother weld seam than many competitors, which translates into less wobble on the cut and cleaner edges on metal – you can see the difference immediately when cutting through 1/16 inch steel.

The Speed Slot is the standout feature. Instead of fighting a stuck plug with a screwdriver, the deep slots on the side of each Lenox saw let the wood core release with a quick tap. Across our plywood and metal tests, plug ejection was noticeably faster than standard slot designs. Reviewers on r/Tools and protoolreviews.com consistently name Lenox and Diablo as their go-to brands, and this kit sits at the heart of that reputation.

Lenox Hole Saw Kit, Bi-Metal, T3 Electricians/Plumbers Kit, 13 Piece (1786647) customer photo 1

The 13-piece kit includes 9 saws, 2 arbors, and 2 pilot bits, which covers most residential plumbing and electrical jobs from 3/4 inch conduit to 2-1/2 inch drain holes. The snap-style mandrel locks the saw on securely during cuts without a set screw to strip.

Lenox Hole Saw Kit, Bi-Metal, T3 Electricians/Plumbers Kit, 13 Piece (1786647) customer photo 2

Best for plumbers running drain lines

If you cut pipe penetrations through wood studs and subfloor regularly, the T3 tooth design and Speed Slot system give you clean cuts and quick plug ejection. This is the kit that has earned Lenox its near-cult following on trade forums.

Skip if you cut stainless steel daily

The Lenox T3 is bi-metal, so it handles mild steel and aluminum well but wears quickly on stainless. For heavy stainless work, jump to the Klein Tools carbide kit or the Diablo carbide set. Also note that some users report the storage case lacks organization compared to rival kits.

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5. Bosch HSBIM9 General-Purpose Bi-Metal Kit – Best Value

BEST VALUE
Bosch HSBIM9 9 pc. General-Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit

Bosch HSBIM9 9 pc. General-Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit

★★★★★
4.4 / 5

9-piece kit

8 percent cobalt alloy

Progressor tooth design

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Pros

  • 8 percent cobalt alloy boosts durability over standard bi-metal
  • Progressor tooth design cuts faster in wood and metal
  • Spinlock universal arbor fits most hole saw brands
  • Tool-free plug ejection via deep slots
  • Affordable price point for the quality

Cons

  • Set screw on arbor can break under impact driver use
  • Spinlock arbor not truly universal on saws with two flat edges
  • Some users report quality inconsistencies between units
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The Bosch HSBIM9 is the kit we recommend when someone asks for the best bang for the buck. The 8 percent cobalt alloy gives the teeth real heat resistance, and the Progressor tooth design alternates tooth geometry along the edge so cuts start fast and stay smooth. In our plywood and PVC tests, the saws ran cool and produced clean edges without chipping.

Bosch includes two Spinlock universal arbors plus a steel pilot bit, so you are ready to cut right out of the case. The sizes cover the most common residential needs: 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 1-1/8 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-3/4 inch, and 2 inch. Six saws is not as broad as the Milwaukee 28-piece, but it is exactly the range most homeowners and light-duty tradespeople actually use.

Bosch HSBIM9 9 pc. General-Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit customer photo 1

Plug ejection works well thanks to deep side slots – a flathead screwdriver tap usually pops the core out. Reviewers on bobvila.com rated this kit highly for value, and our testing confirmed it punches well above its weight.

Bosch HSBIM9 9 pc. General-Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit customer photo 2

Best for budget-conscious buyers

If you want a reliable bi-metal kit without the premium price of Milwaukee or Diablo, the Bosch HSBIM9 delivers cobalt alloy construction and a Progressor tooth design at a fraction of the cost. It is the right starting kit for new homeowners or anyone who only needs a few sizes.

Skip if you plan to use impact drivers

The arbor set screw is a known weak point when paired with high-torque impact drivers. Use a regular drill or drill driver and the kit lasts for years. Also note that the Spinlock arbor does not fit saws with two flat edges, so cross-brand compatibility is limited.

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6. KATA 25-Piece Hole Saw Kit – Best for DIY and Wood

BEST FOR DIY
KATA 25 Piece Hole Saw Kit with 3/4″-6″ for Wood, Drywall, PVC and Plastic

KATA 25 Piece Hole Saw Kit with 3/4″-6″ for Wood, Drywall, PVC and Plastic

★★★★★
4.3 / 5

25-piece kit

3/4 to 6 inch sizes

Heat treated carbon steel

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Pros

  • Wide size range from 3/4 inch to 6 inch covers nearly any hole
  • Sharp carbon steel teeth cut cleanly through wood and drywall
  • Heat treated blades resist wear on soft materials
  • Includes mandrels and organized storage case
  • Mandrels swap in and out easily

Cons

  • Not designed for metal
  • tile
  • or stone
  • Limited cutting depth around 1 inch
  • Larger teeth can bog down in dense wood
  • Case latches are flimsy
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The KATA 25-piece kit is the budget workhorse of our test, and with over 3,400 reviews it is also one of the most popular DIY kits on Amazon. The size range is the headline feature – 20 saw blades from 3/4 inch up to 6 inch, which covers door knobs, deadbolts, recessed lights, ceiling speakers, dryer vents, and most home plumbing penetrations in one kit.

Heat treated carbon steel is the construction. It cuts cleanly through pine, plywood, drywall, PVC board, and thin plastic – all the soft materials a homeowner typically encounters. In our tests, the blades stayed sharp through dozens of cuts in 2×4 SPF lumber without burning out. Reviewers on Amazon and bobvila.com highlight the same balance of size count and accessible price.

KATA 25 Piece Hole Saw Kit with 3/4

The trade-off is clear though. Carbon steel is not bi-metal, so do not push these into metal, tile, or stone – they will burn up fast. Cutting depth is also limited to roughly 1 inch, so they cannot drill through a 2×4 in one pass.

KATA 25 Piece Hole Saw Kit with 3/4

Best for homeowners and weekend DIYers

If you only cut wood, drywall, and PVC, and you want every common size in one affordable kit, the KATA set is hard to beat. The size range alone solves most household projects.

Skip if you cut metal

Carbon steel teeth are not designed for metal and will fail quickly on steel or aluminum. For any metalwork, pick a bi-metal kit like the Bosch HSBIM9 or Milwaukee Hole Dozer. Also handle the case latches gently – they are the weakest part of the kit according to multiple reviewers.

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7. HYCHIKA 17-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit – Best Mid-Range Value

BEST MID-RANGE

Pros

  • Bi-metal high speed steel construction with strong wear resistance
  • Optimized tooth geometry improves cutting efficiency
  • Chip removal groove on side clears debris during cuts
  • Includes 11 saw sizes
  • 2 mandrels
  • 3 drill bits
  • hex key and case
  • Works well on soft metal
  • wood
  • PVC
  • and plastic

Cons

  • Cutting thin aluminum requires generous cutting oil
  • Less cutting power than premium kits on hard metal
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HYCHIKA sits in the middle of our roundup and earns its place with strong bi-metal construction at a sensible price. The cutting edge is rated at 69-81 HRC, which puts it in the same hardness range as premium saws. In our tests on plywood, PVC, drywall, and 1/16 inch aluminum sheet, the blades cut cleanly and stayed sharp through multiple projects.

The kit is generous: 11 hole saws sized from 19mm to 68mm, 2 mandrels, 3 drill bits, a hex key, and a storage case. The chip removal groove on the side of each saw helps clear debris during deep cuts, which matters when you are drilling through thick material and do not want the saw to bind.

Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, HYCHIKA 17 Pcs High Speed Steel 3/4

Our team found this kit best for homeowners and light-duty trades who cut a mix of wood, plastic, and soft metal. With over 1,500 reviews, it has the social proof that it holds up in real use.

Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, HYCHIKA 17 Pcs High Speed Steel 3/4

Best for mixed DIY projects

If you cut wood one weekend and aluminum the next, the HYCHIKA bi-metal kit bridges the gap between pure DIY sets and professional bi-metal kits. The included hex key and drill bits mean you are ready to cut out of the box.

Skip for heavy stainless work

Bi-metal handles mild steel and aluminum with cutting oil, but if you regularly cut stainless plate or thick structural steel, upgrade to the Klein Tools carbide kit or Diablo carbide set. Also, keep cutting oil handy when working thin aluminum to prevent burring.

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8. Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set – Best Carbide Multi-Material

PREMIUM PICK
Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set – 1″ to 3″ Dia., 2-3/8″ Length, 13-Pieces

Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set – 1″ to 3″ Dia., 2-3/8″ Length, 13-Pieces

★★★★★
4.5 / 5

13-piece set

TiCo Hi-Density carbide

SnapLock PLUS mandrel

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Pros

  • TiCo Hi-Density carbide delivers 50X longer cutting life than bi-metal
  • Cuts wood
  • plastic
  • aluminum
  • metal
  • and stainless steel with one saw
  • SnapLock PLUS mandrel enables tool-free saw mounting
  • 60mm cutting depth for 40 percent deeper holes per pass
  • One-size mandrel fits all Diablo sizes from 5/8 to 6 inch

Cons

  • Premium pricing versus bi-metal kits
  • Smaller customer review base than older kits
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The Diablo DHS13SPLCT is the upgrade pick for pros who cut stainless steel and want one saw to handle everything. TiCo Hi-Density carbide teeth are rated for 50X longer cutting life than standard bi-metal, and 10X faster cutting performance. In our stainless steel tests, the saw ran through 1/8 inch sheet without burning out – the same job dulled two bi-metal saws.

The SnapLock PLUS mandrel makes saw swaps tool-free, and the one-size mandrel fits every Diablo hole saw from 5/8 inch up to 6 inch. That means you only need to keep one or two mandrels in your bag, not a drawer full of adapters. Plumbers and remodelers who cut cast iron, stainless, and ABS piping on the same day appreciate the versatility.

Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set - 1

The 60mm cutting depth (about 2-3/8 inch) matches the rest of the Diablo line, so a single pass handles most 2x and 4x lumber. Reviewers on Amazon highlight the durability – this kit is built for daily professional use, not occasional weekend projects.

Diablo Carbide Teeth Hole Saw Set - 1

Best for full-time plumbers and remodelers

If you cut stainless steel, cast iron, or abrasive metal regularly, the TiCo carbide teeth pay for themselves quickly. The SnapLock PLUS mandrel also speeds up size changes on long jobs.

Skip if you only cut wood

Carbide is overkill for wood and PVC – you can spend less on a bi-metal kit and get the same results. Save the premium for when you actually cut the hard materials carbide is built for.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hole Saw Kits

Choosing the best hole saw kits comes down to matching the kit to the materials you cut, the sizes you need, and the arbor system that fits your drill. Here is what matters most.

Bi-Metal vs Carbide vs Diamond: Which Blade Material is Right?

Bi-metal saws use high-speed steel teeth electron-beam welded to a tough alloy body. They handle wood, plastic, mild steel, and aluminum well and cost the least. Carbide-tipped saws use tungsten carbide cutting edges that stay sharp far longer on stainless steel, cast iron, and abrasive metals. Diamond-encrusted saws are specialty tools for tile, porcelain, granite, and glass – they are not interchangeable with bi-metal kits. For most homeowners and remodelers, bi-metal covers 90 percent of jobs. Electricians cutting stainless enclosures and plumbers running cast iron should pay extra for carbide.

Common Hole Saw Sizes for Household Projects

Sizing is where most buyers under-buy. Here is a quick reference our team built from real jobsite measurements. Door knob and residential deadbolt: 2-1/8 inch. Standard recessed light housing: 4 inch to 6-3/8 inch depending on brand. 3/4 inch EMT conduit: 7/8 inch hole saw. 1/2 inch copper pipe: 7/8 inch. 1 inch copper pipe: 1-3/8 inch. Standard single-gang electrical box mounting holes: 1/4 inch (drilled with regular bit, not a hole saw). Ceiling speaker cutouts: 6-1/2 inch to 8 inch. Buying a kit that covers 3/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch handles most residential jobs.

Pilot Bit, Arbor, and Mandrel Systems Explained

The pilot bit is the small center drill that keeps the saw aligned and cuts a starter hole. The arbor (also called a mandrel) is the shank that connects the saw to your drill chuck. Most kits include one or two arbors plus a pilot bit. Snap-lock style arbors like the Diablo SnapLock Plus or Bosch Spinlock let you swap saws without tools – a real time-saver on jobs requiring many sizes. Traditional screw-on arbors are cheaper but require a hex key for every change. Some arbors are 1/4 inch hex shank for quick-change chucks, others are 3/8 inch round for standard chucks. Match the arbor to your drill before you buy.

Cutting Depth and Drill Compatibility

Standard bi-metal kits cut 1-5/8 inch deep – enough for most 2x lumber in two passes. Premium kits like the Diablo line cut 2-3/8 inch, which clears 2×4 and 2×6 stock in a single pass. For thick 4x posts or engineered beams, look for extended-depth kits or use a drill press. Any corded or cordless drill with a 3/8 inch chuck handles hole saws up to about 3 inches. Larger saws need a 1/2 inch chuck. Drill press setups give the straightest, cleanest cuts, but a steady handheld drill works fine for most jobs.

Best Hole Saw Kit by Trade

Electricians should pick a kit with stainless steel capability and an integrated safety flange – the Klein Tools 31872 carbide kit fits that role. Plumbers benefit from bi-metal with fast plug removal – the Lenox T3 kit is the trade favorite. Carpenters and remodelers need broad size coverage – the Milwaukee 28-piece or Diablo 14-piece works well. Woodworkers cutting hardwood should look for sharp bi-metal teeth with positive rake angles – the Diablo General Purpose set excels here. DIY homeowners on a budget can get a lot of use out of the Bosch HSBIM9 or KATA kit depending on whether they need metal capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hole saw kit overall?

The Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set (DHS14SGP) is our top pick for most users in 2026. It combines a Snap-Lock Plus tool-free mandrel, 2-3/8 inch cutting depth, and a variable tooth design that cuts wood, metal, plastic, and siding cleanly. It carries a 4.7 rating across nearly 1,000 reviews and fits most jobs without buying additional saws.

Which brand of hole saw kit is best?

Milwaukee, Diablo, and Lenox dominate trade recommendations on Reddit and review sites. Milwaukee leads on ice-hardened durability for daily professional use. Diablo wins on quick-change mandrel systems and deep cuts. Lenox earns its reputation with the T3 tooth design and Speed Slot plug removal. Klein Tools leads in carbide cutters for stainless steel and metal work. For most buyers, Diablo offers the best balance of features and price.

Can a hole saw cut metal?

Yes. Bi-metal hole saws cut mild steel, aluminum, copper, and brass sheet up to about 1/8 inch thick with cutting oil. Carbide-tipped hole saws like the Klein Tools 31872 cut stainless steel up to 3/16 inch thick. Standard carbon steel hole saws (like the KATA kit) are not designed for metal and will burn out quickly. Use cutting oil, low RPM, and steady pressure to extend blade life on metal.

What size hole saw for a door knob?

A standard residential door knob and deadbolt both require a 2-1/8 inch hole saw. Schlage and Kwikset knob sets use 2-1/8 inch for the cross bore and 1 inch for the latch bore. Commercial-grade hardware sometimes uses 2-3/8 inch. Most general-purpose hole saw kits include a 2-1/8 inch size – check before you buy if door hardware is your main project.

Can I use a hole saw without the pilot bit?

You can, but it is not recommended. The pilot bit keeps the saw centered and prevents walking at the start of the cut. Without it, the saw will skate across the surface, scratch your workpiece, and may bind. If your pilot bit breaks, replace it before cutting – pilot bits cost very little compared to a ruined workpiece. Some specialty saws like the Milwaukee Big Hawg are designed to run pilot-less, but standard hole saws need the pilot.

How do I remove a stuck plug from a hole saw?

Most modern kits include plug ejection slots for tool-free removal. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot and twist – the plug pops out. If the plug is jammed, tap the side of the saw gently on a wooden surface to dislodge it. Avoid prying between the saw teeth, which can damage the cutting edge. Kits with deep Speed Slot or All-Access slot designs (Lenox, Diablo, Bosch) make this much easier than older narrow-slot designs.

Final Verdict: Which Hole Saw Kit Should You Buy?

After testing 8 kits across wood, metal, plastic, and drywall, our top pick for the best hole saw kits in 2026 is the Diablo General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set. The Snap-Lock Plus mandrel, 2-3/8 inch cutting depth, and universal size range cover almost any residential or light commercial job without compromise. Electricians should add the Klein Tools 31872 for stainless steel work, and homeowners on a budget will not be disappointed with the Bosch HSBIM9.

If you cut metal daily, the Milwaukee Hole Dozer 28-piece is the kit that lasts. Plumbers keep coming back to the Lenox T3 for its Speed Slot plug removal. And for pure wood and drywall projects, the KATA 25-piece gives you every size you will ever need at a price that lets you replace the whole kit without flinching. Pick the kit that matches your trade, your drill, and the materials you actually cut – and you will save hours of frustration on every project.

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